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.