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 (41–50)
for a long timeKiroro
A masterpiece that could be called one of the defining songs of the ’90s.
It’s truly astonishing that this was Kiroro’s debut single! The song had already been released during their indie days and even sold 10,000 copies in their home prefecture of Okinawa—double the surprise.
Kiroro’s lyrics always feel true to the two of them, yet they stay right by the listener’s side.
The endlessly moving lines—like apologizing to someone you’ve kept waiting and realizing your own feelings for them—carry a sense of eternity.
And Kinjo’s piano couldn’t be more gentle.
Love Song Hits from the ’90s (51–60)
HeartFukuyama Masaharu
This is Masaharu Fukuyama’s 12th single, marking his return after roughly two and a half years on hiatus.
Released in April 1998, it remains memorable to many as the theme song for the TBS drama “Meguriai,” in which he also appeared.
True to its title, the song sings directly from the “heart,” carried by the warm tones of an acoustic guitar.
The lyrics, which portray feelings that remain unchanged over time, blend beautifully with its gentle melody.
It’s a heartwarming love song that accompanies those moments in everyday life when you want to dwell in tender feelings for someone.
BOY MEETS GIRLTRF
TRF is a five-member co-ed dance and vocal group that earned immense popularity with high-quality performances that instantly electrify any venue and turn it into a disco.
Their seventh single, “BOY MEETS GIRL,” which was hastily produced at Coca-Cola’s request, is notable for its fast-paced techno sound.
Because the melody is simple, it’s easy for people of that generation to sing when choosing it at karaoke.
It’s one of TRF’s signature songs, featuring an ensemble that epitomizes the TK sound of the 1990s and boosts the excitement.
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.
OH MY LITTLE GIRLOzaki Yutaka
This is the 14th single by singer-songwriter Yutaka Ozaki, who earned overwhelming support as a youth icon and whose untimely death at 26 sent shockwaves through the public.
Originally included on his debut album “Seventeen’s Map,” it was re-released as a single 11 years later and became a massive hit, selling over a million copies despite being issued posthumously.
Its gentle melody, delivered with vocals that seem to lay emotions bare, makes you feel that the immense presence of Yutaka Ozaki continues to live on in the hearts of his fans.
Frequently tied in with TV dramas and films, and widely covered by numerous artists, it stands as Yutaka Ozaki’s biggest hit.
Don’t forget.DREAMS COME TRUE
This is the 10th single by DREAMS COME TRUE, released in October 1991.
It was also included on the album MILLION KISSES, released the following month, which became a huge hit and was certified 2× Million by the Recording Industry Association of Japan.
The lyrics dwell on lingering feelings for a former lover, and the heartfelt plea—“Even if you hate me, please don’t forget me”—is deeply moving.
It’s a ballad that gently wraps the pain of parting.
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?
