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 representing the Heisei period (11–20)
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.
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!
Love SongGReeeeN
In the Showa era it was only about the music, but in the Heisei era—when music and visuals became linked through the rise of video platforms—GReeeeN were artists who dominated the charts purely with their music, without ever showing their faces.
This song, Ai Uta, is one that truly competed on just the music, the lyrics, and the singing.
In the Reiwa era, that may be difficult, but I hope many artists will return to the roots and create music that inspires listeners to imagine the visuals.
I want GReeeeN to keep doing their best in Reiwa as well.
AdventurersDo As Infinity
A rock number emblematic of Do As Infinity, marked by a driving, exhilarating bassline.
It powerfully sings of the courage to step into the unknown and the resolve to forge a path where none exists.
Even if you lose everything, its strong message—to keep facing forward and moving on—sets listeners’ hearts ablaze.
Released in September 2001, the song was also used in a Kao “Lavinas” commercial and became a key track that crowns the climax of the classic album DEEP FOREST.
When you want to take on something new or rally yourself when you’re about to falter, why not belt it out at the top of your lungs?
Et cetera related to the seashorePUFFY
PUFFY was born as part of a project by Yosui Inoue and Tamio Okuda.
Before creating their debut single “Asia no Junshin,” Inoue reportedly asked the two, “Do you like Asia?” With two geniuses crafting the songs and PUFFY’s own genius sensibilities, they brought forth this “Nagisa ni Matsuwaru Et Cetera.” As they celebrate their 20th anniversary since debut, we still can’t take our eyes off the duo as they continue to thrive in the Reiwa era.
TOMORROWMayo Okamoto
When talking about Heisei-era cheer songs, I think this “TOMORROW” is indispensable.
Mayo Okamoto’s voice isn’t sharp or forceful, but that’s exactly why it made me feel, “I’ve got to do my best.” Let’s believe that we can become stronger for every sad thing we go through and endure even the tough times.
Tomorrow is coming for me—let’s keep going while listening to this “TOMORROW.”
Heisei era masterpieces. Hit songs that defined the Heisei period (21–30)
LemonYonezu Kenshi
A genius artist who suddenly appeared at the very end of the Heisei era.
In fact, during the mid-Heisei years, Kenshi Yonezu was known as “Hachi,” a master Vocaloid producer on a certain video site, and a popular artist with over 10 million views.
Honestly, I never thought he’d break into the mainstream.
Through Lemon, the impact Yonezu made was getting even people who don’t know much about music to think, “Music is so cool.” He’s an artist I hope will keep conveying the joy of music into the Reiwa era and beyond.