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)
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~.
Love ForeverKatō Miriya × Shimizu Shōta
Released in May 2009, this is a bittersweet R&B love song by Miliyah Kato and Shota Shimizu.
The lyrics unfold as a duet from both male and female perspectives, portraying the joy and sorrow of love at the same time.
The contrast between the happiness of meeting and the pain of parting is interwoven, with the imagery of memories continuing to shine like stars leaving a strong impression.
The song won Best Collaboration Video at the MTV VMAJ 2010.
It’s a perfect track for when you want to feel the poignancy of romance or look back on memories with someone special.
[A Must-See for Those Born in the Heisei Era] Nostalgic Songs That Were Popular in the Heisei Period (31–40)
May it be filled with kindnessJUJU
This is a rock ballad by JUJU released in 2009.
As the theme song for Nissan’s Cube commercial, it touched the hearts of many.
The lyrics express deep gratitude to the person who taught the singer the meaning of life at times when, amid unchanging days, she felt she might lose sight of what truly matters.
JUJU’s powerful yet delicate vocals convey a straightforward resolve to keep loving, even when apart.
It’s a timeless song that gently stays by your side when you want to renew your feelings for someone important or when you need a little warmth in your heart.
Close your eyesHirai Ken
Singer-songwriter Ken Hirai captivates listeners with his deep, resonant voice.
This work poignantly yet purely sings of love—bearing the sense of loss after losing a loved one, yet being able to meet them in your heart whenever you close your eyes.
The lingering traces of absence in everyday life intersect with warm memories of the past, evoking a tightness in the chest.
Released in April 2004 as his 20th single, the song was written as the theme for the film “Crying Out Love, in the Center of the World” and became a million-selling smash hit.
It is a gem of a ballad that stirs the heart—perfect for nights when you want to immerse yourself in memories of someone precious or quietly let the tears fall.
Peach-Colored Unrequited LoveMatsuura Aya
Released in February 2002 as Aya Matsuura’s fifth single, this song was featured in Shiseido’s “Tissera Mune-Kyun Peach” commercial, which also drew attention for Matsuura’s own appearance.
It peaked at No.
2 on the Oricon Weekly Chart, sold over 220,000 copies, and was included on the album T.W.O.
The lyrics liken the flutter of unrequited love to a peach-pink hue, and the bouncy melody that kicks off with a shouted call is instantly memorable—just listening to it lifts your spirits.
It’s the perfect track for getting hyped at karaoke with friends after school or for those heart-pounding moments when you’re nursing a crush.
FlowerORANGE RANGE
A gem of a ballad that portrays a heartrending farewell and a wish for reunion.
The song delicately weaves the tenderness born from limited time with a loved one and the earnest desire to protect their smile.
With a background of the lyrics being rewritten into a more positive tone, it carries a warmth in which a ray of hope shines through the sadness.
Released in October 2004, it touched many hearts as the theme song for the film “Be With You.” It topped the Oricon weekly chart for a total of four weeks and was the No.
1 karaoke song of 2005.
It’s a track that stays by your side when you want to reflect on precious moments with family or a partner, or when you want to savor the feeling of thinking of someone special.
Heavy rotationAKB48
Released as their 17th single in 2010, this song became a national hit as one of AKB48’s signature tracks, something you’d hear almost daily on karaoke and TV.
Its cute lyrics, set to a brisk rock tempo, sing honestly about a straightforward crush, capturing the fluttery excitement of love that everyone experiences at least once.
The way it surges from the chorus is irresistibly catchy, making you want to sing along, and it’s designed so friends and groups can enjoy the chorus and dance together.
It was heavily aired as the CM song for UHA Mikakutou’s “Puccho,” and in karaoke it set a record by ranking No.
1 for a total of 81 weeks in 2012.
It’s the perfect number for sharing that love-struck feeling with everyone or getting the whole room hyped at karaoke.