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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- 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-era masterpieces. Hit songs that represent the Heisei period (51–60)
Golden Time LoverSukima Suichi
A track by Sukima Switch, who have pursued exhilarating, high-velocity numbers since their debut, released in October 2009 as their 12th single.
Chosen as the opening theme for the anime Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, its lyrics—centered on gambling and inspired by the work’s concept of “equivalent exchange”—convey a palpable resolve and tension: the willingness to stake something to gain something.
Venturing into new territory with the introduction of English lyrics, this energetic pop tune is also a perfect companion for drives that call for a sense of speed.
Love ForeverKatō Miriya × Shimizu Shōta
Released in May 2009, this is a bittersweet R&B love song by Miliyah Kato and Shota Shimizu.
The lyrics unfold as a duet from both male and female perspectives, portraying the joy and sorrow of love at the same time.
The contrast between the happiness of meeting and the pain of parting is interwoven, with the imagery of memories continuing to shine like stars leaving a strong impression.
The song won Best Collaboration Video at the MTV VMAJ 2010.
It’s a perfect track for when you want to feel the poignancy of romance or look back on memories with someone special.
Everythingarashi
Arashi’s 27th single, released in July 2009.
It’s crafted as a summer song where freshness intersects with poignancy.
The lyrics carry a message about believing in tomorrow and continuing to move forward, portraying a protagonist who keeps facing ahead even when tempted to stop—there’s a warmth that gently pushes the listener on.
Chosen as the theme for au’s “A Different Summer from Last Year” commercial, it topped the Oricon weekly singles chart.
With piano and strings riding a four-on-the-floor rhythm to create a sense of speed, it’s a classic that evokes late summer and sunset.
My Girlarashi
Released in November 2009, this song was used as the theme for the TV Asahi drama “My Girl,” starring Masaki Aiba.
Its warm, string-rich sound gently embraces both the regret of unspoken feelings and the resolve to keep believing in the future.
In the music video, the five members are portrayed as brothers, depicting family bonds and the determination to move forward while carrying their past.
The single sold approximately 432,000 copies in its first week, debuting at No.
1 on the Oricon weekly chart.
It’s a highly recommended track for moments when you want to reconnect with the bonds you share with family or loved ones, or when you need a gentle push forward.
First LoveFukuyama Masaharu
Masaharu Fukuyama’s 25th single, released in December 2009.
Although it was not originally planned to be released as a single, the song drew such a strong response after being used in a commercial for Toshiba’s REGZA LCD TVs that it was hastily put out as a single.
The work’s theme is “beautiful memories,” singing of feelings that can never return but continue to live on in the heart.
The choice to write the title as “Hatsukoi” in hiragana rather than the usual kanji for “first love” suggests Fukuyama’s intent to idealize delicate memories of the past.
With a heartrending melody and arrangements that reflect the beauty of memory, this song resonates deeply—highly recommended for anyone who treasures precious memories.