[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 curated selection of timeless love songs still cherished in the Reiwa era! (11–20)
Snow BlossomNakajima Mika
A signature song by Mika Nakashima that portrays a love story set against a snowy backdrop.
The scene of walking hand in hand with a lover in the cold evening breeze is depicted with poignant beauty.
The lyrics simultaneously convey a vow of eternal love and a premonition of parting, leaving some listeners with an ache in their hearts.
Released in 2003 and used in a Meiji Seika commercial, this track has become an indispensable favorite at Nakashima’s concerts and tours.
When you want to reflect on your feelings for someone special in the quiet of winter, be sure to give it a listen.
EverythingMISIA
A quintessential ballad of the Heisei era.
Its majestic string arrangement and MISIA’s overwhelming vocal prowess blend beautifully to move the listener’s heart.
Released in October 2000, it became a social phenomenon, topping JASRAC’s royalties distribution ranking the following year.
Chosen as the theme song for the drama “Yamato Nadeshiko,” it remains etched in the memories of many.
The lyrics—expressing deep love and gratitude for a lover or someone dear—have a timeless appeal, making it a karaoke staple.
A warm, uplifting song that supports you through many moments in life.
The Future Projection IIDREAMS COME TRUE
A quintessential masterpiece of the Heisei era! The lyrics, which portray deep love that never fades with time, resonate with many people.
Included on the album “LOVE GOES ON…” released in November 1989, this song has since been re-recorded in various forms and featured across numerous media.
In 2007, it was even used as an insert song in a film, continuing to be cherished across generations.
The musicality woven by Miwa Yoshida’s overwhelming vocal power and Masato Nakamura’s arrangements gently embraces the listener’s heart.
With its relaxed melody line, it’s easy to sing at karaoke—why not try singing it together with someone special?
AutomaticUtada Hikaru
Utada Hikaru’s debut single stylishly expresses the feeling of overflowing love that can’t be contained just by being near someone.
It portrays the pure emotions of waiting for the phone to ring and the sense of relief that comes from hearing the other person’s voice, vividly capturing the complex heart of a girl in love, where joy and anxiety intertwine.
Released in December 1998, the song was used as the ending theme for the variety show “Warau Inu no Seikatsu – YARANEVA!! -” and quickly became a social phenomenon, achieving double-million sales.
The gals of the time surely resonated with its raw, authentic emotions.
SakurazakaFukuyama Masaharu
This is the 15th single by Masaharu Fukuyama, a singer-songwriter from Nagasaki who has continued to thrive both as an actor and a musician.
The song was used as the theme for the ‘Mirai Nikki V’ segment of the variety show ‘U-nan no Hontoko!’.
Its lyrics—said to be inspired by Fukuyama’s own heartbreak—are poignantly moving.
Even after a breakup, the lingering feelings for a former partner are something anyone who has experienced heartbreak can relate to.
With Fukuyama’s soothing low voice, this is one of the quintessential sakura songs of the Heisei era.
Just… I want to see youEXILE
“Just… I Want to See You” is a song from the first chapter of EXILE, when ATSUSHI and SHUN were on vocals.
For those who spent their student years in the 2000s, listening to EXILE may bring back memories of their youth.
Some of you might even have listened to this song on repeat after a breakup, as it poignantly captures lingering feelings of heartache and sorrow.
[Heisei Love Songs] A curated selection of exquisite love songs that continue to be cherished in the Reiwa era! (21–30)
Time goes byEvery Little Thing
This work, which marked Every Little Thing’s best-selling record, is a hit song emblematic of the Heisei era, featured not only as the theme for the drama “Sweet Marriage” but also in multiple commercials.
It opens with an intro that evokes a touch of loneliness, and Kaori Mochida’s clear, beautiful vocals further heighten the song’s poignant atmosphere.
Though the couple once loved each other, they gradually fell out of sync and eventually broke up.
The lyrics portray both the pain of parting and the pair’s determination to move forward, striking a chord with anyone who listens.