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 (1–10)
HOWEVERGLAY
This song, HOWEVER, became GLAY’s first million-selling smash hit.
Released in 1997, it was the band’s 12th single.
It was later included on the best-of album REVIEW -BEST OF GLAY-, which was also a huge success.
Many people at the time were listening to that album, and you probably remember everyone around you playing it too.
As a gentle love ballad, it’s still frequently sung at karaoke by people of that generation.
It’s a highly recognizable track that even those who aren’t GLAY fans will know.
God of RomanceHirose Kōmi
A signature hit by Kohmi Hirose, known as the “Queen of Winter,” this song remains a winter staple even after 2020 has passed.
Released in 1993, it vividly expresses a woman’s honest longing for her ideal partner through playful lyrics and melody, and Hirose’s distinctive high-tone vocals make it a powerful classic.
Chosen as the theme song for the ski equipment store Alpen’s commercials, it’s a track that has secured its place in J-pop history as a quintessential winter song.
Yet, as you’ll notice if you read the lyrics carefully, it’s actually not themed around winter at all—that’s part of what makes it interesting.
Even so, when this song starts playing, it feels like winter has arrived, which might just be one of music’s mysterious charms.
kissORIGINAL LOVE
Many younger people may have discovered it through Mika Nakashima’s cover, right? It’s a hugely popular song that’s been covered by numerous artists, including Akina Nakamori and Yoshihiro Kai.
The memories of the NTV drama “Otona no Kiss” come flooding back with this song as well.
Did you watch it? The back-and-forth between Kyohei Shibata and Jun Fubuki was just wonderful.
The lyrics portray a mature world where you savor kisses with the one you love endlessly—and yet the word “kiss” never actually appears… amazing!
White LoveSPEED
SPEED’s biggest hit, released in 1997.
With total sales of two million copies, its scale of success is almost unimaginable today.
The lyrics about two people’s miraculous encounter being eternal struck deeply in the hearts of teens at the time.
It’s a popular song that has been covered by various artists, including JUJU and BABYMETAL.
First LoveUtada Hikaru
This song was included on Hikaru Utada’s debut album First Love, released in 1999, and was later issued as a single.
The world was blown away by her vocal ability and expressive power at just 15 years old, and it became a social phenomenon.
The track was used widely as a tie-in—serving as a TV drama theme, a high school baseball entrance march, and a commercial song—so you heard it everywhere.
It’s a mature, heartrending love ballad that remains highly popular across all age groups.