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!
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Cool songs of the Heisei era: Hit tracks that energized the times (11–20)
Paradoxw-inds.
w-inds.
is a dance-vocal unit that made a striking debut in the early 2000s.
This early signature track is a dance number that fuses a four-on-the-floor beat with a wistful melody.
The lyrics, depicting missed connections and inner contradictions, reflect the honest emotions of teenagers and resonate deeply with listeners.
Released in October 2001 as their third single, the song’s success earned them the Best New Artist Award at that year’s Japan Record Awards.
It’s perfect for anyone who wants to immerse themselves once again in the world of Heisei-era hit songs.
peace signYonezu Kenshi
This is a song by Kenshi Yonezu, who is active in many fields as a singer-songwriter and creator.
Written specifically as the opening theme for the anime My Hero Academia, the lyrics convey a determination to live strongly that vividly evokes the story of the series.
The overall sound has a refreshing atmosphere, projecting a bright image of hope toward the future and a sense of widening horizons.
The layered vocal-like phrase at the beginning also suggests bonds with comrades, which the work shares as a core theme.
The lyrics are striking as well, depicting a strong resolve to face one’s own weaknesses while moving forward together with friends.
Get fired upDaikoku Maki
When it comes to NHK’s broadcast theme song for the Atlanta Olympics, this is probably the first track many people think of.
Released as a single in July 1996, it became a massive hit, reaching No.
1 on the Oricon charts.
The lyrics portray the frustration of not being able to be honest with oneself, along with the determination to move forward with passion anyway—paired with powerful high-note vocals that resonate deeply with listeners.
Also included on the album “POWER OF DREAMS,” this energetic anthem is perfect for psyching yourself up when it really counts or getting hyped while watching sports.
BREAK OUT!Aikawa Nanase
A hard, fast-paced rock number produced by Tetsuro Oda.
The guitar riff that rings out from the intro makes a powerful impact, and the lyrics—filled with a strong will to break through the status quo and charge toward the future—hit home.
Released as a single in June 1996, it became widely familiar through its use in commercials for the aesthetic salon Slim Beauty House.
It was later included on the album “Red,” which went on to sell over two million copies.
With its rapid tempo and infectious groove, it’s perfect for blowing off stress or boosting your mood.
I can also highly recommend it for karaoke when you want to get everyone pumped up.
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!
Cool songs of the Heisei era: hit tracks that energized the times (21–30)
R.Y.U.S.E.I.Sandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu
A massive hit by Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS from EXILE TRIBE that captivated many fans with its insanely cool dance incorporating the Running Man! The upbeat dance tune gets you hyped before you know it, and many people say they can’t help but want to play it on repeat.
Its powerful message—“Dash forward to seize your dream!”—and its driving sound are balanced by the group’s sexy, composed vocals, quietly moving your heart without feeling pushy.
It’s that kind of song.