RAG MusicHealing
Lovely healing music

Healing songs from the Heisei era that soothe daily fatigue and stress

When you’re feeling tired or stressed, is there any music that helps you unwind?

Many people blast or sing along to high-energy tracks to blow off steam, but there are times when you’re too exhausted even for that.

So this time, we’ve put together a list of soothing songs that relax both body and mind, focusing on tracks released during the Heisei era.

They’re all classics that can ease fatigue and stress just by listening, so be sure to check them out!

Healing songs from the Heisei era (11–20) that soothe daily fatigue and stress

Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro

Motohiro Hata – “Himawari no Yakusoku” Music Video
Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro

When you listen to Motohiro Hata’s beautiful singing voice, it feels as if your heart is being cleansed, doesn’t it? This piece, perfectly suited to his clear vocals, is a comforting ballad featuring the gentle tones of acoustic guitar and a warm melody.

The lyrics portray a deep bond with a loved one, conveying that hearts remain connected even when apart.

Released in August 2014, the song drew significant attention as the theme for the film STAND BY ME Doraemon.

Many listeners were likely moved to tears by its touching worldview, which resonates with the friendship depicted in the movie.

It’s a song that can gently embrace your heart when you’re feeling vulnerable or when you want to find calm.

The One and Only Flower in the WorldSMAP

Even after their breakup, calls for a reunion remain strong, and the five-member idol group SMAP is becoming legendary thanks to their immense popularity.

One of their songs was used as the theme for the TV drama “Boku no Ikiru Michi,” starring group member Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, and it became a massive hit, selling over 3 million copies in total.

It’s also well known for being written by singer-songwriter Noriyuki Makihara.

In a world that tends to rank and compare everything, the lyrics—encouraging the uniqueness only you possess—lightened the hearts of many listeners and resonated widely.

With gentle words and a warm melody that quietly soothe wounded, troubled feelings, it is a masterpiece that has etched its name in J-POP history.

energy flowSakamoto Ryuichi

This is a masterpiece whose delicate, translucent piano tones gently soothe the heart.

The clear, pristine melody played by Ryuichi Sakamoto tenderly accompanies the listener, like a breeze rippling across the surface of water.

Released in May 1999 as a theme for a Daiichi Sankyo pharmaceutical commercial, this piece achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the first instrumental work to top the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart, its simple yet deeply expressive sound resonating with many.

Its pleasant sense of weightlessness offers a moment of peace from a busy day, aids concentration, and provides a serene companion for quiet reading—creating a truly healing experience.

My WayDef Tech

This song by Def Tech is perfect for relaxing by the seaside.

Its comfortable rhythm and lyrics woven in both English and Japanese give you the courage to move forward as yourself.

It also carries a warm message that highlights the importance of bonds with friends.

The track is included on their debut album “Def Tech,” released in January 2005.

It became widely memorable as the song used in a Yokohama Tires commercial, the spring high school baseball digest program “Minna no Koshien,” and as an insert song in the film “Crows ZERO II.” Give it a listen when you’re lost in thought on a sunset beach or when you want to feel calm.

Slow & EasyHirai Dai

Dai Hirai / Slow & Easy (Music Video)
Slow & EasyHirai Dai

With its soothing acoustic sound and warm vocals, this song whisks listeners away to a tropical beach.

It’s a track from Dai Hirai’s May 2015 album “Slow & Easy,” carrying a message of breaking free from the busyness of everyday life and taking it slow to enjoy living.

It was also used as the theme song for Sumitomo Forestry’s “Sakimachi Arai-Minami Sustaina Town” commercial and chosen as the ending theme for TV Asahi’s “BREAK OUT.” Blending elements of Hawaiian music and reggae, its refreshing melody is perfect not only for road trips while traveling but also for relaxing moments in daily life.