Love Hit Song Collection for Gals [A Must-Listen for Heisei-Era Gals]
The concept of “gyaru,” which emerged in the 1980s, has continued to develop as a part of Japanese street culture.
Gyaru culture has created a wide range of fashion styles in step with the times, and it has also sparked many trends beyond fashion.
In this article, we’ll introduce love songs that are popular among gyaru.
We’ve especially highlighted tracks from artists like Ayumi Hamasaki and Kumi Koda, who were hugely popular among gyaru in the 2000s to early 2010s.
Take this opportunity to give them another listen.
- A Must-See for Those in Their 20s: A Collection of Youthful Songs That Bring Back School Days
- Breakup songs that were hits in the 2000s
- Love songs that were hits in the 2000s. Classic and popular Japanese songs.
- A roundup of hit love songs from the ’90s
- Heisei-era heartbreak songs: A roundup of classic tracks from the ’90s to the 2010s
- Popular Heisei-era songs you can use on Instagram Stories
- From bittersweet tracks to heart-wrenching tunes! Heisei-era unrequited love songs
- [Unrequited Love] Heart-wrenching Love Songs | A Roundup of Tear-Inducing Crush and Breakup Tracks
- [Heisei Love Songs] A carefully selected collection of gem-like love songs that continue to be cherished even in the Reiwa era!
- Recommended for Gen Z! Classic love songs sung by female artists
- Songs that make you want to fall in love just by listening! Classic love songs recommended for Gen Z
- Popular Love Songs & Romance Tracks Ranking [2026]
- Bittersweet feelings come rushing back! Recommended love songs for the Yutori generation
Collection of Romance Hit Songs Gals Listen To [Heisei Gals Must-Listen] (21–30)
Hard To SayCrystal Kay
This track captures the frustration of that delicate “more than friends, less than lovers” distance, sung over a comfortable, groovy beat.
Released as a single in August 2002, it was used as the opening theme for TV Tokyo’s JAPAN COUNTDOWN.
The lyrics portray the struggle of being afraid to take a step forward and risk breaking the current relationship, beautifully fused with a cool, urban R&B sound.
When you can’t be honest with the person you like, why not listen quietly while thinking of them?
One More Time… feat. BENIDōji-T
Rapper Dōji-T and singer BENI, also known by her former stage name Arashiro Beni.
Their song “Mō Ichido… feat.
BENI,” performed emotionally over a wistful piano, is a classic beloved by gals.
The track was released in 2008, when sampling from older TV dramas was in vogue.
In fact, this song samples the piano melody used in the Fuji TV drama Long Vacation! It’s fun to look back on the trends of that time.
Collection of Romantic Hit Songs Gals Listen To [Heisei Gals Must-Listen] (31–40)
LISTEN TO MY HEARTBoA
Since her debut in Japan in 2001, BoA has released songs across a variety of genres, including J-POP and dance-pop.
“LISTEN TO MY HEART,” released in 2002, is one of her signature tracks.
Centered on the importance of unwavering determination and pursuing one’s dreams, the song conveys the courage to look inward and move toward the future.
Its profound lyrics resonate with everyone chasing their dreams—especially young people just beginning their journey of self-discovery—striking a chord with many Heisei-era gals.
Her vibrant vocals and dynamic dance performance still feel fresh even in the Reiwa era.
ifNishino Kana
Kana Nishino became a charismatic figure among gyaru after the massive hit Aitakute Aitakute in May 2010.
In August of the same year, she followed up with a barrage-like release of the ballad If.
While Aitakute Aitakute had a slightly dark tone, this song is a bright one that sings about wanting to stay with the person you love forever.
Also, even though the chorus is set in a very high key, thanks to her overwhelming vocal ability it never sounds grating—truly impressive!
Never again…BENI
This is a ballad with an R&B-style melody, marked by a poignant blend of piano and strings.
The transparent, airy vocals delicately express emotions swaying between lingering feelings for a former lover and the reality that there’s no going back.
Released in December 2008, it’s BENI’s ninth single and was used as the ending theme for the music program “Hz.” Created as an answer song to Dōzi-T’s “Mou Ichido… (One More Time…),” it’s said that BENI herself shed tears during the music video shoot.
It’s a song that will gently stay by your side on nights when you want to wash away your sorrow with tears.
Because… feat. Maiko NakamuraLGYankees
LGYankees is a hip-hop unit based in Sendai that gained popularity with their melodious rap style.
Their track “Because…,” included on the album NO DOUBT!!! -NO LIMIT- released in September 2008, became a hot topic for featuring Maiko Nakamura, who was a newcomer at the time.
The lyrics, which vividly portray lingering feelings for an ex and the pain of unspoken regrets, are so real that anyone who’s been heartbroken is bound to relate.
Deeply loved by Heisei-era gals, this song is recommended for nights when you want a good cry to feel refreshed.
AutomaticUtada Hikaru
Utada Hikaru’s debut single stylishly expresses the feeling of overflowing love that can’t be contained just by being near someone.
It portrays the pure emotions of waiting for the phone to ring and the sense of relief that comes from hearing the other person’s voice, vividly capturing the complex heart of a girl in love, where joy and anxiety intertwine.
Released in December 1998, the song was used as the ending theme for the variety show “Warau Inu no Seikatsu – YARANEVA!! -” and quickly became a social phenomenon, achieving double-million sales.
The gals of the time surely resonated with its raw, authentic emotions.