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 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.
Night Sky (feat. HAZZY)miwa
Featuring singer-songwriter miwa and welcoming Hazi→, this is their first-ever collaborative track—a gem of a ballad whose piano melody brings tears to your eyes.
It’s heartbreakingly moving, with the emotions of two people who choose to part despite still loving each other sung from both the male and female perspectives.
The addition of the male viewpoint instantly deepens the narrative, making the helpless ache resonate directly in your heart.
Released in August 2015 as part of a double A-side single, the other track, “Stress Free,” served as the theme song for the drama Min-Oh.
It’s the perfect “tearjerker” classic—one you’ll want to listen to under a night sky when there’s someone you can’t forget, as you sink into your memories.
Pure Love SongShonan no Kaze
This is one of Shonan no Kaze’s signature love songs, a heartfelt tale of a clumsy man’s unwavering devotion that really hits home.
Many people may have discovered them through this track.
From the everyday happiness of being moved by a lover’s home-cooked meal, to the small misunderstandings that create distance, and finally to the raw realization of one’s own immaturity and the renewed appreciation of the person who matters—this straightforward story resonates deeply.
Released in March 2006 as their fifth single, it achieved an astonishing 25 consecutive weeks at No.
1 on the Oricon karaoke chart.
Blending reggae’s fiery energy with a catchy pop melody, the song is perfect both as a dedication to someone special at a wedding and for belting out with friends at karaoke.
crescent moonayaka
Ayaka’s fourth single, released in September 2006.
A love ballad that captures the heartache of a long-distance relationship, it remains a beloved classic for many.
Even when apart, looking up at the same sky connects their hearts, and the resolve to keep moving forward despite loneliness deeply resonates with listeners.
It’s said the song reflects Ayaka’s own feelings when she moved to Tokyo, and that genuine emotion adds depth to her vocals.
It was featured in an au “LISMO” commercial and as a theme song for an NHK program, and it earned her the Best New Artist award at the 48th Japan Record Awards.
It’s a sentimental number you’ll want to listen to alone on nights when you can’t see someone dear to you.
budKobukuro
An emotionally moving song that gently sings of the sorrow of losing a mother and the hope for the future.
Its simple arrangement centered on acoustic guitar and a wistful yet warm melody resonates with many listeners.
Released by Kobukuro in March 2007, it was also used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Tokyo Tower: Mom and Me, and Sometimes Dad.” Furthermore, in March 2008 it was selected as the entrance march for the opening ceremony of the 80th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament, gaining nationwide recognition.
Embracing the feelings we have for family and loved ones, this piece is perfect for moments when your heart feels close to breaking or when you want to strongly remember someone.
I’ll be by your side.Aoyama Teruma
This song gently embraces the emotions of a long-distance relationship, carrying a bittersweet yet forward-looking sentiment.
Even when lovers are physically apart, their hearts remain close—an emotion expressed with exquisite balance through Thelma Aoyama’s soft vocals and SoulJa’s rap.
Though busyness can make the emotional distance feel wider, the unwavering resolve to care for each other resonates deeply with listeners.
Released in January 2008, the song topped the Oricon Weekly Chart and won the JASRAC Gold Award, becoming a massive hit recognized by Guinness World Records.
In 2022, a new collaborative track with SoulJa also came to fruition.
It’s a heartwarming message song that will resonate with those living apart from their partners or anyone grappling with the bonds they share with someone important.
I want to hug you.Mr.Children
A gemlike love ballad whose sweet, wistful feelings seep gently into the heart.
Created by Mr.Children in December 1992, the song is marked by its key changes—born from producer Takeshi Kobayashi’s idea—and the tender tone of the piano.
Infused with pure affection and devoted sentiment, its melody exudes a grown-up allure perfect for a late-night lounge.
It was featured as an insert song in the Fuji TV drama “Pure” and used in NTT Docomo commercials, and has been covered by many artists, including Ryuichi Kawamura and Anri.
Its warmth, which seems to envelop deep feelings for a loved one, is part of its charm, and as a song that keeps close company on nights spent with someone special, it has been etched into the hearts of many.