A collection of nostalgic hits from the Heisei era: Let’s look back at iconic songs from the 1990s and 2000s.
The Heisei era, which lasted from the late 1980s to the late 2010s, saw a vast number of songs released into the world.
Heisei could be called the golden age of J-POP, producing countless masterpieces, many of which remain popular today.
In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of nostalgic Heisei hits all at once.
We’ve focused mainly on tracks from the 1990s and 2000s, so you can either take your time revisiting them or liven things up by singing them at karaoke.
Now, let’s dive right in and look back at the iconic songs of the time.
- Heisei Song Collection: Iconic Hits That Colored the ’90s and 2000s
- Emotional songs from the Heisei era. Nostalgic tracks that really hit you.
- Songs from the Heisei retro era that will get any generation excited! Timeless tracks you’ll want to listen to now.
- A Must-See for the Heisei Generation: Nostalgic Songs That Were Popular in the Heisei Era
- Iconic ballads of 90s J-pop: nostalgic mega-hits and fan favorites
- [J-Rock] Timeless masterpieces that colored the 1990s. Nostalgic hit songs.
- Old songs from the Showa to Heisei eras: a collection of timeless classics loved across generations
- Popular Nostalgic Songs: J-Pop Ranking [1990s Japanese Music Ranking]
- Unrequited love songs of the Heisei era. Those nostalgic classic tunes.
- A roundup of hit love songs from the ’90s
- Just listening will surely move your heart! A moving song that represents the Heisei era.
- A beautiful melody soothes the heart… Heisei-era ballad hit songs
- Nothing but iconic hits that defined an era! 2000s classics popular on TikTok
Compilation of Heisei-era nostalgic hits: Let’s look back at classic songs from the 1990s to the 2000s (1–10)
innocent worldMr.Children
One of Mr.Children’s signature songs, “innocent world.” Released in 1994, it became a million-selling hit and remains hugely popular at karaoke.
The chorus has a rousing quality that makes you want to sing along, and at live shows fans often join together in song.
The lyrics portray the hope of walking more true to oneself—holding fast to the uncompromising convictions within, even when everyday life feels jaded.
When you’re unsure about something or wondering if you’re on the right path, why not try singing this song out loud?
Youthful AmigoShūji to Akira
Seishun Amigo is a dream unit formed by Kazuya Kamenashi of KAT-TUN and Tomohisa Yamashita, formerly of NEWS, under the names Shuji and Akira.
Sparked by the drama Nobuta wo Produce in which they both appeared, the duo was formed using their character names, and the single was released in 2005, the year the drama aired.
Fueled by the drama’s success and the immense popularity of the two within Johnny’s, it became a million-selling hit.
Beyond the vocals, the chorus dance was widely imitated at the time.
It’s a song that conveys the duo’s strong bond while also evoking a certain wistfulness.
Blue BenchSasuke
The 2005 smash hit “Aoi Bench” is the debut single by the male duo Sasuke.
Released in 2004, it gradually gained attention and, despite being an indie release, peaked at No.
8 on the Oricon Singles Chart.
The lyrics, which express lingering feelings for a woman who was a girlfriend during the singers’ school days, are heartbreakingly poignant.
It’s a staple song for middle and high school choral competitions, and it was included in music textbooks in 2008.
The Johnny’s vocal unit Tegomass covered the song in 2011, and their version became a hit, reaching No.
2 on the Oricon chart.
Heisei-era throwback hits roundup: Let’s look back at classic songs from the 1990s to the 2000s (11–20)
Lovers AgainEXILE
This is one of EXILE’s signature ballads.
It was their second single after TAKAHIRO joined as a vocalist, and it’s notable that “Lovers Again” was also the required song for his audition.
The lyrics incorporate words that evoke winter, and the sound has a calm atmosphere that calls to mind gently falling snow.
It gives the impression of a love story tied to the winter season—expressing heartache while also portraying a wish to convey those feelings of love once more.
In the legendary “Okazail” segment of the variety show Mecha-Mecha Iketeru!, the moment when Takashi Okamura snatched ATSUSHI’s microphone and belted out the song might well have been a historic moment in Japanese television.
Can’t Say Anything… SummerTHE JAYWALK
The song that sings about realizing her wonderfulness only when facing a breakup is THE JAYWALK’s “Nani mo Ienakute… Natsu” (“Speechless… Summer”).
Released in 1991 as their 18th single, it took about a year to catch on and peaked at No.
7 on the Oricon Singles Chart.
In 2005, it was used as the theme song for episode 4 of the Nippon TV drama “Otona no Natsuyasumi” (“Adults’ Summer Vacation”).
It’s a mid-tempo track with a driving beat, and Koichi Nakamura’s mature, sultry vocals are truly captivating.
Love SongGReeeeN
GReeeeN, an unconventional group that balances careers as dentists and artists, released “Ai Uta” in 2007.
It was their third single, and with this song they entered the top 10 of the Oricon Singles Chart for the first time, reaching No.
2.
It’s a love song that conveys feelings directly, with love packed into every corner.
In 2019, a film titled “Ai Uta: Yakusoku no Nakuhito,” inspired by the song, was produced and released.
Longing, poignancy, and strength of heartShinohara Ryōko
Ryoko Shinohara, who is active as an actress, released “Itoshisa to Setsunasa to Kokoro Zuyosa to” in 1994 while she was a member of the idol group Tokyo Performance Doll.
Produced by Tetsuya Komuro, who was at the peak of his popularity at the time, the single became a massive hit, selling over two million copies and achieving double million status.
In 2022, the duo teamed up again for the first time in 28 years to release a rearranged version of “Itoshisa to Setsunasa to Kokoro Zuyosa to.”