We’re introducing some emo songs from the Heisei era that feel a bit nostalgic and hit you right in the feels!
The word “emo” has gone beyond the realm of music and come to be used for expressing all kinds of emotions.
Since its boom around 2018—right before the Reiwa era—some people might associate emo songs with the chill vibe of that time.
Here, we’ve picked out tracks released during the Heisei era that carry that emo feel.
We’re featuring songs that saw a revival through social media, tunes that bring back youthful memories, and tracks that wrap you in a sentimental mood.
Be sure to find the songs that match your own sense of “emo.”
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Emotional songs from the Heisei era. Nostalgic, moving tracks (1–10)
Sayonara ColorSUPER BUTTER DOG
A Heisei-era classic that portrays new beginnings and farewells.
Released in December 2001 as the eighth single, it was also chosen as the theme song for the film “Sayonara COLOR,” featured in a 2012 DODA commercial, and used in the 2023 drama “Ya Boy Kongming!,” remaining beloved across generations.
Its lingering, wistful mood is deeply emotional.
With its melodic sound and positive message, it gives you the courage to face forward and overcome goodbyes.
Perfect for moments when you’re stepping into a new environment or parting from someone important—this song will surely give you a gentle push.
First LoveUtada Hikaru
This song was released as a single from Hikaru Utada’s debut album First Love and was used as the theme for the drama Majo no Joken, starring Nanako Matsushima and Hideaki Takizawa.
Many people likely remember it vividly along with the drama’s iconic scenes.
The Netflix original drama First Love, starring Takeru Satoh and Hikari Mitsushima, which became a major hit in 2022, also drew inspiration from Utada’s work “Hatsukoi” (First Love), just like this song.
It’s a timeless, beloved love song that continues to be cherished across generations.
All of the YouthFujifaburikku
Fujifabric is a rock band that has won a wide range of listeners with lyrics that paint vivid scenes and melodies that carry a certain nostalgia.
Their 10th single, “Wakamono no Subete” (“All About the Youth”), is one of their signature songs, featured in TV dramas and commercials through numerous tie-ins.
Its worldview evokes the changing of the seasons, and combined with its lyrical melody, it stirs a sentimental feeling.
It’s an emotional anthem emblematic of the Heisei era, one that lets you immerse yourself in the music and feel like the protagonist just by listening.
Summer GateSato Chiaki
Chiaki Sato, the central figure of Kinoko Teikoku, who announced a hiatus in 2019 and now continues her career as a solo singer-songwriter.
“Summer gate,” included on her first EP, SickSickSickSick, is an urban track with a breezy beat and a pleasantly languid sound.
Its floating ensemble gradually introduces subtle changes over a looping chord progression, drawing you in alongside the fleeting, ephemeral lyrics.
It’s an emotional pop tune that calms the mind no matter how many times you replay it.
SolaninASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION
A song used as the theme for the film Solanin, which is based on a popular manga.
It’s a fan favorite that has even been voted No.
1 by ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION fans.
While looking back on the past, it portrays the inner conflict of trying to face forward—torn by the feeling that “we can’t go back; we can only look ahead.” Because the time spent with someone precious will never return, this youthful anthem inspires you to cherish each moment as it comes.
Love Story Comes SuddenlyOda Kazumasa
This is a song long beloved as a quintessential Heisei-era ballad.
Released in February 1991 as Kazumasa Oda’s sixth solo single, it became a major talking point as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Tokyo Love Story.” Its poignant chorus and memorable melody have resonated with many listeners, eliciting deep empathy.
Its distinctive emotional quality also seems to strongly draw in younger generations.
Used effectively as background music during the drama’s climactic scenes, it left a profound impression on viewers.
The song portrays the delicate shifts in feeling between two people who are not quite lovers, celebrating the importance of the changes brought about by their encounter.
It’s recommended for moments when you want to immerse yourself in bittersweet memories and the ache of unrequited love.
KissORIGINAL LOVE
The ultra-rich love song “Kiss.” It’s a track released in November 1993 by ORIGINAL LOVE, which now operates as Takao Tajima’s solo project.
It’s a stylish song with a strong soul music influence.
It has a mysterious charm that feels nostalgic without feeling dated.
The song was written as the theme for the drama “Otona no Kiss,” which starred Junichi Ishida.
Also, if you know even a bit of music theory, you might catch it right away: the song cleverly makes use of the chord progression from “Just the Two of Us,” and that’s part of what makes it so emotional!
