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 roundup of hit love songs from the ’90s (11–20)
Seesaw Game ~A Brave Love Song~Mr.Children
Released in 1995, this song was a massive hit with total sales of 1.812 million copies, showcasing the popularity of Mr.
Children, who had already become one of Japan’s most iconic bands at the time.
If you’re into British rock, you’ll likely grin at the clearly Elvis Costello–inspired melodic lines and song structure, as well as Kazutoshi Sakurai’s mod-style fashion and glasses in the music video.
As for the playful lyrics that permeate the track, Sakurai himself reportedly felt “embarrassed to sing them,” and there’s even a tale that they didn’t perform the song live for over a decade.
Listening again now, it comes across as a charming, cleverly twisted pop love song, colored by Sakurai’s signature wordplay—reminding you that it truly is a wonderful classic.
Midsummer FruitSazan Ōrusutāzu
Southern All Stars is a five-member rock band centered around Keisuke Kuwata, who is also active as a singer-songwriter in his solo career.
Their 28th single, Manatsu no Kajitsu (Mid-Summer Fruit), used as the theme song for the film Inamura Jane directed by Kuwata himself, remains one of their signature songs beloved by a wide range of listeners.
Its beautiful arrangement featuring acoustic guitar and lyrics that weave a sentimental love story evoking visions of the summer sea convey a heart-wrenching sense of longing.
It is a classic that represents the 1990s, retaining a timeless beauty that never fades with the changing times.
beetle (specifically, a rhinoceros beetle)aiko
From the mid to late 1990s, many distinctive female singer-songwriters who defied convention emerged, and aiko—who made her major debut in 1998—was one of them.
With her unique vocal phrasing and melodic sensibility, along with lyrics that skillfully capture the nuances of a woman’s heart, she produced a string of major hits.
Among them is Kabutomushi, a beautiful ballad released in 1999 that remains one of her signature songs.
Personally, when I first saw the title back then, I never could have imagined what kind of song it would be.
Once you learn how the “beetle” is used within the lyrics, especially if you tend to put on a brave face with your partner, you may find it particularly relatable.
TRUE LOVEFujii Fumiya
This memorable solo debut single by Fumiya Fujii—who enjoyed explosive popularity as the frontman of The Checkers—was released in 1993.
Although he had previously put out a single under the name “Fumiya Fukiya” during his Checkers days, this was his first song released under the name “Fumiya Fujii,” and it is treated as his de facto debut single.
Written and composed by Fujii himself, it was used as the theme song for the drama “Asunaro Hakusho” and became a massive hit.
His superb vocals, which convey a piercing, nostalgic kind of love, are enough to bring tears to your eyes.
Incidentally, the 7/4 time in the intro wasn’t intentional; it’s said to be a happy accident that arose from a misplayed demo take by Fujii.
Banzai ~ So glad I loved you ~Urufuruzu
This song, widely loved as one of Ulfuls’ signature tracks, was released in January 1996 and drew attention as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Goddess of Victory.” It was released as a single from the album “Banzai” and became a massive hit, selling over one million copies.
The lyrics, which express gratitude to a loved one and the preciousness of time spent together, resonate with many people.
With its positive message celebrating the small joys of everyday life and the strength of bonds with those we cherish, it is often used at celebratory occasions such as weddings.