[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] Carefully selected gems of love songs that continue to be adored in the Reiwa era! (31–40)
Love Story Comes SuddenlyOda Kazumasa
Singer-songwriter Kazumasa Oda, who rose to popularity with his high-toned voice tinged with transience and his playful character, continues to be highly active today.
“Love Story wa Totsuzen ni,” written as the theme song for the quintessential trendy drama Tokyo Love Story, was originally included as the B-side to his sixth single, “Oh! Yeah!” Its airy, urban arrangement still feels timeless even now.
It’s a pop tune whose massive success makes perfect sense—the opening guitar alone brings back iconic scenes from the drama.
A Little Love SongMONGOL800
A song by MONGOL800, a two‑member rock band from Okinawa, known for its fast-paced sound layered with emotionally stirring lyrics and choral work.
Despite never being released as a single, it has become a well-known number across generations thanks to numerous tie-ins and cover versions.
Its straightforward, youth-punk message is widely loved even in the J-pop scene, where “masterpiece” is often equated with ballads.
Although released in the 2000s, it has surpassed 100 million streams—a quintessential rock tune that can be called MONGOL800’s signature song.
When you’re by my sideKahara Tomomi
Tomomi Kahala’s 29th single.
With Satoshi Takebe as sound producer, this love ballad features a grand arrangement woven from piano and strings that tugs at the heart.
The lyrics—into which Kahala layered her own life experiences and recorded while holding back tears—convey straightforward gratitude and affection for the person by her side.
Released in May 2016, the song was used as the Japanese theme for the film “A Chinese Odyssey Part Three” (Japanese title: Kounenki-teki na Kanojo), marking her first movie tie-in in 13 years.
It’s a heartwarming number, combining gentleness and strength, that helps you feel the immense presence of a cherished partner when you want to reaffirm your feelings or express thanks.
366 daysHY
A four-member mixture band, HY, based in their hometown of Okinawa, is known not only for their music but also for producing a natural brand.
This song, used as the theme for the film “Threads of Destiny (Akai Ito),” is a ballad included on their 5th album, “HeartY.” The lyrics, said to be drawn from member Izumi Nakasone’s real experiences, evoke the raw emotions after a breakup alongside a heartrending melody.
A straightforward message to someone unforgettable tightens the heart—one of HY’s signature songs that continues to be sung across generations.
Last LoveKato Miria
The work she created is a breakup song that perfectly fits the phrase “a heartbreakingly sad love ballad.” Through lyrics she wrote herself, it portrays with striking realism the aimless sense of loss and the lingering attachment that won’t fade after losing the one you love.
The grand, beautiful strings only seem to accentuate the loneliness at heart, and the clear, translucent vocals resonate as if asking a question—so achingly bittersweet.
Released in June 2010 as her 18th single, the track was later included on her acclaimed album HEAVEN, which became her first to top the charts.
When you’re carrying the pain of an unforgettable love, this song gently stays by your side in your helplessness.
[Heisei-Era Love Songs] A handpicked selection of timeless love songs still adored in the Reiwa era! (41–50)
loveback number
This is the fourth single by back number, a three-piece rock band popular for songs that pair relatable lyrics resonating with younger generations and catchy melodies.
Chosen as the theme for music programs such as “Music-ru TV” and “JAPAN COUNTDOWN,” the track features a delicate, comforting ensemble of acoustic guitar and strings.
The frustration of being unable to express your feelings to someone you love is something many will relate to, recalling their youthful romances.
With vocals that heighten the sense of heartache, it’s an emotional number that is sure to resonate across eras.
Love is…Kato Miria
The grand ballad inspired by the classical masterpiece Canon delivers a straightforward message—no matter what happens, we’ll stay together—that truly resonates.
Even when loneliness and anxiety make it hard to see ahead, there is someone who will never give up on you and keep supporting you.
It sings of the strength and preciousness of such love and bonds.
Released in June 2007 as Miliyah Kato’s tenth single, the song also served as the ending theme for the anime Toward the Terra.
Its inclusion in the best-of album M BEST II shows how it has continued to be loved over time.
A pledge of eternal love, this work is the ultimate love song—one that makes you want to stay with the person you cherish forever.