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A wonderful, moving song

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.

Just listening will surely move your heart! The most touching songs representing the Heisei era (21–30)

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.

planetariumOtsuka Ai

A heart-stirring ballad that projects the ache of love onto the stars in the night sky, this piece is marked by Ai Otsuka’s delicate vocals and lyrical piano.

Memories of a lover and the wistfulness of time gone by are woven into the beautiful imagery of starry skies and planetariums, resonating deeply with listeners.

Used as the theme song for the drama “Koi no Karasawagi” and included on the album “LOVE COOK,” it has continued to soothe many hearts since its release in September 2005.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to while gazing up at the stars on a solitary night—recommended for those looking to heal the pain of heartbreak or to immerse themselves in cherished memories with someone special.

Just listening will surely move your heart! Moving songs that define the Heisei era (31–40)

I’ll be by your side.Aoyama Teruma

Aoyama Thelma feat. SoulJa / I'm by Your Side
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.

Like tonight’s moonElefanto Kashimashi

Like the Moon Tonight / Elephant Kashimashi
Like tonight's moonElefanto Kashimashi

A signature song by Elephant Kashimashi, it sublimates the feeling of a heart wavering between everyday nihilism and hope into something beautiful.

The dramatic melody and Hiroji Miyamoto’s impassioned vocals resonate deeply with listeners.

Released by Pony Canyon in July 1997, it was used as the theme song for the drama “Because the Moon Shines at Night.” It became the band’s first entry into the Oricon Weekly Top 10 and a major hit with total sales of about 800,000 copies.

When you’re worn out by relationships or work and listen to this song, you can sense someone who struggles just like you yet still tries to face forward and live.

Like gentle moonlight softly illuminating the night, this is a song that stays close to your heart.

In conclusion

This time, we introduced moving songs born in the Heisei era, ranging from universally known classics to tracks that became hot topics—what did you think? Many of these songs make you feel great love or give you courage, so be sure to listen to them again and again!