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
A collection of hit love songs from the ’90s (71–80)
Sly womanSha ran Q
A quintessential breakup song of the ’90s, Sharam Q’s seventh single was released in May 1995.
Also used as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s “Koji Imada no Shibuya-kei Uraringo,” the track became the band’s biggest hit.
Its lyrics, which sing of the pain of heartbreak, resonated with many and made it a karaoke staple.
The complex feelings toward the girlfriend—often described as “unfair”—are expressed through Tsunku’s distinctive vocals, striking a perfect balance between catchiness and melancholy.
It’s a must-listen not only for those who’ve experienced heartbreak, but also for anyone who wants to feel both the sweetness and bitterness of love.
IT’S ONLY LOVEFukuyama Masaharu
This is one of Masaharu Fukuyama’s signature songs, loved by people of all ages.
Released in 1994, this work, which depicts the end of a bittersweet romance on a grand scale, captured the hearts of many.
It was also used in commercials, and the fusion of Fukuyama’s distinctive expressiveness with a delicate melody leaves a deep impression on listeners.
His powerful vocals convey the pain of heartbreak directly, while the inventive arrangements throughout further enhance the song’s atmosphere.
It’s a must-listen for those sensing the end of a relationship or who have experienced parting from someone dear.
Feelings for youtsuji ayano
This is the title track of Ayano Tsuji’s major-label debut mini-album, known for its light ukulele tones and her charming, faintly nostalgic singing voice.
When this work was released in September 1999, she was still a university student.
Wanting to tell someone you care about them, yet not quite finding the right words—the sweet, bittersweet feelings are sung over a simple, unadorned melody.
The story that she chose the ukulele over the guitar because her hands are small hints at the roots of her musical style.
From this classic release, Feelings for You, came songs featured in a Morinaga Milk Industry commercial and as a TV drama ending theme.
This album gently accompanies the pure heart that thinks of someone dear.
It’s perfect for moments when you want to feel calm and at ease.
love the islandSuzuki Ami
This is Ami Suzuki’s debut single, released in July 1998, which won the Grand Prix after garnering over 800,000 votes in a TV audition project.
Chosen as the Guam Visitors Bureau’s campaign song, it’s memorable for its refreshing sound that evokes summer sunshine.
The lyrics portray the delicate emotions of a girl flying across the sea to an unfamiliar island—her fluttering excitement mingled with the anxieties of love.
The image of the sandals she changes into at the airport seeming bashful feels like a sensibility unique to a young girl.
Her translucent vocals match the wistful melody perfectly.
The track is also included on the million-selling album SA.
It’s a song that brings back that rush of anticipation right before a summer departure.
P.S I miss youTakahashi Yoko
This is a gem of a ballad released in December 1991, marking the full-fledged solo debut of Yoko Takahashi, who would later gain immense acclaim for “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis.” It gives voice to the growing feelings for someone you long to see but cannot, and anyone who has experienced the heartache of a long-distance relationship will likely find it deeply moving.
The song was used as the image theme for the drama “Aitai Toki ni Anata wa Inai…” and later earned the Newcomer Award at the Japan Cable Radio Awards.
There’s also the memorable, unusual anecdote that the jacket photo wasn’t ready in time, so they used a picture of a wall clock instead.
On a quiet night when you can’t sleep as you think of someone dear, listening to this beautiful melody and vocal will surely offer gentle comfort to your heart.