A Must-See for the Heisei Generation: Nostalgic Songs That Were Popular in the Heisei Era
It’s only been a few years since the Reiwa era began, but trends like “Heisei-era clichés” are already popular.
Among them, music is especially loved as nostalgic oldies.
So this time, we’re introducing “classic Heisei-era songs we recommend to people born in the Heisei era”!
The Heisei period was a time when many new music genres were born, with club music—especially UK garage and dubstep—undergoing major changes.
In addition to dance music and mainstream J-pop, we’ve also picked standout tracks from lesser-known genres like R&B and jazz rock.
If you were born in the Heisei era, be sure to check them out!
- Emotional songs from the Heisei era. Nostalgic tracks that really hit you.
- Heisei-era masterpieces. Hit songs that represent the Heisei period.
- All big hits! A roundup of classic J‑Pop songs that were popular in 2000
- A collection of nostalgic hits from the Heisei era: Let’s look back at iconic songs from the 1990s and 2000s.
- Songs from the Heisei retro era that will get any generation excited! Timeless tracks you’ll want to listen to now.
- Cool songs of the Heisei era. Hit tracks that energized the times.
- Heisei Song Collection: Iconic Hits That Colored the ’90s and 2000s
- [Heisei Love Songs] A carefully selected collection of gem-like love songs that continue to be cherished even in the Reiwa era!
- Love songs that were hits in the 2000s. Classic and popular Japanese songs.
- Nothing but iconic hits that defined an era! 2000s classics popular on TikTok
- From emotional tracks to exhilarating tunes! Heisei-era youth songs
- A revival hit driven by social media! Heisei-era masterpieces that are resonating with Gen Z today
- Heisei-era masterpieces: Easy to sing! Carefully selected songs recommended for karaoke choices!
[A Must-See for the Heisei Generation] Nostalgic Songs That Were Popular in the Heisei Era (21–30)
User ManualNishino Kana
Kana Nishino’s 27th single, used as the theme song for the film “No Longer Heroine,” released in September 2015.
Its unique lyrics, which liken a woman’s delicate emotions to an instruction manual, became a hot topic and won the Grand Prize at the 57th Japan Record Awards.
The lyrics, where she introduces herself through the metaphor of a user manual, are both chuckle-worthy and heart-fluttering just by listening.
The song is included on her 6th album, “Just LOVE,” and has become a wedding staple.
It’s a perfect love song not only for those with a crush or in a relationship, but also for when you want to convey your feelings to your partner.
VINUSHKADIR EN GREY
DIR EN GREY is a visual kei rock band, and one of their signature songs is “VINUSHKA.” The track served as the lead single from the album UROBOROS and was later used as the theme for the Japanese trailer of the film Survival of the Dead.
The title “VINUSHKA” means “sin,” and the song explores the darkness within the human psyche, with imagery that also evokes the atomic bomb.
At roughly nine and a half minutes, it’s notably long and highly immersive.
The somewhat provocative music video is also worth noting.
LOVE LOVE LOVEDREAMS COME TRUE
Starting with an arresting call, this piece earnestly depicts a love hidden deep in the heart—so close to being spoken, yet left unsaid.
The words woven by Miwa Yoshida truly seep into the listener’s soul.
Released in July 1995 as DREAMS COME TRUE’s 18th single, it became a massive hit, selling over two million copies as the theme song for the drama “Tell Me You Love Me.” With its relaxed tempo and minimal leaps in pitch, it’s a comforting choice even for those who aren’t confident singers.
Because it’s a song known across generations, picking it at karaoke with coworkers or friends is sure to create a warm moment where everyone hums along together.
DearestHamasaki Ayumi
A singer-songwriter who reigned at the pinnacle of the J-POP scene as a “charismatic icon for high school girls,” Ayumi Hamasaki released her 24th single in September 2001.
Widely beloved as the ending theme for the TV anime Inuyasha and as a song for Tu-Ka commercials, it is a renowned ballad that won the 43rd Japan Record Award.
Set to a grand melody woven by piano and strings, the lyrics convey a heartfelt resolve to accept parting and loss while continuing to wish for the other person’s happiness.
It’s a gem of a number you’ll want to listen to while thinking of someone dear, as the season begins to carry a hint of winter.
Like tonight’s moonElefanto Kashimashi
This song portrays a poignant longing for lost days and love.
Showcasing Hiroji Miyamoto’s distinctive voice and passionate performance, it was released in July 1997.
Created as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Because the Moon Shines at Night,” it marked Elephant Kashimashi’s first drama tie-in.
It reached the top 10 on the Oricon charts and is cherished by many as one of the band’s signature works.
It’s perfect for those who want to look up at the summer night sky and reflect on days gone by.
LovelyOzawa Kenji
This is one of Kenji Ozawa’s signature songs from the album “LIFE,” released in August 1994, depicting the joy of love and the pleasures of everyday life.
Carried by a light, sprightly rhythm and a vibrant melody, it conveys the exhilaration of a protagonist falling in love.
Members of Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra also took part in the recording, with the brass adding a lively sense of motion.
After appearing on the album, it was released as a single in November of the same year and has been cherished by many listeners.
It’s a recommended track for anyone who wants to feel the spark of new love and the brilliance of life.
ButterflyKōda Kumi
A dance number sung by Kumi Koda that expresses the strength and beauty of women.
Like a butterfly emerging from a chrysalis and soaring into the sky, the lyrics capture the joy of setting yourself free and living openly.
The sultry vocals and Latin-infused sound make you feel like you’ve become a confident, irresistible woman just by listening.
Released as a single in June 2005, it was used as the theme song for the TBS drama Ai no Gekijo: “Cosme no Mahou 2.” It won the Japan Record Award the same year and became a classic that also contributed to the massive success of her best-of album BEST ~first things~.
No way to sayHamasaki Ayumi
Ayu Hamasaki’s 31st single, by an artist who epitomized the Heisei-era music scene and garnered immense support as a fashion icon.
Released in November 2003, the song was featured as the theme for the TBS variety show “Koisuru Hanikami!” and is also known for helping her achieve an unprecedented third consecutive win at the 45th Japan Record Awards.
The lyrics, which portray the frustration of being unable to honestly express your feelings to someone important, intertwine with the winter chill to evoke a heart-wrenching sense of poignancy.
This grand ballad, resounding with beautiful strings, is sure to bring back memories from that time.
Joyfulikimonogakari
It’s that catchy, popping-sounding track you’ve probably heard at least once in a Pocky commercial.
Released in 2009 as a double A-side single with “YELL,” it created a huge buzz as the theme song for Ezaki Glico’s ads.
The upbeat arrangement, featuring a horn section and handclaps, pairs with Kiyoe Yoshioka’s bright, smile-inducing vocals to make your body start moving without even thinking.
It’s perfect for getting hyped with friends, and it’d be amazing played at school events or sports days.
It’s also a karaoke staple everyone knows, making it an ideal pick when you want to liven up the mood.
Chocolate DiscoPerfume
This song, with its shimmering synth sound and catchy, repetitive phrases, is included on the single “Fan Service [sweet],” released in February 2007.
It’s a poppy electro track that delivers a Valentine’s Day confession of love, lightly portraying the inner worlds of a calculating girl and an expectant boy.
The refined production by Yasutaka Nakata and the three members’ clear, transparent vocals make for an exceptionally pleasing combination.
It was featured in commercials for Toyota and for sweets, and today it’s cherished every year as a Valentine’s Day staple.
Sing it at karaoke with friends and you’re sure to get the crowd going—dance moves included.
It’s the perfect song for when you want to recall those sweet-and-sour feelings or lift your spirits.