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!
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- 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.
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- 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)
Black CherryAcid Black Cherry
This is a standout track with sensual lyrics and a distinctive melody.
Showcasing Acid Black Cherry’s overwhelming vocal prowess, it was released in February 2008 and reached No.
2 on the Oricon charts.
It’s a popular song that also earned Platinum certification and is included on the album BLACK LIST.
yasu’s high range, with its solid core, further highlights the passionate lyrics.
The sound, which incorporates jazz and ska elements, is also captivating—perfect for getting hyped during a drive or at karaoke.
With many sexual expressions, it’s also recommended for those who want to enjoy a more adult atmosphere.
First LoveUtada Hikaru
A work by Hikaru Utada beloved as a defining ballad of the Heisei era.
Released in March 1999, the song reached No.
2 on the Oricon Singles Chart and sparked major buzz, including a 15-week streak at No.
1 on the karaoke charts.
The lyrics penned by a 16-year-old and her delicate vocals vividly portray the pain of heartbreak and the unforgettable memories of first love, resonating deeply with many listeners.
Included on the album “First Love,” this track holds a special place in Utada’s musical career.
It’s a highly recommended song for those who have experienced heartbreak or wish to reminisce about their first love.
flower burialL’Arc〜en〜Ciel
This work captivates with its profound poetic world and delicate melodic lines.
Hyde’s transparent vocals evoke both fragility and depth, crafting a moving ballad.
Its beautiful depiction of the changing seasons has ensured it never loses its luster as a Japanese rock ballad, continuing to be loved across generations.
Released in July 1998, this song became a significant milestone in L’Arc~en~Ciel’s musical career.
During the release week, a distinctive TV commercial drew attention, featuring a wanted fugitive barricaded in a building demanding, “Three at once! Bring me three at once!” Centered on themes of love and death, this piece offers solace to anyone who has experienced heartbreak or parting.
moonlightOnitsuka Chihiro
When it comes to songs that made a profound impact on the music scene of the Heisei era, you can’t leave out that song by Chihiro Onitsuka.
Released in March 2001, it was also used as the theme song for the TV drama TRICK, and its captivating worldview together with Onitsuka’s overwhelming vocal prowess captured the hearts of many.
The lyrics, woven from deep despair and loneliness and the complex emotions of searching for one’s identity, leave a powerful impression on listeners while evoking deep empathy.
It’s perfect for listening alone on a quiet night, or for spending a relaxed time together with someone special.
Timeless and indelibly etched into the heart no matter when you hear it, this is a track I can confidently recommend—even to those born in the Heisei era.
SOUL SCREAMhachi to chou
A landmark of Japanese hip-hop, “Hachi to Chou” (The Bee and the Butterfly).
This track by the hip-hop unit SOUL SCREAM is included on their album The positive gravity – An to Hint.
Its source material is The Painter (Who Lives in the Cellar), crafted by American singer-songwriter Paul Parrish.
While retaining the gentle atmosphere of the sampled original, the song showcases powerful rap.
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.
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.