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)
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.
LOVE MachineMōningu Musume.
When talking about idol groups of the Heisei era, you absolutely can’t leave out Morning Musume.
Their song “LOVE Machine” is legendary in the Heisei idol scene, having sold over a million copies.
It was chosen for all kinds of performances, so there are probably still people who can sing it while dancing.
It’s truly one of the songs that deserves to be called representative of the Heisei era!
Heavy rotationAKB48
When it comes to the idol group that ignited the Heisei-era idol boom, it’s undoubtedly AKB48.
Their dominance of the Oricon charts became a true social phenomenon.
Among their songs, “Heavy Rotation” is a masterpiece that achieved overwhelming sales!
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.
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.