Songs from the Heisei retro era that will get any generation excited! Timeless tracks you’ll want to listen to now.
Heisei Retro is a term that refers to the culture of the early Heisei era, from the late 1980s to the early 2000s.
Items and culture from that time are drawing renewed attention among younger generations.
For those who spent their youth in that era, it likely stirs nostalgia and a warm feeling in the chest.
So this time, we’ve gathered a selection of Heisei Retro classics from J-POP.
Each song is a masterpiece that colored the era, and we hope listeners of all generations will check them out.
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Songs that get every generation pumped! Heisei-retro classics you want to hear now (11–20)
Get fired upDaikoku Maki
When it comes to NHK’s broadcast theme song for the Atlanta Olympics, this is probably the first track many people think of.
Released as a single in July 1996, it became a massive hit, reaching No.
1 on the Oricon charts.
The lyrics portray the frustration of not being able to be honest with oneself, along with the determination to move forward with passion anyway—paired with powerful high-note vocals that resonate deeply with listeners.
Also included on the album “POWER OF DREAMS,” this energetic anthem is perfect for psyching yourself up when it really counts or getting hyped while watching sports.
astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN
This is the third single by the four-piece rock band BUMP OF CHICKEN, who are still beloved by many today.
Used as an insert song for the TV drama Astronomical Observation, it was released in March 2001 and is widely known as one of the band’s signature tracks.
From the ethereal yet driving intro—created by layering eight guitars—it instantly grabs listeners and doesn’t let go.
With its emotional worldview and edgy vocals, this rock tune fills you with hope and is perfect for those moments when you’re ready to take a new step forward.
Da PumpIF
A signature song by DA PUMP that passionately conveys aching emotions.
Released in September 2000 as their 12th single, it peaked at No.
11 on the Oricon charts.
Though ballad-like, it incorporates dance elements, with ISSA’s vocals and KEN’s rap leaving a strong impression.
It was also featured in a Sharp “Mebius” commercial, further boosting its recognition.
This love ballad is filled with the pain of unrequited love and burning passion, portraying both the strength of love for someone and the heartbreak of it not coming true.
An emotional track that resonates with anyone struggling in love.
Grateful DaysDragon Ash
A signature work by Dragon Ash, the hybrid rock band that shook the J-pop scene in the late 1990s.
Featuring hip-hop MC Zeebra and singer-songwriter ACO as guests, it’s distinguished by an innovative sound that fuses rock, hip-hop, and soul.
Released in May 1999, it became the band’s first Oricon No.
1 hit, selling about 900,000 copies and catapulting Dragon Ash into the ranks of top artists.
Its melody, based on classical music, and lyrics that sing of hope for the future and gratitude to friends strike a deep chord.
It’s a karaoke crowd-pleaser and a quintessential Heisei-retro classic.
A Little Love SongMONGOL800
This song conveys a pure vow of eternal love, sung over an exhilarating, fast-paced sound.
Included on the album MESSAGE released in September 2001, it became a long-running hit despite never being released as a single.
In 2019, it was also used as a song within a film, becoming a classic beloved by a new generation.
It’s a track that warms the heart in any situation—whether on a drive or chatting with friends.
Experience MONGOL800 at their best with this powerful, soul-stirring rock tune.
Tree of WadatsumiHajime Chitose
This is the debut single by Chitose Hajime, known for her distinctive vocal style influenced by the traditional Amami Oshima “shima-uta.” Released in February 2002, it became a major hit, reaching No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
The lyrics, depicting a parting from a loved one, resonate deeply with listeners.
The single also includes “Maboroshi no Tsuki” and “Yoru ni Yomeru Uta.” Brimming with Chitose Hajime’s unique charm, this song evokes the nature and culture of Amami.
It’s a timeless piece to listen to when you want to feel the emotions of thinking about someone dear.
Songs that get every generation pumped! Heisei retro classics you want to listen to now (21–30)
survival dAnce 〜no no cry more〜TRF
A dance-pop song with a powerful beat and memorable melodic line.
Released in 1994, it’s one of TRF’s signature tracks.
Produced by Tetsuya Komuro, it skillfully blends Eurobeat and house music, captivating audiences both in Japan and abroad.
It’s also known as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “17-sai -at seventeen-,” and it generated a huge buzz, hitting No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart that year.
Spurred by the success of this release, TRF broke into the mainstream scene.
When you get together with friends from the same generation, why not get everyone dancing to it for some extra fun?