Heisei-era masterpieces. Hit songs that represent the Heisei period.
The Heisei era, which lasted 31 years from 1989 to 2019.
From the 1990s—the golden age of J-POP that began at the end of the Showa era—through the 2010s, when listening habits changed and new artists emerged one after another, countless hit songs were born!
In this article, we’ll introduce the classics that have been loved for many years as well as memorable hits from the later Heisei years—songs that colored the Heisei era.
It’s a wonderful playlist full of nostalgic tracks that will bring back memories just by listening.
Be sure to check out these masterpieces that should be passed down in the Reiwa era and beyond!
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- Cool songs of the Heisei era. Hit tracks that energized the times.
- Songs from the Heisei retro era that will get any generation excited! Timeless tracks you’ll want to listen to now.
- [Heisei Love Songs] A carefully selected collection of gem-like love songs that continue to be cherished even in the Reiwa era!
- A Must-See for the Heisei Generation: Nostalgic Songs That Were Popular in the Heisei Era
- [Japanese Music] Masterpieces of 2000s Pop: A roundup of hit songs from 00s J-POP
- Old songs from the Showa to Heisei eras: a collection of timeless classics loved across generations
- [Heisei Songs] Classic hits from the Heisei era that are popular on Instagram Reels
- A revival hit driven by social media! Heisei-era masterpieces that are resonating with Gen Z today
- Heisei-era graduation songs roundup: iconic youth anthems from the ’90s to the 2010s
- Love songs that were hits in the 2000s. Classic and popular Japanese songs.
Heisei Masterpieces: Hit Songs That Define the Heisei Era (71–80)
Osaka LoverDREAMS COME TRUE
A track that directly conveys the excitement of heading to Osaka to see a long-distance lover.
Released in March 2007 as DREAMS COME TRUE’s 38th single, it was well known as the theme song for a Universal Studios Japan attraction.
The song expresses the complex feelings of the frustration of not being able to meet and the anticipation of reunion, set to a danceable four-on-the-floor beat.
The slightly grown-up-sounding Osaka dialect phrases highlight the protagonist’s endearing charm and are irresistibly cute.
The song is also included on the album AND I LOVE YOU.
It’s a perfect track to heighten those pre-meeting butterflies when you’re about to see someone you love.
road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)EXILE
This is a moving ballad by EXILE, beloved as a classic graduation song.
Released in February 2007 as their 23rd single, the track became a milestone as the 1,000th song to reach No.
1 on the Oricon charts.
It captures the delicate emotions woven from hope and a touch of loneliness that everyone feels during the season of departure.
Parting with dear friends is painful, yet it inspires gratitude for the time spent together and the courage to step into the future.
The beautiful harmonies of ATSUSHI and TAKAHIRO gently envelop those warm feelings.
It was also used as the theme song for Nippon TV’s “Music Fighter” and as the motif for the drama “Sotsu Uta.” It’s a song that quietly stays close to the hearts of those setting out on a new path.
Flavor Of LifeUtada Hikaru
Many of you may have been reminded by this work that words of gratitude, more than words of farewell, can actually deepen the ache.
This is a song by Hikaru Utada, written as an insert track for the drama Hana Yori Dango 2 (Returns) starring Mao Inoue.
It resonates in the chest with a tender warmth tinged with helplessness—the feeling of cherishing not only the sweetness of a relationship, but also the unripe, fruit-like frustration and faint bitterness.
Released in February 2007, the song topped the Oricon charts for three consecutive weeks.
When you can’t quite escape the magical world called love, this is a track that gently validates that complicated state of mind and stays by your side.
It’s a song that surely anyone can relate to and easily make their own.
Heisei-era masterpieces. Hit songs that represent the Heisei era (81–90)
Baby Don’t CryAmuro Namie
When you’re going through tough days or suddenly feel lonely, this is a song that truly resonates.
It’s a single by Namie Amuro, a beloved songstress across generations, released in January 2007.
Many may know it as the theme song for the drama “Himitsu no Hanazono.” With a bittersweet yet warm mid-tempo feel, its message seems to whisper, “You’re not alone,” easing the heart no matter the moment.
Embracing sorrow while inspiring hope to move forward, the song feels like a close friend gently cheering you on by your side.
It’s like a little talisman to listen to when you need the courage to take a new step.
Happinessarashi
From the very first notes of the intro, this song overflows with a positive vibe that clears your mind.
Released in September 2007 as the 20th single by the national idol group Arashi, it also became widely loved as the theme song for the drama “Yamada Taro Monogatari,” starring members Kazunari Ninomiya and Sho Sakurai.
The lyrics, which speak to you and encourage you to start running forward while believing in the future even in difficult times, are truly captivating! Their straightforward and bright vocals deliver a powerful message, urging you to reach out and welcome tomorrow with your own hands.
Listen to it when you’re taking a new step or want to lift your spirits, and you’re sure to get off to a fantastic start!
water lily blossomShonan no Kaze
This is the sixth single by Shonan no Kaze, a track whose appeal lies in the powerful groove born from four distinct personalities clashing and fusing together.
Its passionate beat boldly incorporates soca, the traditional music of the Caribbean, and the relentless mic relay really cranks up the energy.
The song overlays the image of a water lily blooming beautifully out of the mud with the hope of overcoming hardship and living strong.
Released in June 2007, it peaked at number two on the Oricon Weekly Chart.
It also topped the ranking of karaoke songs that burn the most calories while singing—a convincing accolade for an upper-tune that’s perfect for going all out at summer events or in karaoke.
StoryAI
Singer-songwriter AI, born in Los Angeles, captivates audiences with a powerful voice honed through gospel.
The lead single from her May 2005 album “Mic-a-holic Ai” is known as an enduring masterpiece of a ballad that brought her name to widespread recognition.
Opening with beautiful piano tones, the song gently stays close to the listener’s heart and delivers a strong message that you are not alone.
Its outstanding lyrics spread into households through radio and other media, and in 2014 it drew renewed attention when it was selected as the Japanese ending theme for the film Big Hero 6.
It’s a defining song of the 2000s that helps us reaffirm our bonds with the people we cherish.