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)
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.
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.
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.”
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.
beetle (specifically, a rhinoceros beetle)aiko
In Kansai where I live, I used to support aiko as she worked hard aiming for a major debut.
I believe that earnest attitude of hers hasn’t changed even now.
When Kabutomushi became a hit, I was truly happy, and I’m also very glad she became one of the defining artists of the Heisei era.
I’m looking forward to her success in the Reiwa era as well.