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 Love Songs] A carefully selected collection of gem-like love songs that continue to be cherished even in the Reiwa era!
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- [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
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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.
Masterpieces of the Heisei era. Hit songs that represent the Heisei period (1–10)
Marigoldaimyon
A major singer-songwriter who suddenly appeared at the end of the Heisei era.
Not in a bad way, she looks like an ordinary girl, and this “Marigold” has no difficult chords—you can sing and play it on guitar with just a bit of practice.
She showed that even an ordinary girl, given the chance, could stand on the stage of the Budokan, and gave us that dream—she’s a great artist.
With unadorned lyrics that sing what we want to say on our behalf, she truly is a wonderful artist who represents both the Heisei and Reiwa eras.
AutomaticUtada Hikaru
Utada Hikaru’s debut single “Automatic” sent shockwaves through the scene and left an indelible impact from the moment it was released.
A born charismatic from her debut, Utada is an artist you simply can’t leave out when discussing the music of the Heisei era.
It’s said she spent much of her childhood in the studio—and no wonder, as she’s the daughter of Keiko Fuji.
Be sure to give Utada Hikaru’s classic “Automatic” a listen!
MHamasaki Ayumi
When discussing the music scene of the Heisei era, you simply can’t leave out Ayumi Hamasaki.
She essentially created a genre called “Ayumi Hamasaki.” Many artists followed in her footsteps, but that monumental legacy remains unshaken.
And M is her biggest and most powerful track.
It’s a simple rock tune, yet somehow it brings tears to your eyes as you listen.
If you haven’t heard it, I highly recommend it.
My Past Life, Many Lifetimes AgoRADWIMPS
RADWIMPS’s “Zenzenzense,” which also serves as the theme song for the animated film Your Name, is a long-running hit that enjoyed immense popularity in the late Heisei era.
The song even sparked a band boom, with many groups covering it—proof of how beloved it is.
When it comes to popular rock bands of the Heisei period, RADWIMPS stands out!
The One and Only Flower in the WorldSMAP
The Heisei era’s nationwide megahit song, “Sekai ni Hitotsu Dake no Hana.” When you thought of Johnny’s, you thought of SMAP, right? It’s also well known that Noriyuki Makihara wrote and composed it.
Its easy-to-listen-to melody is so catchy you can remember it after just one listen, and it’s a song loved by many.
Truly the best song of the Heisei era!