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)
Until the world endsWANDS
The 8th single chosen in 1994 as the ending theme for the landmark basketball manga SLAM DUNK became a million-seller and one of WANDS’s signature songs.
The lyrics, written by then-vocalist Sho Uesugi, depict loneliness and a sense of loss in the big city, infusing the personal pain of heartbreak with an urgent feeling that hints at the end of the world.
Composed by Tetsuro Oda, the driving melody merges perfectly with Uesugi’s soul-stirring vocals.
The song reached No.
1 on the Oricon weekly chart and stayed in the Top 10 for nine consecutive weeks.
For those who spent their youth with the anime, just hearing it may bring back a flood of memories.
It’s a classic that’s guaranteed to unite the room when everyone belts out the chorus at karaoke.
GLAMOROUS SKYNANA starring MIKA NAKASHIMA
A rock number that became a huge hit as the theme song for the film NANA, in which Mika Nakashima herself starred.
Composed and produced by HYDE, with lyrics by Ai Yazawa, the original creator of NANA, the song drew attention as an ultra-luxurious collaboration.
Many people were surely captivated by how perfectly the role fit—so much so that you’d think, “NANA could only be Mika Nakashima!” If you’ve been feeling a bit stuck in a fog lately, try belting out this song; it might just make your current worries feel small.
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.
ButterflyKōda Kumi
A dance number sung by Kumi Koda that expresses the strength and beauty of women.
Like a butterfly emerging from a chrysalis and soaring into the sky, the lyrics capture the joy of setting yourself free and living openly.
The sultry vocals and Latin-infused sound make you feel like you’ve become a confident, irresistible woman just by listening.
Released as a single in June 2005, it was used as the theme song for the TBS drama Ai no Gekijo: “Cosme no Mahou 2.” It won the Japan Record Award the same year and became a classic that also contributed to the massive success of her best-of album BEST ~first things~.