[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-Era Love Songs] A handpicked selection of timeless love songs still adored in the Reiwa era! (41–50)
beetle (specifically, a rhinoceros beetle)aiko
A singer-songwriter whose lyrics every woman can relate to and whose inventive melodies and chord progressions continue to captivate fans, aiko released this as her fourth major-label single.
The song was used as the ending theme for the music show CDTV and the variety show Jobireba!?, and its unusual themes and expressions for a love song are undeniably catchy.
Its lyrics—whose worldview makes perfect sense once you listen—and its heartrending melody likely moved many listeners, especially women.
Even as the era has shifted to Reiwa, it remains a beloved, one-of-a-kind track—an emblematic love song of the Heisei era.
ONE LOVEarashi
The 22nd single by Arashi, a five-member idol group hailed as a national sensation whose popularity hasn’t waned even after their activity hiatus in 2020.
Chosen as the theme song for the film “Hana Yori Dango F,” its straightforward, heartfelt lyrics have also made it a popular staple at weddings.
The grand, sweeping melody and arrangement beautifully set the stage for vows from a man to a woman.
Modern yet universal in theme, it’s a gem of a love song that only Arashi could deliver, captivating listeners with its unique charm.
Pure Love SongShonan no Kaze
The fifth single from Shonan no Kaze, a four-member reggae group known for their high-energy live performances that perfectly suit the summer beach and send audiences into a frenzy.
The lyrics, woven from emotional vocals and fiery rap, convey straightforward love for a partner and really resonate.
Their down-to-earth message—capturing the flow of time, vivid scenes, and the protagonist’s feelings—likely led many listeners to overlap it with moments spent with someone special.
It’s a track that reaffirms Shonan no Kaze’s depth of musicality and expressive power, distinct from their towel-swinging, raucous upper-tunes.
Baby, I love youTEE
This is the second single by singer-songwriter TEE, whose distinctive musical sensibility shines through in his self-taught vocals and composition, creating songs from melody ideas born out of intuitive, humming-based inspiration.
Known for multiple tie-ins, including the music program COUNT DOWN TV, and for numerous covers by various artists, this track is one of TEE’s signature songs.
The melodious rap laid over acoustic guitar and the heartfelt chorus blend with the clumsy yet sincere message of love to strike a chord in the listener.
Including cover versions, it has surpassed 10 million downloads, making it a Heisei-era classic that stands out in J-POP history.
I miss you so much and want to see you.Nishino Kana
This is the 10th single by singer Kana Nishino, who enjoyed popularity with lyrics that empathize with women’s feelings and catchy pop tunes, yet announced a hiatus in 2019.
Often praised as an example of “Kana Nishino’s lyrical trait of using familiar, accessible words,” this signature song drew attention for its impactful, standout keywords.
Its heartrending lyrics vividly evoke the inability to forget a former lover—something that may resonate not only with women but also with men who connect it to their own experiences.
With a melody that is both wistful and catchy, it’s a love song that resonates deeply and epitomizes a pop singer who defined the Heisei era.
Lovers AgainEXILE
A gem of a medium-tempo ballad that sings of the resolve and hope to step into a new love after recovering from heartbreak.
It strikingly captures the emotional growth of being able to cherish past pain, even while still carrying a heavy heart.
Released in January 2007 and featured in au’s “LISMO!” campaign commercial, the song peaked at No.
2 on the Oricon singles chart and ranked in the karaoke top 10 for three consecutive years.
Why not take a moment in a warm room to soak in the voice that gently seeps into your heart, and reflect anew on your feelings for someone special?
TSUNAMISazan Ōrusutāzu
Known as a quintessential band that embodies summer in the J-pop scene, Southern All Stars is a five-member rock group that has captivated fans for many years with songs of powerful impact.
This is their 44th single.
The track was used as the theme song for the “Mirai Nikki III” segment on the variety show “U-nan no Hontoko!” and is one of the rare numbers in J-pop history to achieve triple million sales.
The lyrics, which depict a life-changing encounter and the heartache of losing it, evoke the story of a grand romance.
With its gentle melody and richly layered ensemble that resonates deeply, it is an immortal classic.