An acoustic guitar’s tone that leaves an impression! Recommended Heisei-era hit songs for solo singing with guitar
The Heisei era gave birth to countless timeless songs.
Musical styles broadened, and the sound evolved significantly from the early to the later years.
Amidst that, warm ensemble pieces featuring acoustic guitar also became beloved.
So this time, we’re introducing songs from the Heisei era that are great for acoustic solo performance and singing.
Each track lets you really feel the presence of the acoustic guitar within a band ensemble, so why not give them a try?
Striking Acoustic Guitar Tones! Recommended Heisei-Era Hit Songs for Solo Performance (1–10)
MapleNEW!supittsu
As a ballad portraying a farewell with a loved one, this masterpiece has continued to resonate closely with many hearts.
It is the 19th single by the Japanese rock band Spitz, and when it was released in July 1998, it was a double A-side with its coupling track.
The song has also been used as an insert track in Fuji TV dramas Over Time and, in 2022, Silent.
Released as a single cut from the album Fake Fur, the piece features lyrics where a sense of loss intertwines with the will to move forward, carried by an ensemble of piano and acoustic guitar.
Masamune Kusano’s clear, translucent vocals further enhance the poignant melody.
When covering it in a solo voice-and-guitar arrangement, focusing on a progression from quiet arpeggios in the first verse to strong strumming in the chorus will help convey the song’s dramatic worldview.
wandererNEW!Okuda Tamio
When it comes to classic songs that make you feel open and ready to hit the road, this is the one! “Sasurai,” the eighth single released in 1998 by Tamio Okuda—who secured an unshakable place as a solo artist after his work with Unicorn.
It was used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Days” and also drew attention as the lead single from the album “Matatabi.” The band sound, with its warmly resonant acoustic guitar strumming, is so comforting it lightens your heart just by listening.
Covered by artists like Akiko Yano and Spitz, this track has long been beloved as background music for travel shows.
Its groove is easy to convey even with just an acoustic guitar, making it a highly recommended choice for anyone who wants to sing and play with ease.
MelodyNEW!Tamaki Kōji
Koji Tamaki has produced numerous masterpieces as a solo artist while working in parallel with the rock band Anzenchitai.
The single I’d like to recommend, which fully captures his acoustic charm, was released in May 1996.
Selected as the ending theme for TBS’s “Tetsuya Chikushi NEWS23,” the track is also included on the album CAFE JAPAN, and is notable for its warm acoustic guitar tones and wistful melody.
Its pared-down, unadorned arrangement lets the singer’s emotions come through directly.
The song’s world is fully conveyed even in a simple voice-and-guitar performance, making it perfect for times when you want to immerse yourself in the music.
Consider adding it to your repertoire.
One more time,One more chanceNEW!Yamazaki Masayoshi
A celebrated ballad by Masayoshi Yamazaki that conveys the earnest feeling of searching for a loved one no matter where you are.
His unforgettable husky voice and the warm tone of the acoustic guitar resonate deeply in your heart.
Released in January 1997 as his fourth single, the song was chosen as the theme for the film “The Moon and a Cabbage,” in which Yamazaki made his acting debut.
Later, in 2007, it was also used as the theme song for the anime film “5 Centimeters per Second,” and it has continued to be cherished across generations.
Perhaps it’s precisely because of its simple solo performance style that the bittersweetness of the lyrics stands out even more.
This is a song you’ll want to try when you want to pour your feelings into a gentle, single acoustic-guitar performance.
Ballad of a SingerNEW!Saitō Kazuyoshi
Among Kazuyoshi Saito’s songs, this work stands out for its resonant acoustic guitar and passionate vocals that seize your heart and won’t let go.
Its earnest devotion to singing overlaps with a straightforward, if clumsy, expression of love for someone dear, and it makes your chest tighten every time you listen.
It seems to teach us that words we’re too shy to say in everyday life can be conveyed honestly when carried by a melody.
Released in November 1997 as his 15th single, it was also used in 2017 as the theme song for the animated film “Lu Over the Wall.” Covered by many artists, it continues to be loved across generations.
When performing it with just voice and guitar, putting your heart into it matters more than technique.
If you want to convey your feelings to someone you love, take a chance and sing it.
Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro
In the Heisei era, many memorable songs emerged featuring the warm tones of the acoustic guitar.
Among them is a gem crafted by a singer-songwriter from Miyazaki Prefecture.
Released in 2014, this song was written as the theme for a hugely popular animated film.
The artist’s distinctive, lyrical words and gentle melody portray a deep bond of mutual support.
The track garnered widespread acclaim across generations, holding the top spot on Japan’s overall iTunes chart for an extended period.
Quietly voicing feelings for a cherished person, it’s also perfect for acoustic guitar and vocals.
Why not give it a try, accompanied by a voice that resonates with the heart?
TRUE LOVEFujii Fumiya
Fumiya Fujii, who debuted as the lead vocalist of The Checkers—a band that enjoyed immense popularity in the 1990s—and has since pursued a solo career as a singer-songwriter.
Selected as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Asunaro Hakusho,” this track showcases Fumiya Fujii’s signature style in full.
Its nostalgic, acoustic guitar–driven ensemble also aligns perfectly with the drama’s worldview.
Released on November 10, 1993, the song uses only basic chords, making it a highly recommended double-million-selling hit for any sing-and-play repertoire.