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 Those Born in the Heisei Era] Nostalgic Songs That Were Popular in the Heisei Period (31–40)
cherry (sweet cherry; cherry fruit)Otsuka Ai
This is Ai Otsuka’s second single, released in December 2003.
It was used as the opening theme for the music program COUNT DOWN TV and as the ending theme for the variety show Mecha-Mecha Iketeru!.
The portrayal of a couple two years into their relationship—likened to two fruits joined together—is charming, conveying a bond that deepens as they overcome quarrels.
Its bright, poppy melody and lively brass arrangement are sure to lift your spirits.
It’s a recommended track for those enjoying happy times with a partner or looking to start a wonderful romance.
GIFTNissy(Nishijima Takahiro)
A winter song set in a snowy town that portrays feelings for someone special.
Nissy’s delicate vocals gently weave together the city’s holiday lights in the falling snow, a lover waiting at the station, and tender affection for that person.
The lyrics overflow with a bittersweet desire to keep the one you love all to yourself and with earnest expressions of love, wrapping the listener’s heart in warmth.
Released as a digital-only single in December 2014, it was later included on the 2016 album “HOCUS POCUS.” The music video features Moeka Nozaki and unfolds a beautiful visual world like a short film.
Beloved by fans as a winter staple, it’s a song perfect not only for spending Christmas with your partner, but also for those quiet winter nights when you find yourself thinking of someone.
Apply false eyelasheskyarī pamyu pamyu
Released in January 2012 as Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s debut single, this track features Yasutaka Nakata’s dazzling electropop sound and lyrics that intertwine themes of magic and transformation inspired by false eyelashes.
Through the everyday act of putting on makeup, the protagonist’s growing confidence is portrayed with playful, pop-infused word choices.
Pre-released in 73 countries including Japan, the song drew global attention and debuted at No.
7 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.
The B-side, “Kyary ANAN,” was used in a commercial for the job service “an” by Intelligence.
Its unforgettable catchy phrases and melodies have colored many people’s youth in vivid hues.
It’s a must-listen for anyone who wants a boost of energy or loves all things cute.
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.
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.
A Must-See for the Heisei Generation: Nostalgic Hits from the Heisei Era (41–50)
dogwood (flowering dogwood)Hitoto Yo
This is Yo Hitoto’s fifth single, released in February 2004.
Inspired by an email from a friend living in New York, the song was written as a prayer for peace and carries a gentle wish that a loved one’s happiness will continue for a hundred years.
While the original draft included more direct expressions, the lyrics were refined into the prayerful words we hear today.
The song received numerous tie-ins, including serving as the theme for NTV’s Tuesday Suspense Theater, a JRA commercial song, and a 2010 film theme.
It also spent 90 consecutive weeks in the top five of the karaoke rankings.
Known as the most-sung karaoke song of the Heisei era, this classic softly accompanies moments when you want to share in the desire for a loved one’s happiness and when you seek peace in your heart.
cherry blossomMoriyama Naotaro
This is one of Naotaro Moriyama’s signature songs, which likens cherry blossoms—blooming in splendor with the arrival of spring and eventually falling—to farewells and new beginnings in life.
Released as a single in 2003, it was used as the ending theme for the MBS/TBS program “Sekai Ururun Taizaki.” The lyrics depict scenes of friends promising to meet again along a road lined with cherry trees, and saying their goodbyes while accepting the fleeting fate of petals falling, yet holding steadfast to unchanging feelings.
It is a timeless piece that we hope those facing life’s milestones—such as graduation or job transfers—will listen to.
The warm arrangement of piano and strings, together with Moriyama’s clear vocals, resonates deeply with listeners.