Guaranteed to make you want to dance! Dance tracks that defined the Heisei era
The Heisei era was a time when many dances were born, from the TK boom to the “Idol Warring States Period,” wasn’t it?
Not only dance groups and idol groups, but even songs released by singer-songwriters and bands often featured memorable choreography that became massive social hits.
You could say it was an era full of such examples.
This time, we’ll introduce dance numbers that emerged during the Heisei era.
Of course, the songs themselves are all considered classics, so be sure to check them out!
No doubt you’ll want to dance the moment you hear them! Dance tracks that defined the Heisei era (1–10)
DANCE INTO FANTASYEXILE
Released in March 2015, the album “19 -Road to AMAZING WORLD-” features this track as a newly recorded song that brilliantly enriches its world.
The sound, which fuses elements of ’80s funk and disco with contemporary EDM beats, is truly exhilarating.
It was also used as the ending theme for TV Asahi’s “Onegai! Ranking,” so many of you may have heard it.
It overflows with a sense of euphoria that makes you want to stop thinking and just surrender to the music and dance.
It’s a song that whisks you away to an extraordinary space where you can forget time and revel in dazzling light.
Effeminate; overly sentimental; being clingy/whiny (context-dependent)Gōruden Bonbā
While prominently featuring a style of not playing instruments, the visual kei air band Golden Bomber captivates listeners with highly polished songs and provocative performances.
This is their seventh single.
Its blend of melody reminiscent of classic Japanese pop (kayōkyoku) and a modern rock sound pumps up the energy, making it a signature number for Golden Bomber.
Released in October 2009, the song became such a massive hit that it won a JASRAC Award in 2014.
With distinctive yet simple choreography—including the famous window-wiping dance—it’s perfect for everyone to sing and dance along to at karaoke.
LOVE MachineMōningu Musume.
Morning Musume’s seventh single is distinguished by its catchy arrangement infused with disco sounds and its comical choreography.
It became the group’s first million-selling hit and a signature song known across generations.
Released in September 1999, it was used as the opening theme for TV Tokyo’s “Find the Idol!” and as a commercial song for the aesthetic salon Elseeine.
With lyrics themed around romance that convey a bright, positive message, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at karaoke.
As a dance number emblematic of the Heisei era, it’s an irresistible track everyone can enjoy.
ButterflyKōda Kumi
A dance number sung by Kumi Koda that expresses the strength and beauty of women.
Like a butterfly emerging from a chrysalis and soaring into the sky, the lyrics capture the joy of setting yourself free and living openly.
The sultry vocals and Latin-infused sound make you feel like you’ve become a confident, irresistible woman just by listening.
Released as a single in June 2005, it was used as the theme song for the TBS drama Ai no Gekijo: “Cosme no Mahou 2.” It won the Japan Record Award the same year and became a classic that also contributed to the massive success of her best-of album BEST ~first things~.
Rising SunEXILE
This is EXILE’s 37th single, created as a symbol of hope and renewal.
Released in September 2011 as a charity song to support recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake, it features powerful beats and an emotional melody that delivers uplifting energy to listeners.
The music video, which included more than 500 supporting members, also drew attention.
The track was used in the NTT Communications “050 plus” commercial.
Carrying a strong message that any hardship can be overcome, it’s a song everyone can sing together to feel encouraged and energized.
Joyfulikimonogakari
Released as Ikimono-gakari’s 15th single, this track is an upbeat tune written specifically for Ezaki Glico’s “Pocky” commercial.
Dropped as a double A-side single with “YELL,” it drew attention as a song that refreshed Ikimono-gakari’s image.
With a focus during production on the sonic playfulness of the lyrics, it became a superb pop tune that kids can sing along to without worrying about the meaning.
The cute choreography—especially the arm-rotating move in the chorus—is simple yet leaves a powerful impression.
Released in September 2009, this song is a highly recommended, high-energy number perfect for singing and dancing together at karaoke.
Choo Choo TRAINZoo
When it comes to iconic tracks that brilliantly colored the dance music scene of the Heisei era, this song is indispensable.
ZOO’s fourth single was released in November 1991 as a theme for a JR East commercial.
At a time when dance music wasn’t yet mainstream in Japan, it arrived with a fresh appeal that resonated with listeners.
Its catchy melody and danceable beat captured many hearts, making it one of ZOO’s signature songs after peaking at No.
3 on the Oricon weekly chart.
Beloved as a winter classic, the song expresses a departure toward freedom, new encounters, and an optimistic spirit.