[Nostalgic Hits] Popular Japanese dance music songs that were hits in the 1990s
The 1990s saw music genres become even more fragmented than in the ’80s.
Singer-songwriters, rock bands, idols, R&B musicians—there are so many that you almost run out of fingers just listing the ones that come to mind.
Perhaps for that reason, it was around then that calling people active in the music scene “artists” really became standard.
Amid all that, as computers advanced, so-called programmed (electronic) sounds also grew steadily more prominent.
With that in mind, let’s listen to some slightly nostalgic Japanese dance music!
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[Nostalgic Oldies] Popular Japanese Dance Music Hits from the 1990s (31–40)
DEPARTURESglobe
The fourth single by globe, released in 1996.
The lyrics evoke a snowy landscape and a world colored by memories of a lover who’s no longer here, and KEIKO’s clear, beautiful high notes only heighten the sense of yearning.
Listening now, it makes me feel like I could slip back to those days—carrying fragile dreams and pain while imagining an endlessly beautiful future.
In the ’90s, when the internet wasn’t yet commonplace and uncertainties were many, everyone fell for Komuro’s songs with their sky-piercing high melodies—and I think I finally understand why.
Be cool !yazaru
Released in 1999 as Yaen’s fourth single.
It was used as the theme song for Fuji TV’s “Tunnels no Minasan no Okage Deshita,” reached No.
3 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart, and marked the group’s first appearance at the 50th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.
The lyrics were written by Yasushi Akimoto, and as the title suggests, it’s a cool, stylish dance track.
AS TIME GOES BYhiro
Hiroko Shimabukuro, who made headlines when she debuted in elementary school as a member of the Okinawa-born dance and vocal group SPEED, began her music career under the name hiro after the group disbanded.
“AS TIME GOES BY” is a cover of a song by the girls’ unit HIM-egg, released in 1999 as her first solo single.
It was also used as the theme song for the TV Asahi drama “Heaven’s Kiss,” in which she appeared, and became her biggest solo hit.
Her vocal prowess stood out during her time with SPEED, but this song overflows with the even more evolved charm she developed as a solo artist—be sure to give it a listen!
Last Kisstanpopo
Released in 1998 as the first single by Tanpopo, the first sub-unit born from Morning Musume.
The song was used as the first cour ending theme for the TBS anime “Sorcerous Stabber Orphen.” Its melody, which conveys femininity, is particularly memorable.
It reached No.
2 on the Oricon singles chart.
The Moon and the SunTaiyou to Siscomoon
It was released in 1999 as Taiyo to Ciscomoon’s debut single.
The release came with the condition that the group would disband unless their debut song ranked 6th or higher on the Oricon chart; it ultimately reached 4th, allowing the group to continue.
The song was used in a DDI commercial, and the lyrics and music were written by Tsunku.
[Nostalgic Songs] Popular Japanese dance music hits from the 1990s (41–50)
Let’s do our best.SMAP
Released in 1994 as SMAP’s 14th single.
It was used as the opening theme for Fuji TV’s “Naruhodo! The World,” and became SMAP’s second single to reach No.
1 on the Oricon charts.
It was also selected as the entrance march for the 67th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament.
It’s a very bright, upbeat dance number.
Memories of Kujukuri BeachMi-Ke
Released in 1991 as Mi-Ke’s debut single.
The song partially features a parody of The Peanuts’ “Koi no Fuga” and won the Best New Artist Award in the Pops/Rock category at the 33rd Japan Record Awards.
The lyrics include many titles of Group Sounds songs, and its distinctive dance was also striking.