RAG MusicDance Music
Recommended club and dance music

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)

loveHoshino Gen

Gen Hoshino – Koi (Official Video)
loveHoshino Gen

The ninth single by Gen Hoshino, an artist widely supported across generations for his exceptional pop sensibility and expressive range as an actor.

Selected as the theme song for the TV drama “We Married as a Job,” the track is characterized by an addictive arrangement that blends a chord progression reminiscent of Black music with a distinctly Japanese melody.

In the context of today’s diverse romantic styles, its lyrics—which can apply to any condition or object of affection—likely resonated with many listeners.

Released in October 2016, this is a surefire crowd-pleaser for karaoke.

Fortune Cookie in LoveAKB48

[MV full] Koi Suru Fortune Cookie / AKB48 [Official]
Fortune Cookie in LoveAKB48

AKB48’s 32nd major single, a song that opened up a new form of expression for idols in the J-POP scene.

With its comfortable, old-school disco sound, the track is characterized by upbeat lyrics and a fun melody.

Released in August 2013, it was also used as the departure melody at Tokyo Metro’s Hibiya Line Akihabara Station.

Because the tempo is relaxed yet features plenty of catchy choreography, it’s an easy choice to perform for entertainment or events.

It remains one of AKB48’s signature songs, beloved as a tune everyone present can dance to together.

Feeling great!!mihimaru GT

mihimaru GT – Feeling Great ↑↑
Feeling great!!mihimaru GT

When you just want to get pumped up for the night, this dance tune is essential! It’s the signature track by the male-female duo mihimaru GT, released in May 2006 as their ninth single.

It was featured in the commercial for Dariya’s “Palty” and as the ending theme for the variety show “Skibara,” becoming a huge hit especially among Heisei-era gals.

The lively beat, rapid-fire rap, and soaring vocals make you forget your everyday frustrations in an instant.

Even if every day isn’t perfect, letting yourself sink into the sound will lift your spirits.

It’s the perfect anthem for those times you want to cut loose with friends on a drive or at karaoke, no explanations needed.

Guaranteed to make you want to dance! Dance numbers that colored the Heisei era (11–20)

U. S. A.DA PUMP

DA PUMP / U.S.A. (short ver.)
U. S. A.DA PUMP

This is the 29th single by DA PUMP, a group beloved across generations for their catchy melodies and dance performances.

It’s a cover of a song released in 1992 by Italian singer Joe Yellow, and it sparked a social phenomenon with its catchy “so-bad-it’s-cool” lyrics and dance routines like the “Ii ne Dance.” The track was also selected as the ending theme for TBS’s information program “Ousama no Brunch” in June 2018.

Its Eurobeat-style driving momentum will get not only kids but adults pumped up, too.

It’s a highly recommended dance number for background music that brings extra color to lively para-balloon activities.

R.Y.U.S.E.I.Sandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu

Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS from EXILE TRIBE / “R.Y.U.S.E.I.” Music Video
R.Y.U.S.E.I.Sandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu

A song by Sandaime J Soul Brothers from EXILE TRIBE that remains etched in many people’s hearts as one of the iconic hits of the Heisei era.

Its lyrics—centered on dreams, hope, and friendship—are filled with a powerful encouragement that pushes listeners forward.

Released in June 2014, it reached No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.

It was also selected as the 2014 campaign song for Tokyo City Keiba, earning support from a wide audience.

The track drew attention as a dance number as well, with choreography by ELLY that captivated many.

It’s the kind of music that makes your body move naturally—a true representative dance anthem of the Heisei era.

New Treasure IslandSakanakushon

Sakanaction / New Treasure Island -Music Video-
New Treasure IslandSakanakushon
@sakanaction_kirinuki

The real fun starts at 4:00. Which festival are you going to?#SakanactionIchiro Yamaguchi#SummerFestival#Fest#Shin Takara-jima

Original Song – [Official] Ichiro Yamaguchi (Sakanaction) Clip Channel – [Official] Ichiro Yamaguchi (Sakanaction) YouTube Clip Channel

A signature dance track by Sakanaction, released in September 2015 as the theme song for the film Bakuman.

The balance between its somewhat nostalgic synth tones and overwhelming catchiness is superb, isn’t it? Even when anxiety wavers you, the strong will to keep crafting with care is sure to resonate with anyone giving their all.

Its popularity is high, and its power to ignite crowds at live shows is truly one of a kind.

Paired with its surreal, unique choreography, dancing it as a group for a skit or performance will undoubtedly make for an unforgettable memory!

EZ DO DANCETRF

TRF’s second single, themed as a cheer for dancers.

The high-speed techno sound produced by Tetsuya Komuro is striking.

Released in June 1993, it reached No.

15 on the Oricon charts and became an unusually long-running hit, selling about 790,000 copies.

There’s even an anecdote that DJ KOO’s rap part was written on the spot.

With the dynamic performances of the dancers led by SAM and YU-KI’s vocals matching perfectly, this track lets you fully savor the appeal of dance music.

It’s also great as background music for a mood lift or during a workout.