Tear-jerking J-pop from the ’90s. Hit songs and real tearjerkers.
The 1990s were the era in J-pop history when CDs sold the most, and countless timeless classics were born that are still loved in the 2020s.
It was truly J-pop’s golden age, with artists and bands from a wide range of genres scoring hit after hit—an important period that greatly expanded the possibilities of Japanese music.
From among the dazzling array of brilliant 90s songs, this time we’re highlighting “tear-jerkers”: masterpieces that remain etched in both the record books and our memories.
Whether you lived through that time or you’re a younger music fan who’s recently gotten into 90s Japanese music, be sure to check them out.
- Iconic ballads of 90s J-pop: nostalgic mega-hits and fan favorites
- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
- Tear-jerking songs recommended for women in their 40s: classic and popular Japanese tracks
- A roundup of hit love songs from the ’90s
- Tear-jerking songs I want to sing at karaoke
- A heartbreak song that was a hit in the 90s. Classic and popular tracks in Japanese music.
- A hidden gem among tearjerker songs. Recommended popular tracks.
- A coming-of-age song that was a hit in the ’90s. A classic and popular track in Japanese music.
- [So touching it makes you cry] A heartbreakingly wistful and sad song that tightens your chest
- Classic and hit songs by nostalgic Japanese bands from the 1990s
- Tear-jerking songs recommended for women in their 50s: classic and popular Japanese hits
- The nostalgic atmosphere tugs at your heartstrings. Tear-jerker songs from the Showa era.
- Heisei-era heartbreak songs: A roundup of classic tracks from the ’90s to the 2010s
Tear-Jerking J-Pop of the ’90s: Hit Tracks and Heart-Wrenching Songs (41–50)
kissORIGINAL LOVE
ORIGINAL LOVE is one of the musicians who shone in the 1990s.
They brought sophisticated, urban music—unlike anything Japanese listeners had heard before—to audiences across the country.
“Kiss” is one of ORIGINAL LOVE’s signature songs and remains a beloved tearjerker to this day.
Before you become a memorysupittsu
Here it is—Spitz! A song that captures a man’s bittersweet wish to never let what happened with his ex become just a memory.
With Spitz’s signature soothing, gentle vocals, he pours out his feelings for his former lover.
It’s a heartbreak song from a band known for countless love songs—definitely give it a listen!
Easy★RiderOkuda Tamio
Speaking of Tamio Okuda, he’s a singer-songwriter who began a solo career after his success with the band Unicorn.
His unbounded, free-spirited image is especially popular.
This song, Easy Rider, became his biggest hit as a solo artist.
I want to take only you away just like this.DEEN
Above all, DEEN is renowned for their vocal prowess, and the ballads they sing are truly masterpieces! This song expresses a man’s powerful desire to have a woman all to himself; once you hear the heartfelt delivery carried by its heartrending melody line, you will undoubtedly be moved to tears!
countrysideTamaki Kōji
Koji Tamaki is a singer-songwriter who is still active today.
It is said that, thanks to his talent, Tamaki can create songs in no time.
This song, “Den-en” (The Countryside), is also known as the theme song for the 1996 TV drama “Coach,” starring Koji Tamaki, and it became a big hit.
It’s also a song that really gets listeners fired up.