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
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- 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 (41–50)
May it be filled with kindnessJUJU
This is a rock ballad by JUJU released in 2009.
As the theme song for Nissan’s Cube commercial, it touched the hearts of many.
The lyrics express deep gratitude to the person who taught the singer the meaning of life at times when, amid unchanging days, she felt she might lose sight of what truly matters.
JUJU’s powerful yet delicate vocals convey a straightforward resolve to keep loving, even when apart.
It’s a timeless song that gently stays by your side when you want to renew your feelings for someone important or when you need a little warmth in your heart.
Heisei-era masterpieces. Hit songs that represent the Heisei period (51–60)
rainbowyuzu
A song that played as the commercial theme for Nippon Life Insurance and sparked hope in many hearts.
Released by Yuzu in September 2009, this work is notable for its dramatic sound woven by rich strings.
The lyrics, which carry a strong will to move toward the light despite tears, pain, and hesitation, offer courage in the face of hardship.
Production took more than half a year from January 2009, making it one of the most meticulously crafted songs in Yuzu’s catalog.
rainbowKobukuro
A 2009 track that paints a bridge of hope spanning the sky.
Born from a collaboration with JAL, this piece beautifully expresses the theme of air travel connecting people to one another.
Tracing the cloudy sky with a closed umbrella and overlaying hope onto the seven-colored light that appears after the rain, the lyrics resonate like a baton linking the present to the future.
Centered on warm acoustic guitar and featuring Kobukuro’s signature gorgeous harmonies, the sound lingers pleasantly in your ears.
It’s the perfect song for when you want to look up at the sky after a rainy day and reclaim a forward-looking mindset.
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.