A beautiful melody soothes the heart… Heisei-era ballad hit songs
The Heisei era, which includes the 1990s—often called the period when CDs sold more than at any other time in human history—gave birth to many hit songs.
In particular, many ballads continue to resonate with listeners’ hearts even as the times change.
With today’s revival boom, more young listeners are becoming interested in hearing the hit songs of that era.
So this time, we’re introducing ballad songs that were hits during the Heisei period!
If you grew up with them, they’ll feel nostalgic; if not, they’ll feel fresh.
Be sure to check them out!
- Ballad songs that were hits in the 2000s
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- Tears won’t stop with these sentimental lyrics! Heisei-era tearjerker songs
- Heisei Song Collection: Iconic Hits That Colored the ’90s and 2000s
- Emotional songs from the Heisei era. Nostalgic tracks that really hit you.
- Just listening will surely move your heart! A moving song that represents the Heisei era.
- Just listening makes you feel happy! Heisei-era mutual love songs
- Cool songs of the Heisei era. Hit tracks that energized the times.
- A lineup of timeless masterpieces to pass down to future generations! Ballad songs born in the Reiwa era
- Songs from the Heisei retro era that will get any generation excited! Timeless tracks you’ll want to listen to now.
- Today's recommended ballads: A carefully curated selection of heartwarming, gem-like masterpieces!
- Old songs from the Showa to Heisei eras: a collection of timeless classics loved across generations
- From bittersweet tracks to heart-wrenching tunes! Heisei-era unrequited love songs
A beautiful melody soothes the heart… Heisei-era ballad hit songs (21–30)
sign; mark; symbol; omenMr.Children
This is a signature ballad by Mr.Children, featuring an inspiring ensemble that unfolds from a quiet piano melody into grand strings.
Its universal lyrics can be heard as either a song of meeting or parting, gently accompanying each listener’s personal story.
Released in November 2006, it was used as the theme song for the drama “14-Year-Old Mother,” which became a social phenomenon.
Many were surely moved by its melody and Sakurai’s passionate vocals.
With total sales exceeding 740,000 copies, it’s truly a love song that symbolizes the 2000s, reminding us of the bonds we share with those we hold dear.
MelodyTamaki Kōji
A gem of a ballad that gently envelops nostalgia for the past and feelings for what has been lost.
Koji Tamaki’s delicate vocals resonate deeply in this piece, where straightforward lyrics and a simple melody blend beautifully.
Carried by the warm tones of an acoustic guitar, it quietly sings of the resolve to face forward while holding cherished memories close.
Released in May 1996, the song has been covered by many artists over the years and has grown in esteem.
A heartwarming track that pairs perfectly with a leisurely night drive or a quiet moment alone in thought.
A beautiful melody soothes the heart… Heisei-era ballad hit songs (31–40)
A piece of youKahara Tomomi
This is a moving ballad released in October 2001 as Tomomi Kahara’s 20th single.
As her first ballad after returning from a hiatus, her expressiveness has gained even greater depth.
The lyrics portray a prayer-like resolve: holding on to the memory of a lost loved one while trying to face forward through the heartache.
Kahara’s clear, translucent voice further enhances those delicate emotions.
The song was used as the ending theme for the NHK Friday period drama “Goben no Tsubaki” and was also included on the album “Love Again.” It’s a gem of a track—gentle and embracing—perfect for nights when you want to quietly reflect on precious memories.
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.
Christmas songback number
It’s the perfect song for a winter night when, despite the glittering bustle of the city, you can’t help but think only of someone special.
The lyrics carefully portray the frustration of not being able to see the person you want to see right away, and the tenderness that overflows anyway—it really tightens your chest, doesn’t it? Released in November 2015 as back number’s 14th single, the track quickly rose to fame as the theme song for the TV drama “5→9: From Five to Nine.” Produced by Takeshi Kobayashi, its warmly poignant sound—woven from piano and strings—is exceptional.
Gently embracing everyone in love, as well as those spending the holy night with a touch of loneliness, this piece is also included on the acclaimed album “Chandelier.”
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.
powder snowRemioromen
This is the seventh single by Remioromen, a three-piece rock band that announced a hiatus in 2012.
Released in November 2005, it was featured as an insert song in the Fuji TV drama “1 Litre of Tears,” becoming the band’s biggest hit and signature track.
The song overlays the fleeting nature of snow that disappears the moment you touch it with the emotional distance and frustrating miscommunication between lovers.
Even while knowing they may never fully understand each other, the pure, single-minded feelings for the other person tighten the chest.
The piercing high notes in the chorus—a highlight—are extremely well-known, and the song is widely beloved as a winter karaoke staple.
It resonates even more deeply when you’re going through a bittersweet romance.