[Heisei Love Songs] A carefully selected collection of gem-like love songs that continue to be cherished even in the Reiwa era!
From bittersweet unrequited-love songs to happy mutual-love tunes, love songs are timelessly filled with masterpieces!
They especially tend to resonate with those in the midst of romance.
In this article, we’re featuring “Heisei Love Songs”—romance tracks that were released and became hits during the Heisei era.
These are all songs that drew a lot of attention at the time, so many of you can probably sing along.
You’ll no doubt find yourself thinking, “I used to listen to this so much!” and sinking into a wave of nostalgia.
They’re sure to make for a lively karaoke session if you go with a “Heisei Love Songs only” theme, don’t you think?
- Love songs that were hits in the 2000s. Classic and popular Japanese songs.
- A roundup of hit love songs from the ’90s
- Unrequited love songs of the Heisei era. Those nostalgic classic tunes.
- Heisei-era masterpieces. Hit songs that represent the Heisei period.
- Heisei-era heartbreak songs: A roundup of classic tracks from the ’90s to the 2010s
- Recommended for couples! Reiwa-era love songs that warm the heart
- Songs that make you want to fall in love just by listening! Classic love songs recommended for Gen Z
- Bittersweet feelings come rushing back! Recommended love songs for the Yutori generation
- [Heisei Songs] Classic hits from the Heisei era that are popular on Instagram Reels
- From bittersweet tracks to heart-wrenching tunes! Heisei-era unrequited love songs
- Popular Love Songs & Romance Tracks Ranking [2026]
- Songs to give to your lover or someone you like. Love songs devoted wholeheartedly to your boyfriend or girlfriend.
- 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 handpicked selection of exquisite love songs that continue to be cherished in the Reiwa era! (1–10)
See you tomorrow.NEW!Every Little Thing
A gentle acoustic guitar sets a comfortable mood in this 25th single.
Evolving from their early, sparkling sound toward an acoustic resonance, it’s a gem of a ballad that fully showcases Kaori Mochida’s warm vocals.
Centered on everyday greetings, it softly portrays the sense of security shared with someone dear.
Released in November 2003, the song became widely loved as the theme for the drama “Pure Love III” and in commercials for Hachimitsu Kinkan throat lozenges.
It was also performed at that year’s NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, leaving a lasting impression on many.
Listen at the end of the day, and you’ll likely feel your taut nerves unwind into calm.
It’s a number that stays by your side when you need a quiet breath amid busy days.
Shapes Of LoveNEW!Every Little Thing
A bright, poppy, and exhilarating number that vividly brings back the flutter of falling in love.
Released in October 1997 as their sixth single, it became widely known as the theme song for the TV drama “Intern Nanako.” The glittering synth sound crafted by Mitsuru Igarashi and Kaori Mochida’s clear, powerful vocals are a perfect match.
In fact, this song also marked their first appearance at that year’s NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
The lyrics portray the feelings of love you want to confess but can’t quite put into words—something anyone with an unrequited crush will surely relate to.
Give it a listen when you need the courage to confess, or when you want to boost your mood and stay positive.
Close your eyesHirai Ken
A gem of a love ballad woven by Ken Hirai’s enveloping vocals, portraying deep feelings for a lost love.
Written as the theme song for the film “Crying Out Love in the Center of the World,” it was released in April 2004.
The sorrow of losing someone dear and the aching sense that you can only meet them in your memories are expressed through lyrics and melodies that resonate in the heart.
Remarkably, this track became the first film tie-in song to rank No.
1 on Oricon’s annual chart.
It’s a must-listen for anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one or wants to feel pure love.
Ken Hirai’s soul-stirring voice will surely stay close to your heart.
[Heisei Love Songs] A curated selection of timeless love songs still cherished in the Reiwa era! (11–20)
to youNEW!MONGOL800
Despite never being released as a single, this signature song by MONGOL800 has been featured in a variety of places, including insert tracks that color a film’s final scene, drama opening themes, and commercials.
In 2001, the album MESSAGE—featuring this track and the well-known classic Chiisana Koi no Uta—was released and became a huge hit, cementing Monpachi’s popularity.
Its straightforward lyrics about love and its fresh, powerful sound give courage and energy to both singers and listeners.
Why not sing it while reminiscing about a page from your youth?
CAN YOU CELEBRATE?Amuro Namie
When it comes to ballads by Namie Amuro, the diva who defined the Heisei era, many people probably think of this song.
With lyrics praising eternal love and Amuro’s soul-stirring vocals in perfect harmony, it became a massive hit immediately upon its release in February 1997.
It was chosen as the theme song for Fuji TV’s prime-time Monday drama “Virgin Road,” and has since become a beloved wedding staple.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to on a special night with your partner or when you want to feel the bond with someone important.
It’s great for karaoke, but it might be even nicer to listen to together with someone you love.
The Day Love Was BornNEW!Fujitani Miwako, Ouchi Yoshiaki
A duet song emblematic of the Heisei era, its beautiful harmony and bittersweet lyrics resonate deeply.
Released in February 1994 as a collaboration between actress Miwako Fujitani and musician Yoshiaki Ouchi, it became widely known as an insert song for the TV drama “To You Who Will Eventually Marry.” With gentle rises and falls in pitch and an easy-to-follow rhythm, it’s comfortable to sing even for those unsure of their vocal technique.
The clearly divided male and female parts and the mutually supportive structure are also appealing.
It’s an ideal choice when you want to create a warm atmosphere while sharing a mic with someone at occasions like office year-end parties or social gatherings.
FlowerORANGE RANGE
Released in 2004 as the theme song for the film “Be with You,” this track became one of ORANGE RANGE’s signature songs.
Its lyrics, which sing of life’s transience and beauty and the preciousness of love, along with a catchy melody anyone can hum, leave a lasting impression.
A massive Heisei-era hit beloved across generations, it spent 42 consecutive weeks at No.
1 on the Oricon karaoke chart.
Why not take a relaxed moment to listen, savoring the heartfelt lyrics of a song that stands by you through memories with loved ones and life’s turning points?