Medley of Nostalgic Japanese Pop Hits from the 1990s
We’ve put together a wide-ranging collection of iconic hits from the 1990s!
I’m sure these songs—many you once had on heavy rotation—will bring back memories.
Music has a way of conjuring up scenes from the time you first heard it.
Take a moment to look back on those memories.
And if you were born in the 1990s, why not try finding the hits from your birth year?
- Iconic ballads of 90s J-pop: nostalgic mega-hits and fan favorites
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- Classic and hit J-pop songs from the nostalgic ’90s
- Showa-era classic songs that brightened the 1990s
- Popular Nostalgic Songs: J-Pop Ranking [1990s Japanese Music Ranking]
- Tear-jerking J-pop from the ’90s. Hit songs and real tearjerkers.
- A roundup of hit love songs from the ’90s
- A collection of nostalgic hits from the Heisei era: Let’s look back at iconic songs from the 1990s and 2000s.
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- [2026 Edition] A Collection of Japanese Songs We Want Men in Their 50s to Sing
- Nostalgic Yet Everlasting: Classic Hits by 1990s Idol Singers
1990s Nostalgic Japanese Pop Hit Medley (1–10)
I can’t stay a daydreaming girlAikawa Nanase
Her famous debut single! In contrast to upbeat girl-pop, this track boldly puts a dark rock sound front and center.
Aikawa’s flashy live performances—hoisting, swinging, and even kicking over the mic stand, actions not typically associated with female artists—also drew a lot of attention.
STEADYSPEED
Accompanied by a music video memorable for its sepia-toned seaside scenes, SPEED’s second single was released in November 1996.
It sold 1.5 million copies, earning a spot at No.
5 on the 1997 annual singles sales ranking.
While its bittersweet lyrics speak of love, the song conveys a forward-looking spirit.
Chosen as the theme song for the TV Asahi drama “Itazura na Kiss,” it captured the hearts of many viewers.
Beyond the allure of their vocals and dance, the track lets listeners feel the group’s growth through its melodic lines.
Filled with feelings for a cherished person swayed by love, it remains beloved by many listeners even today.
Barefoot GoddessB’z
It was released in 1993 as B’z’s 13th single.
It topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart for two consecutive weeks and became their sixth consecutive million-selling hit.
The song was used in a commercial for the Toyota Corolla Levin late-model AE100/AE101.
1990s Nostalgic Japanese Pop Hits Medley (11–20)
Odoru Pompoko RinB.B. Kuīnzu
When it comes to iconic songs of the 1990s, this track is indispensable.
Used as the ending theme for the anime Chibi Maruko-chan, it became widely beloved for its catchy melody and playful lyrics.
Upon its release in April 1990, it topped the Oricon Singles Chart for seven weeks and became a massive hit, also ranking No.
1 on the Oricon year-end singles chart that same year.
With lyrics by Momoko Sakura, the song portrays various everyday scenes in a poppy, humorous way, earning support from a wide range of listeners, from children to adults.
It was also widely embraced as a cheer song for high school baseball, with many participating schools choosing it for the 72nd National High School Baseball Championship in 1990.
It’s the perfect track when you want to feel uplifted or bask in the nostalgia of the ’90s.
SAY YESCHAGE and ASKA
When it comes to CHAGE and ASKA’s signature songs, this is the one.
It was used as the theme song for the popular drama “The 101st Proposal” and became a long-running hit, topping the Oricon charts for 13 consecutive weeks.
The harmony between CHAGE and ASKA is truly beautiful in this song.
LOVE LOVE LOVEDREAMS COME TRUE
Even though Dreams Come True had been selling steadily for years, they finally achieved an explosive hit in 1995.
This song sold 2.35 million copies, proudly taking the number one spot ahead of artists like Mr.
Children and Masaharu Fukuyama.
I believe this is still the group’s best-selling song.
Time goes byEvery Little Thing
This is a ballad distinguished by poignant lyrics and a beautiful melody.
It carefully portrays the subtle emotions of two people who have gone through a breakup, and its hope for the day they can say “thank you” leaves a strong impression.
Released in February 1998, it was used as the theme song for the drama “Sweet Marriage.” It resonated with many listeners, reaching No.
2 on the Oricon chart.
It’s recommended for those trying to move on from heartbreak or reassess their relationships with loved ones.
If you surrender yourself to Every Little Thing’s vocals, your heart is sure to be soothed.