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?
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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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- [J-Pop] A Collection of Soothing 90s J-POP Hits
- [2026 Edition] A Collection of Japanese Songs We Want Men in Their 50s to Sing
- Nostalgic Yet Everlasting: Classic Hits by 1990s Idol Singers
Nostalgic 1990s Japanese Pop Hit Medley (21–30)
Don’t give upZARD
Released in January 1993, this song became ZARD’s first million-selling, smash hit.
Izumi Sakai’s clear, pure vocals and the powerful, heartfelt message resonated with many listeners.
It conveys the determination to keep moving forward without giving up, even in the face of difficulties, and is cherished as a motivational anthem that encourages people at graduations, sporting events, and many other occasions.
The track has been included on numerous best-of albums, including ZARD BEST The Single Collection: Kiseki, and has firmly established itself as one of ZARD’s signature songs.
It’s a piece that gives you courage when you’re feeling down or need that extra push to keep going.
Robinsonsupittsu
A song that takes me back to my childhood.
I listened to this song during a tough time in elementary school.
It reached out a hand to the me who was anxious about the future.
While listening to it, I felt as if I were invited into a special world, enjoying a happy time that no one could disturb.
threadNakajima Miyuki
A signature song by Miyuki Nakajima that portrays the miracle of encounters in life.
Although it was included on her 1992 album “EAST ASIA,” it initially drew little attention.
However, after being chosen as the theme song for the 1998 drama “Seija no Koshin” (March of the Saints), it resonated with many people.
The memorable line, “The vertical threads are you, the horizontal threads are me,” gently tells of the preciousness of human connections.
Following the Great East Japan Earthquake, cable music requests surged, especially in the affected areas.
The lyrics, which prompt reflection on the fragility of life and fate, likely became a source of comfort for many.
It’s a song well worth listening to when you want to feel the bonds with someone important to you.
That’s important.Daiji MAN Burazāzu Bando
Released in 1991, the signature song by DaijiMAN Brothers Band is known as a classic beloved by many.
Written and composed by Toshiyuki Tachikawa, the track is characterized by its strong, message-driven lyrics about what truly matters in life.
It conveys the importance of not giving up and of believing to the very end, even in difficult circumstances.
In 1996, it was featured in a commercial for Fuji Fire and Marine Insurance, and from 2005 it has also been used as the walk-up music for players of the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, making it familiar in a variety of settings.
This song is perfect for times when you want to keep looking forward despite hardships or encourage someone important to you.
It’s a track that gives you courage every time you listen.
AutomaticUtada Hikaru
This is the song that marked the beginning of Hikaru Utada’s career, recorded when she was 15.
Even though it was her debut single, many fans were surely surprised by the mature vocals and lyrical worldview.
While using words like “cell phone” and “receiver” that reflect the era, it skillfully conveys the complex emotions of love.
Released in December 1998, it topped the Oricon karaoke chart for 13 consecutive weeks, and also took the No.
1 spot on COUNT DOWN TV’s annual ranking for 1999.
Why not give it another listen and revisit those memories?
Love Story Comes SuddenlyOda Kazumasa
Kazumasa Oda’s smash hit “Love Story wa Totsuzen ni” sold 2.54 million copies in 1991, making it the year’s top-selling single and placing second on the singles sales ranking for the 1990s.
His big hit still retains its charm today.
My Room, My Dress Shirt, and MeHiramatsu Eri
This work is known as one of Eri Hiramatsu’s signature songs.
Released as a single from the album “MY DEAR” in March 1992, it became a major hit.
It portrays the joy and anxieties felt in living together with a loved one, capturing the delicate emotions of a woman.
The lyrics about a woman’s sharp intuition convey deep affection for a lover or husband.
There’s also humor woven in, including a darkly playful line like, “If you ever cheat on me, let’s go together with a bowl of poisoned soup.” It’s a recommended track for moments when you want to reaffirm the love in everyday life or feel the bond with someone special.
Each listen will paint a beautiful scene in your heart.