From the 1990s to the 2000s—often called the era when CDs sold the most in J-pop history.
And the 2010s, when the Reiwa era began in 2019.
The Heisei era, which produced countless hit songs, feels both nostalgic and somehow quite recent, doesn’t it?
This time, we’re introducing songs released during the Heisei era that are perfect for background music.
We’ve gathered tracks that people across many generations are likely to know, so they’re great both for enjoying your alone time and for playing as a medley at events!
- Nothing but masterpieces! Hit songs from the Reiwa era that are perfect for background music
- Songs from the Heisei retro era that will get any generation excited! Timeless tracks you’ll want to listen to now.
- Nostalgic yet new! Hit songs from the Showa era you’ll want to use as BGM
- Cool songs of the Heisei era. Hit tracks that energized the times.
- All big hits! A roundup of classic J‑Pop songs that were popular in 2000
- Heisei Song Collection: Iconic Hits That Colored the ’90s and 2000s
- Old songs from the Showa to Heisei eras: a collection of timeless classics loved across generations
- Recommended BGM for YouTube Shorts! Popular songs released in the Reiwa era
- [Heisei Songs] Classic hits from the Heisei era that are popular on Instagram Reels
- Emotional songs from the Heisei era. Nostalgic tracks that really hit you.
- Heisei-era masterpieces: Easy to sing! Carefully selected songs recommended for karaoke choices!
- Heisei-era masterpieces. Hit songs that represent the Heisei period.
- Hits that resonate across generations! Popular 1990s songs on TikTok
Resonates across generations! Recommended BGM: Hit songs that colored the Heisei era (1–10)
LOVE MachineMōningu Musume.
Released in September 1999 as the group’s seventh single, this track is known as one of Morning Musume’s signature songs, representing the Heisei era of idols.
Chosen as the opening theme for the variety show “Find the Idol!”, it became the group’s first million-selling single and topped the Oricon karaoke chart for 17 consecutive weeks—a massive hit.
With optimistic, forward-looking lyrics and a catchy melody, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at karaoke.
It was also used in commercials for the aesthetic salon “Elleséne,” making it popular across generations.
A must-listen for fans of Morning Musume and anyone who loves ’90s J-pop.
MiracleGReeeeN
The song that became a massive hit as the theme for the TV drama “ROOKIES” achieved the remarkable feat of reaching one million full ringtone downloads in record time.
With an arrangement featuring beautiful harmonies and cool rap, its straightforward message resonated with younger generations.
Released in May 2008, it topped the Oricon annual karaoke rankings for two consecutive years.
It’s a quintessential 2000s youth anthem—and great fun to split into parts and sing with friends at karaoke.
PERFECT HUMANRADIO FISH
A song by RADIO FISH that grabbed attention with its confident message and innovative performance.
After its first TV appearance, it quickly became a social phenomenon, topping music download charts.
Released as a digital-only single, the track became the catalyst for the unit’s breakout.
In May 2016, they released an album of the same name, PERFECT HUMAN.
The live video posted on YouTube sparked a huge response, surpassing 16 million views just a few months after release.
With lyrics that boost self-esteem and a catchy rhythm, this track leaves a strong impression.
Play it as background music and it’s sure to elevate the atmosphere.
TSUNAMISazan Ōrusutāzu
The 44th single by Southern All Stars.
This track was tied in with the variety show “Uunnan no Hontoko!” as the theme for the segment “Mirai Nikki III,” and it’s also known for having numerous other tie-ins.
With lyrics that paint vivid scenes and a melody tinged with melancholy, it’s packed with the depth and charm of Southern All Stars.
Released in January 2000, it’s no wonder it ranks as the second best-selling CD single released in the Heisei era according to Oricon—it’s a classic that everyone knows and can sing at karaoke, regardless of generation.
It’s a pop yet sentimental song that links the atmosphere of late summer with the poignancy of unrequited love.
Marigoldaimyon
A popular song by Aimyon that intertwines a summer landscape with the romance of a man and a woman.
Released in August 2018, it has enjoyed long-lasting support, surpassing 500 million streams.
With its nostalgic sound and lyrics that candidly express feelings of love, it resonates with many listeners.
This medium-tempo track carries a gentle atmosphere tinged with wistfulness, making it perfect for reminiscing about summer memories or as background music when spending time with someone special.
Beloved across generations, it’s sure to be a hit at karaoke as well.
CAN YOU CELEBRATE?Amuro Namie
Namie Amuro, who was so popular she became a social phenomenon as the “diva of the Heisei era.” Her 9th single, released in February 1997, was written as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Virgin Road.” Known as a wedding standard, it became the biggest hit among the singles produced by Tetsuya Komuro.
The lyrics express a wish for a deep love that lasts forever, leaving a warm impression with its themes of love and connection.
It’s a classic that resonated with countless listeners, setting a sales record even among singles released by avex trax.
Since it’s a song familiar across generations, it’s perfect to play as background music.
The One and Only Flower in the WorldSMAP
A five-member idol group that epitomized the Heisei era, SMAP’s 35th single.
Released in March 2003 as the theme song for the TV drama “Boku no Ikiru Michi” (The Way I Live), it became a massive hit, achieving triple million sales.
With warm lyrics by Noriyuki Makihara and a catchy melody, it resonated with many listeners.
Its relaxed tempo and modest vocal range make it easy to sing, even for those not confident in their singing.
Loved across generations, it’s a pop tune that’s sure to turn any karaoke session into a sing-along.
broad daylightKing Gnu
A signature song by King Gnu that has drawn attention for its high musicality and performance prowess.
Released in February 2019, it was written as the theme song for the Nippon TV drama “Innocence: False Accusation Lawyer.” Addressing the heavy theme of wrongful conviction, it conveys delicate yet powerful instrumentation and vocals, leaving a deep impression on listeners.
The gentle timbre of the piano and Satoru Iguchi’s transparent vocals are striking, and the lyrics—singing of life’s choices, regrets, and hope—resonate with many listeners.
It’s a great track not only as background music but also for savoring the lyrics in a focused listen.
loveHoshino Gen
Singer-songwriter Gen Hoshino, who enjoys widespread popularity for his bottomless pop sensibilities, scored a major hit with his 9th single, which was used as the theme song for the TV drama “We Married as a Job!” in which he also appeared.
The dance that sparked a social phenomenon is famous, too.
Released in October 2016, the song symbolically expresses the diversity of love and a form of love that transcends the self.
It’s widely known across generations, making it easy to sing at karaoke and perfect for getting everyone hyped.
While the fast tempo and frequent melodic leaps make it a challenging song, it’s a lot of fun once you can sing it—so definitely give it some practice.
LemonYonezu Kenshi
A soul-stirring number where aching sense of loss intertwines with beautiful memories.
Written specifically as the theme song for the TV drama “Unnatural,” the piece stands out for its lyrics that honor a deep love for those we’ve lost and the light they left behind.
Released in 2018, the track set a record with over three million downloads, and it topped the Billboard Japan Hot 100 year-end chart for two consecutive years, becoming one of the defining hits of the 2010s.
Its wistful melody and distinctive chord progression are sure to resonate with many listeners.
It’s also a surefire crowd-pleaser at karaoke—an ideal choice when you’re unsure what to sing.