A roundup of hit love songs from the ’90s
The 1990s were a decade that produced countless million-selling hits.
TV dramas were also hugely successful, and it wasn’t uncommon for theme songs to sell big alongside the shows themselves.
In this article, we’re shining a spotlight on love songs from that era.
We’ve gathered a variety of romantic tunes: theme songs from blockbuster romance dramas, wedding classics, and timeless love songs cherished across generations.
It’s a lineup that longtime fans who experienced the era firsthand will enjoy—as well as younger listeners who didn’t live through it.
Be sure to check it out!
- Iconic ballads of 90s J-pop: nostalgic mega-hits and fan favorites
- A heartbreak song that was a hit in the 90s. Classic and popular tracks in Japanese music.
- Showa-era love songs: A roundup of timeless love songs cherished across generations
- [Heisei Love Songs] A carefully selected collection of gem-like love songs that continue to be cherished even in the Reiwa era!
- Tear-jerking J-pop from the ’90s. Hit songs and real tearjerkers.
- Love songs recommended for women in their 40s: classic and popular Japanese hits
- Recommended love songs for people in their 90s: A collection of classic Shōwa-era romance songs
- Songs to give to your lover or someone you like. Love songs devoted wholeheartedly to your boyfriend or girlfriend.
- Love songs that were hits in the 2000s. Classic and popular Japanese songs.
- Love Hit Song Collection for Gals [A Must-Listen for Heisei-Era Gals]
- Ranking of Popular Songs by Female Singer-Songwriters of the 1990s [2026]
- Winter songs in 90s J-pop: a roundup of popular winter tunes
- Heisei-era heartbreak songs: A roundup of classic tracks from the ’90s to the 2010s
Love Song Hits from the ’90s (51–60)
Get Along TogetherYamane Yasuhiro
This is the debut single by singer-songwriter Yasuhiro Yamane, who currently serves as the sound producer for the Korean vocal group sg WANNA BE+.
The song is also known for having been created for a friend’s wedding, and it became a million-selling hit with numerous accolades, including topping the cable broadcast charts, winning the Japan Cable Awards Best New Artist, and the Japan Record Awards Best New Artist.
Its captivating vocals set against a memorable piano arrangement, contrasted with lyrics that evoke a sense of the future, surely resonated with many listeners.
Since the 1990s, it has also been cherished as a classic wedding song.
SundayJITTERIN’JINN
This song by JITTERIN’JINN is known as a quintessential love song of the 1990s.
Its lyrics, which capture the anticipation for Sunday on the weekend, resonated with young people at the time.
It debuted at No.
1 on the Oricon charts and became a major hit, selling around 320,000 copies.
Released in June 1990, it features a distinctive sound with elements of Okinawan music.
The lyrics contrast the busyness of weekdays with the relaxed vibe of Sunday, striking a chord with many listeners.
It’s a perfect track for those looking forward to weekend dates or days off, with an uplifting charm that puts you in a bright, positive mood.
Love is…Kawamura Ryuuichi
Ryuichi Kawamura, who is also active as the vocalist of the visual-kei rock band LUNA SEA.
He is also known as an actor and novelist, and the song he released in 1997 is “Love is…”.
It became a major hit under his solo name and led to his appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
The song sings of grand love for a cherished person, with a beautiful, hymn-like melody line.
It’s a love song featuring his sexy voice that conveys both gentleness and strength.
Why not let yourself be soothed by its slowly resonant, heartwarming sound?
ClassicJUDY AND MARY
A memorable track with original lyrics that compare sleepless longing to the cosmos.
Released in October 1996, it sold 632,000 copies.
It was used as the opening theme for TBS’s “Pop-file” and as a commercial song for Nissin Foods’ Vegetable Soup Noodles.
TAKUYA’s skillful melody and YUKI’s heartrending vocals are a perfect match.
It’s recommended not only for those troubled by love but also for anyone who believes in pure love.
Included on the album “THE POWER SOURCE,” it remains one of JUDY AND MARY’s signature songs, loved by many to this day.
ZUTTOMariko Nagai
Released in October 1990, this song became a long-running hit, staying within the top ten for 12 weeks.
With this song, Mariko Nagai made her first appearance at the 42nd NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen in 1991.
The couple depicted in the lyrics—two people who are naturally together yet acknowledge that they are separate individuals while staying close—could be considered an ideal pair for many.
We all hope to keep living happily together, just as we are, for a long time.
