[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)
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.
LOVE LOVE LOVEDREAMS COME TRUE
The duo DREAMS COME TRUE, a band that captivates fans with pop songs showcasing an overwhelmingly powerful, almost un-Japanese level of vocal prowess, released this as their 18th single.
The track was used as both the main theme and an insert song for the TV drama “Say You Love Me,” and was issued as a double A-side single together with “Arashi ga Kuru,” which also served as an insert song.
Overflowing love packed into its brief lyrics and the richly layered choral work surely gave courage to many listeners.
In 1998, it was even included in high school music textbooks, making it a gem of a ballad worthy of being called a quintessential classic of the Heisei era.
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.
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.
KanadeSukima Suichi
This is the second single by the musical duo Sukima Switch, who continue to captivate fans with songs themed around being true to oneself and a sound that constantly evolves through ongoing experimentation.
Featured as an insert song in the film “Rough,” it became a long-running hit, supported by numerous tie-ins and cover versions.
Centered on the theme of parting, its lyrics will feel vividly real to anyone who has experienced heartbreak.
With a bittersweet yet beautiful melody that pierces the heart, it’s a beloved Heisei-era ballad and a karaoke staple.