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!
- Heisei Song Collection: Iconic Hits That Colored the ’90s and 2000s
- All big hits! A roundup of classic J‑Pop songs that were popular in 2000
- Emotional songs from the Heisei era. Nostalgic tracks that really hit you.
- 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.
Masterpieces of the Heisei era. Hit songs that represent the Heisei period (1–10)
Silent EveNEW!Karashima Midori
With the arrival of winter, you can’t help but want to listen to Midori Karashima, whose crystal-clear voice is so captivating.
Her signature song, Silent Eve, was released as a single in November 1990 and became a major hit as the theme song for the TBS drama Christmas Eve.
Its melody rises and falls gently, and the relaxed tempo makes it easier for those who struggle with high notes to sing calmly and let their voices resonate.
If you sing it carefully over the piano’s melody, it will surely leave a warm afterglow in the listener’s heart.
Consider choosing it for moments when you want to create a serene, mature atmosphere.
Roco LotionORANGE RANGE
Wasn’t ORANGE RANGE a pioneer in spreading sounds like dance music, hip-hop, and rap—now taken for granted—in Japan? A sound without a strong melodic line, rhyme-driven lyrics, upper-body–focused moves—if you trace today’s sound back, don’t you end up at ORANGE RANGE? Even “Locolotion” still sounds completely fresh today.
I think their achievement is significant.
Don’t give upZARD
As a Heisei-era cheer song, you simply can’t leave out “Makenaide.” It’s still featured on certain TV programs and continues to be sung even in the Reiwa era.
Although the vocalist, Izumi Sakai, sadly passed away, her voice lives on through “Makenaide,” continually giving strength to people’s hearts.
Listening to it when you feel like you’re about to give up will lift your spirits.
Masterpieces of the Heisei era. Hit songs representing the Heisei period (11–20)
Just by you being herekome kome CLUB
Kome Kome Club was actually a comic song and funk-style band back in the Showa era.
I’ve liked them and followed them since their debut, so when I heard “Kimi ga Iru Dake de,” I thought their mellowed-out side wasn’t bad at all.
Still, the funky core of Kome Kome Club hasn’t been lost.
We don’t get to see it much these days, but I’d love to see them go full-on funky and playful again, even in the Reiwa era.
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!
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!