A coming-of-age song that was a hit in the ’90s. A classic and popular track in Japanese music.
“SAY YES,” “Tomorrow never knows,” and “Nani mo Ienakute… Natsu”—
The youth songs of the ’90s hold treasured memories hidden in everyone’s heart.
The bittersweet love of CHAGE and ASKA, the hope for the future from Mr.Children, the summertime melancholy of THE JAYWALK.
It’s as if we’ve boarded a time machine, and those shining memories of back then come flooding back.
Shall we look back on that page of youth engraved in our hearts, together with those nostalgic songs?
Ah.
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Youth songs that were hits in the ’90s. Classic and popular Japanese songs (41–50)
Swaying FeelingsZARD
This is ZARD’s signature song, featured in a Pocari Sweat commercial and certified a million-seller.
Even among the tracks that drove the Being boom, this one stands out for its refreshing feel.
The moment the intro starts, you can almost see the dazzling summer sunshine.
Izumi Sakai’s straight, crystalline vocals beautifully capture the thrill of a budding romance, winning the hearts of many.
The wavering emotions of longing for someone—sweet, a little frustrating—make the pure lyrics deeply relatable.
As a timeless classic, it continues to color the youth of countless listeners even today.
SAY YESCHAGE and ASKA
The first thing that comes to mind when listening to this song is probably the drama “The 101st Proposal.” Some people may have watched it in real time, and others might know the phrase “I won’t die.” It’s a song that brings back memories of those days when we were completely absorbed in love.
Between the Sky and YouNakajima Miyuki
This song was also the theme for the drama “Ie Naki Ko” (Homeless Child).
I think many people grew up through their youth alongside the lead actress, Yumi Adachi.
Rather than the song’s content itself, its strong impact and its link to the drama make it a track that guides you back to your youth.
Can’t Say Anything… SummerTHE JAYWALK
It’s a classic summer love song.
Its sentimental lyrics bring back memories of those days when we were immersed in a faint crush, and I think many people picture the sweet, bittersweet romances of their youth.
Because we can’t go back, it feels like it teaches us to keep it not in words but as memories, together with the music.
Ah, summer vacation.TUBE
Speaking of summer vacation, it takes me back to my school days.
Once you become an adult and start working, time off stops having much meaning.
Even so, when I listen to this song, it reminds me of the days when I still had summer break and had fun going to the beach.
The catchy phrase “Ah, summer vacation” also adds to its charm, making it a definite summer classic.
Summer Days of 1993class
It’s a classic summer love song that brings back memories of days we dashed through with all our hearts.
The lyrics vividly conjure the image of falling in love at first sight on a summer beach, and they make me recall the headlong passion of my youth.
God of RomanceHirose Kōmi
When it comes to the Winter Queen, Kōmi Hirose, isn’t this the definitive winter song? It’s a track that vividly brings to mind youthful winter memories—snowy mountain dates, ski dates, and the slopes.
I think this song best shows how music, memories, and seasons can be linked.