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?
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- Emotional songs from the Heisei era. Nostalgic tracks that really hit you.
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- A collection of nostalgic hits from the Heisei era: Let’s look back at iconic songs from the 1990s and 2000s.
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- Heisei Song Collection: Iconic Hits That Colored the ’90s and 2000s
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- Nothing but masterpieces! Hit songs from the Reiwa era that are perfect for background music
- Heisei-era masterpieces: Easy to sing! Carefully selected songs recommended for karaoke choices!
- Masterpieces that colored the spring of the Heisei era, including popular cherry blossom songs.
Striking acoustic guitar tones! Recommended Heisei-era hit songs for solo singing with guitar (21–30)
Snow SmileNEW!BUMP OF CHICKEN
When the arrival of winter sets in, this classic ballad by BUMP OF CHICKEN is the one I can’t help but crave.
Opening with warm, delicate acoustic guitar arpeggios, the song paints a happy scene like hands beckoned into pockets beneath a cold sky, only to reveal as the story unfolds that it’s actually a recollection of the past—a poignant structure that really tugs at the heart.
The lyric world crafted by Motoo Fujiwara—inviting open interpretation—is part of its charm.
Released in December 2002 as their fifth single, it had no specific tie-in, yet it peaked at No.
3 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.
It’s perfect for moments when you want to soak in the sound of a guitar in a quiet room, or for a slow night spent reflecting on precious memories.
It also works beautifully as a gentle, stripped-down solo performance.
Good-bye daysNEW!YUI
The moment the acoustic guitar intro plays, many of you might vividly recall a scene from the film.
This song was written as the theme for the movie “Midnight Sun” (Taiyō no Uta), starring singer-songwriter YUI from Fukuoka Prefecture.
Released as a single in June 2006 under the character-name credit “YUI for Kaoru Amane,” it pairs lyrics that evoke love blossoming within limited time and the foreshadowing of an inevitable farewell with YUI’s down-to-earth vocals, moving listeners to tears.
Although it’s a heartrending ballad that mirrors the film’s worldview, its chord progression is relatively simple, and it has long been beloved as a practice piece for solo singing with guitar.
When you want to savor time with someone precious, pick up your guitar and sing it, too.
SUMMER SONGNEW!YUI
If you had to pick YUI’s signature summer tune—the one packed with that exhilarating summertime vibe—it would be this.
Released as a single in July 2008, the track is marked by its lively acoustic guitar strumming.
The lyrics capture the bittersweet feelings of youthful romance, and the catchy melody sticks with you after just one listen.
Despite having no tie-in promotions, it debuted at No.
1 on the Oricon charts—a true testament to its strength.
It’s also included on the album “HOLIDAYS IN THE SUN” and has been loved by fans for years.
With a relatively simple chord progression, it’s perfect for singing and playing with a guitar.
It’s the kind of classic you’ll want to hear on a seaside drive or when you’re out to make summer memories—so why not give it a try?
budNEW!Kobukuro
Tsubomi, one of Kobukuro’s signature songs, was written by Kentaro Kobuchi as a heartfelt outpouring to his late mother.
Released in March 2007, it was chosen as the theme song for the drama “Tokyo Tower: Mom and Me, and Sometimes Dad,” and it won the Japan Record Award that same year.
The lyrics not only convey the sorrow of losing someone dear, but also a powerful hope to keep moving forward, and they pair beautifully with the warmth of a simple voice-and-guitar arrangement.
The melody spans a wide range and is thoroughly satisfying to sing; if the high notes are tough, try lowering the key and focusing on delivering each word with care.
Aim to sing with feeling that gently embraces the listener’s heart.
March 9NEW!Remioromen
Remioromen is a rock band formed by classmates from Yamanashi Prefecture that left behind numerous classic songs.
Released in March 2004, this work is a Heisei-era defining ballad, perfect for solo acoustic performance, with delicate acoustic guitar arpeggios that resonate deeply.
Originally composed for a member’s friend’s wedding, it gained widespread popularity in 2005 when it was featured as an insert song in the drama “1 Litre of Tears,” and has since become a staple during graduation season.
The lyrics express the joy of dreaming together with someone precious amid changing seasons, and a sense of gratitude for how that person’s presence gives strength.
Its warm and empowering message gently encourages those taking a new step forward.
Magic CarpetNEW!Kawasaki Takaya
A heartwarming number featuring the gentle tones of an acoustic guitar and an earnest vocal that resonates deeply.
It portrays a heartfelt desire to protect a loved one even without money or status, wrapping listeners in a tender embrace.
This song, included on singer-songwriter Takaya Kawasaki’s March 2018 album “I believe in you,” actually skyrocketed in popularity around two years after its release in 2020 thanks to social media, and it went on to be widely loved, even being chosen as the theme song for a streaming drama.
Its warmth conveys the preciousness of everyday life, making it perfect for weddings or as background music for videos with your partner.
With a simple arrangement that works even with just a single acoustic guitar, it’s also recommended for those who want to try singing and playing on their own.
scale (as of a fish or reptile)NEW!Hata Motohiro
When it comes to early masterpieces by Motohiro Hata, a singer-songwriter with immense popularity, many people probably think of this song.
Released in June 2007 as his second single, it was also used as the image song for the Nippon TV documentary “Tejise — 1461 Days of Memories.” The lyrics, which compare a fish’s natural defense to the shell around one’s own heart and portray the resolve to cast aside hesitation and honestly express one’s feelings, are deeply moving.
From the delicate arpeggios of the intro to the powerful strumming in the chorus, the track is brimming with the allure of the acoustic guitar, making it perfect for a solo voice-and-guitar performance.
If you sing it with emotion, it’s sure to resonate deeply with listeners.