Showa-era classic songs that brightened the 1990s
The 1990s were a period of the most significant change in Japan’s music history.
Genres that are commonplace today, like hip-hop and R&B, saw truly full-fledged artists emerge in Japan during this era.
At the same time, traditional pop music also produced hits, making it an unprecedentedly diverse music scene.
This time, we’ve picked out classic Showa-era songs from within the 1990s, specifically from 1990 to 1995.
It features many nostalgic works, so it’s a must-see for those of that generation!
- Iconic ballads of 90s J-pop: nostalgic mega-hits and fan favorites
- Cool songs from the Showa era. Masterpieces from Showa that shine with sensuality, passion, and rugged charm.
- Tear-jerking J-pop from the ’90s. Hit songs and real tearjerkers.
- Showa-era nostalgic songs: Popular ranking
- A collection of nostalgic hits from the Heisei era: Let’s look back at iconic songs from the 1990s and 2000s.
- A collection of iconic, cool Showa-era kayōkyoku classics sung by male vocalists
- Heart-touching, tear-jerking masterpieces from the Showa era
- A roundup of hit love songs from the ’90s
- [Classic Showa Kayō Hits] The captivating Showa-era pop songs beloved even by younger generations
- Ranking of Popular Songs by Female Singer-Songwriters of the 1990s [2026]
- [Revisited] A roundup of popular and classic Showa-era songs that are trending now [2026]
- Tear-jerking songs recommended for women in their 50s: classic and popular Japanese hits
- Classic and hit J-pop songs from the nostalgic ’90s
Showa masterpieces that colored the '90s (11–20)
Love will winKAN
Singer-songwriter KAN, known for his experimental songs that distill a wide range of Western musical influences into J-POP, has enjoyed widespread popularity.
His 8th single, “Ai wa Katsu” (“Love Will Win”), used as an insert song on the variety show “Hō-chan no Yamada Katsutenai TV,” became a massive hit that introduced KAN to a broad audience of listeners.
The high-energy arrangement throughout the track has the power to lift you up and push you forward when you’re feeling down.
With its soulful choral work, it stands as a quintessential pop tune representing the J-POP scene of the 1990s.
Between the Sky and YouNakajima Miyuki
Singer-songwriter Miyuki Nakajima holds the remarkable record of topping the singles chart across four decades, from the 1970s through the 2000s.
Her 31st single, Between the Sky and You, released as a double A-side with Fight!, became a million-selling hit as the theme song for the TV drama A Homeless Kid, which sparked a major social phenomenon.
The sentimental lyrics, woven through her trademark powerful vocals, instantly bring scenes from the drama to mind as you listen.
It’s an emotional number that’s sure to draw attention at karaoke, especially with people from that generation.
For the momentEvery Little Thing
A gem of a ballad woven from airy, graceful vocals and a sophisticated arrangement.
It gently sings of aching feelings for a lover, carried by a lyrical melody.
As one of Every Little Thing’s signature songs, it has left a deep impression on many listeners.
Released as a single in June 1997, it became a major hit, reaching No.
1 on the Oricon charts.
It was also used in Morinaga Seika’s “ICE BOX” commercial and as the ending theme for TBS’s “COUNT DOWN TV,” earning broad support across audiences.
A track that resonates with those who carry the sorrows and anxieties of love, inviting empathy.
The music video, filmed in the Australian desert, is equally striking, creating a unique world of its own.
FACEglobe
A gem of a dance-pop tune that fuses Tetsuya Komuro’s exceptional production with KEIKO’s richly expressive vocals.
Released as a single from avex globe in January 1997, its sophisticated sound—woven from electronic rhythms and memorable melodies—captures the heart.
Chosen as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Kanojo-tachi no Kekkon” and as the CM song for NTT’s “Multi-Net Fair,” it debuted at No.
1 on the Oricon charts.
Long cherished as one of globe’s signature tracks, it was also included on the album “FACES PLACES,” selling over 3 million copies.
Its dramatic progression and groovy sound make it perfect for heart-lifting moments or reminiscing about times with someone special.
Soulmatesupittsu
A gem of a song whose delicate lyricism finds meaning in the small moments of everyday life, paired with a universal message that questions the nature of love in modern society.
Released as a single in November 1997, it is known as a work that symbolizes Spitz’s musical evolution.
The striking sound—where the warmth of acoustic guitar harmonizes with new approaches like breakbeats—reached No.
3 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
It also drew attention as the theme song for the 1999 film “Whisper of the Moonlight.” Highly recommended for those who want to listen alone on a calm night, or for anyone seeking emotional support at a crossroads in life.
In conclusion
This time we picked out classic songs from the 1990s that still carry the spirit of the Showa era, and the lineup was, well, chaotic in a way—so diverse that it was hard to get a grasp on the times! From here, trends began to accelerate, and in terms of diversity, Japan’s music scene started to narrow.
I hope we’ll see another era like the 1990s when a wide variety of genres were listened to as a matter of course! At Rug Music, we have other articles featuring the 1990s as well.
Be sure to check those out too!