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.
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.
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.
FlowerORANGE RANGE
ORANGE RANGE is a rock band with a three-vocalist lineup, each with a different vocal range, captivating fans with their wide expressive palette.
Released in October 2004 as their eighth single, this song became a major hit as the theme for the film “Be with You.” It sings of a universal love directed not only toward a lover but also toward irreplaceable people like family and friends, with heartfelt lyrics that resonated with many.
Layers of strings over a wistful melody create an emotionally stirring ballad worthy of the catchphrase “the version of RANGE that makes you cry.” It topped the Oricon Weekly Chart for a total of four weeks and was also included on the acclaimed album “musiQ.” Listening to it while thinking of someone dear brings a gentle warmth, as if your heart is being softly embraced.
Just listening will surely move your heart! The most touching songs representing the Heisei era (21–30)
Song of a FriendBUMP OF CHICKEN
This is a famous song by BUMP OF CHICKEN that also served as the theme song for the film Doraemon: Nobita and the New Steel Troops—Winged Angels.
It’s a heartwarming ballad in which vocalist Motoo Fujiwara expresses his feelings for a particular character from the perspective of someone appearing in the movie.
The lyrics, which sing of the preciousness of friendship nurtured even while taking the long way around, are striking and likely to resonate with many listeners.
Released in February 2011, the song debuted at No.
2 on the Oricon Weekly Chart and is characterized by its noble, heroic sound enhanced with trumpet and strings.
If you have companions who strive together with you, it’s sure to hit you right in the heart.