Just listening will surely move your heart! A moving song that represents the Heisei era.
The Heisei era, which lasted for over 30 years, is known as the time when CDs sold the most, and it gave rise to countless classic songs.
Among them, what kinds of tracks come to mind when you think of music that truly resonates with listeners and moves their hearts?
This time, we’ve picked out some deeply moving songs born in the Heisei era.
Whether it’s songs about someone dear, tracks that lift your spirits, or songs about parting, you’re sure to find something you can relate to.
We hope you enjoy them.
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Just listening will surely move your heart! The most touching songs that defined the Heisei era (11–20)
revolutionMOROHA
MOROHA’s songs captivate with a unique soundscape woven from acoustic guitar and razor-sharp rap.
The lyrics, imbued with a strong desire for inner transformation, resonate deeply with listeners.
This track, included on the best-of album “MOROHA BEST: Ten Years Re-recorded,” released in June 2018, was also used as the ending theme for TV Tokyo’s drama “From Miyamoto to You.” Its candid lyrics, expressing everyday frustration and a thirst for change, have struck a chord with many.
It’s a recommended song for anyone ready to face themselves and take a new step forward.
THE OVERUVERworld
UVERworld’s 22nd single, whose heavy band sound and passionate vocals strike a chord.
Released in August 2012 as the theme song for the TBS drama “Kuro no Onna Kyoshi,” it reached No.
2 on the Oricon charts.
The lyrics powerfully portray overcoming one’s own weaknesses, stirring deep emotion in listeners.
Blending rock and ballad elements, the song moves the heart with TAKUYA’s powerful vocals and the band’s superb musicianship.
Likening one’s life to a ship and singing of hope for a future walked together with a loved one, it’s a message many will surely relate to.
rainbowTakahashi Yuu
The song by Yu Takahashi, written specifically to cheer on high school baseball, is a moving piece that deeply resonates with listeners.
Characterized by its uplifting message and relatable lyrics, it inspires the strength to keep challenging oneself and the courage to face hardships.
Released in 2017, it was selected as the ABC Summer High School Baseball Cheer Song and the theme song for “Netto Koshien.” The lyrics, filled with determination to pursue dreams and hopes, are particularly memorable, conveying the importance of rising again and again without fearing failure or setbacks.
This song is recommended not only for those supporting high school baseball, but also for anyone who needs the courage to confront difficulties.
PRIDEImai Miki
This piece resonates with lyrics that portray deep love for a partner and the will of an independent woman, carried by a warm melody crafted by Tomoyasu Hotei.
You don’t need to belt it out, and the melody moves gently, making it a great choice even for those who aren’t very confident in their singing.
Released in November 1996 as Miki Imai’s 12th single, it also became well known as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Doc.” As a tender, soothing ballad, it’s recommended for the latter part of a karaoke session or in a calm setting.
Simply following the melody carefully will make it sound lovely, so consider adding it to your repertoire.
No matter how…Nishino Kana
It’s a sweeping love ballad that sings of regret for someone precious you’ve lost and the complicated feelings you can’t do anything about.
Kana Nishino, an artist who resonates with many through her love songs, wrote the lyrics infused with her own unvarnished emotions.
The deeper you fall in love, the more you somehow end up missing each other—everyone’s felt that, right? Released in November 2011 as her 15th single, the track was also featured in a SONY WALKMAN commercial.
Its heartrending melody and vocals tighten your chest.
The song is also included on the album “Love Place,” released the following year.
It’s the kind of track that grips your heart—perfect for nights when you want to revisit a past romance and sink into a touch of melancholy.
Song of DepartureMr.Children
As a beloved national rock band, Mr.Children deliver a heartfelt medium-tempo ballad that continues to resonate with many listeners.
It’s not only about the loneliness that comes with parting, but also a warm anthem of encouragement that sings about a sure step toward the future that begins from there.
You can’t help but be moved by the image of someone holding dear memories close and striving to overcome their anxiety.
Kazutoshi Sakurai’s gentle vocals carry that message in a way that softly nestles into the listener’s heart.
Released as a single in October 2007, the song was featured as the theme for the much-talked-about film Sky of Love (Koizora) and used in an NTT East Japan commercial.
It’s a track that will surely give you a gentle push at life’s crossroads, such as graduation or a new beginning.
Just listening will surely move your heart! The most touching songs representing the Heisei era (21–30)
StoryAI
Singer-songwriter AI, born in Los Angeles, captivates audiences with a powerful voice honed through gospel.
The lead single from her May 2005 album “Mic-a-holic Ai” is known as an enduring masterpiece of a ballad that brought her name to widespread recognition.
Opening with beautiful piano tones, the song gently stays close to the listener’s heart and delivers a strong message that you are not alone.
Its outstanding lyrics spread into households through radio and other media, and in 2014 it drew renewed attention when it was selected as the Japanese ending theme for the film Big Hero 6.
It’s a defining song of the 2000s that helps us reaffirm our bonds with the people we cherish.