Cool songs of the Heisei era. Hit tracks that energized the times.
The Heisei era saw the birth of countless masterpieces, with many works achieving million-selling hits.
Thanks in part to revival hits, many songs from the Heisei era continue to be listened to and passed down even as times change.
In this article, we’ll carefully select and introduce some of the coolest tracks from Heisei-era hit songs!
We’ve gathered a variety of cool songs, including classics from bands that represent Japan, tracks from blockbuster films, and songs that leave you feeling refreshed.
You might even find a song that fired you up back in the Heisei days!
Whether you’re from the heart of that generation or new to these tunes, give them a listen and get pumped!
- Heisei Song Collection: Iconic Hits That Colored the ’90s and 2000s
- Emotional songs from the Heisei era. Nostalgic tracks that really hit you.
- Heisei-era masterpieces. Hit songs that represent the Heisei period.
- An energizing song that was a hit in the 2000s—a classic that gives you strength.
- Just listening will lift your spirits! Energetic and cheer-up songs that defined the Heisei era.
- A collection of nostalgic hits from the Heisei era: Let’s look back at iconic songs from the 1990s and 2000s.
- [Heisei Songs] Classic hits from the Heisei era that are popular on Instagram Reels
- Songs that hype you up just by listening—recommended tracks from timeless classics to the latest releases
- From emotional tracks to exhilarating tunes! Heisei-era youth songs
- From rock numbers to dance tunes! Cool songs of the Reiwa era
- Guaranteed to make you want to dance! Dance tracks that defined the Heisei era
- A revival hit driven by social media! Heisei-era masterpieces that are resonating with Gen Z today
- A Must-See for the Heisei Generation: Nostalgic Songs That Were Popular in the Heisei Era
Cool songs of the Heisei era: hit tracks that energized the times (1–10)
My Past Life, Many Lifetimes AgoRADWIMPS
This is a refreshing rock track by RADWIMPS, produced as an insert song for director Makoto Shinkai’s feature-length animated film Your Name, which became a massive hit alongside the movie.
Beyond its catchy sound, the title Zenzenzense also made a huge impact.
While the chorus tends to get most of the attention, the song as a whole conveys a clumsy yet earnest and straightforward love.
How about rewatching the film and savoring the lyrics as you listen?
Ms. Hanako on a high pedestalback number
“Anison?” “A song used for a comedy routine?” When you first heard the title, many of you might have imagined something like that, right? In reality, it’s a love song that portrays the slightly bittersweet feelings of a man who falls in love at first sight with a woman whose beautiful smile seems far beyond his reach, and who finds himself drowning in her charm.
With comments like “The rhythm is addictive” and “Even though it’s an unrequited-love song, it’s refreshing and makes you want to keep listening,” it continues to captivate many listeners.
If you’ve ever experienced unrequited love, you’ll surely relate to the feeling of thinking about the person you like and imagining what it would be like if the two of you ended up together!
Like tonight’s moonElefanto Kashimashi
This song is by Elephant Kashimashi, a band known for powerful lyrics that speak to the heart and a commanding vocal presence.
It was written as the theme song for the drama “Because the Moon Shines at Night” and has long been cherished as one of the band’s signature tracks.
The balance between the strong band sound and the gentle tones of acoustic guitar is striking, giving the impression that the lyrics’ message is conveyed directly yet tenderly.
The lyrics seem to confront one’s inner dissatisfaction, evoking long-held aspirations and conveying an energy that gives you the strength to start walking forward again.
Cool songs of the Heisei era: Hit tracks that energized the times (11–20)
U.S.A.DA PUMP
This is a DA PUMP song that drew attention with its catchy dance and easy-to-understand lyrics.
Because it appealed to a wide range of generations, it’s even called the biggest hit of 2018.
It’s a cover of a song by the Italian singer Joe Yellow, and while it keeps the feel of the original Eurobeat sound and the resonance of the words in mind, it features unique new lyrics.
It portrays a longing for America and for glamorous culture, and it’s also unique in how it deliberately includes retro names and references.
The song’s charm lies in its lively atmosphere that evokes bright neon lights and the uplifting feeling that suits dancing.
ultra soulB’z
A powerful rock number by B’z that makes you want to throw your fist in the air and shout when you hear the end of the chorus! Since being chosen as the official theme song for the 2001 FINA World Championships in Fukuoka, it has also been used multiple times as walk-up music for professional baseball players, cementing its image as a sports cheer song.
The lyrics ask, “That’s not the limit of what you can do, is it?” and “Nothing has even started yet—this is where the real fight begins, right?”—words that shake you out of any funk and fire you up!
gloriousGLAY
GLAY is a rock band that has left a brilliant mark on J-POP history and continues to be beloved across generations.
This song, whose lyrics capture the yearning for the faint romances of youth alongside the realities and hopes felt in adulthood, resonates deeply, and its catchy melody and exhilarating, classic band sound make it an irresistible number.
Released in January 1996 as their eighth single, it was featured in the commercial for Victoria (’96 Victoria) and became their breakout hit, earning the band their first entry into the Oricon Top 10.
It was also included on the acclaimed album BEAT out!, and remains a staple of their live shows, cherished by fans to this day.
Why not give it a listen when you want to reminisce about those days or lift your spirits?
astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN
This is the song that can be said to have brought BUMP OF CHICKEN’s name into the public eye.
It has many covers and tie-ins, and it’s been loved for a long time as one of their signature tracks.
The drama “Tentaikansoku” (Stargazing) was inspired by this song, and the track was also used as an insert song.
Its appeal includes a straightforward band sound with a refreshing atmosphere and the depth created by multiple layered guitar tones.
The lyrics’ storytelling quality is another highlight, evoking the bittersweetness of youth and the unique shifts in emotion.