[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 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.
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.
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.
Longing, poignancy, and strength of heartShinohara Ryōko
Ryoko Shinohara, who is active as an actress, released “Itoshisa to Setsunasa to Kokorozuyosa to” in 1994 while she was a member of the idol group Tokyo Performance Doll.
Produced by Tetsuya Komuro, who was at the height of his popularity at the time, the single achieved double million sales.
In 2022, the two teamed up again for the first time in 28 years to release a rearranged version of “Itoshisa to Setsunasa to Kokorozuyosa to.”
God of RomanceHirose Kōmi
A massive hit that stands as Kohmi Hirose’s signature song—“the Queen of Winter”—and continues to be sung as a winter staple even in the Reiwa era! Released in 1993, this gem of a love song expresses a woman’s honest longing for her ideal partner through playful lyrics, a catchy melody, and Hirose’s distinctive high-tone vocals.
It also left a strong impression as the theme for the ski equipment store Alpen’s commercials, cementing its image as a “winter classic.” But if you take a close look at the lyrics, it’s actually not themed around winter at all! Even so, when this song starts playing, you can’t help but feel that winter has arrived—perhaps a testament to the mysterious power of music.
