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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!

Cool songs of the Heisei era: hit tracks that energized the times (1–10)

You don’t listen to rock.aimyon

Aimyon – You Don’t Listen to Rock [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]
You don't listen to rock.aimyon

It’s one of the songs that helped spread Aimyon’s name—a singer-songwriter known for powerful, message-rich lyrics with a touch of folk influence—and it stands as one of her signature tracks.

The gentle sound centered on acoustic guitar seems to highlight her vocals and lyrics.

The words portray episodes of love and the ebb and flow of various emotions, leaving a bittersweet impression.

It expresses the pain of the gap between the person she wants to reach and who she is, along with a strong resolve to keep moving forward little by little despite that struggle.

Ms. Hanako on a high pedestalback number

back number – Takane no Hanako-san (full)
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!

Perfect-Sense DreamerONE OK ROCK

ONE OK ROCK "The Totally Sensational Dreamer"
Perfect-Sense DreamerONE OK ROCK

It’s a song that could be called one of ONE OK ROCK’s signature tracks, letting you feel the power to carve out the future.

The sound conveys a forward-leaning sense of speed, and the structure that builds momentum toward the chorus is striking.

The lyrics portray a kind of determination to open up the future, evoking an image of facing the anxieties within and then moving forward with eyes ahead.

The scream-like vocals also strongly convey a reckless drive to push on, radiating energy aimed at the future.

In 2020, they released “Kanzen Zaitaku Dreamer” (Fully At-Home Dreamer), a video edited together from footage filmed individually at their homes, which drew renewed attention.

U.S.A.DA PUMP

DA PUMP / U.S.A. (short ver.)
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.

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.