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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- A collection of nostalgic hits from the Heisei era: Let’s look back at iconic songs from the 1990s and 2000s.
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- Uplifting! Heisei-Era Cheer Songs: The Best Hits
- Heisei Song Collection: Iconic Hits That Colored the ’90s and 2000s
- Heisei-era graduation songs roundup: iconic youth anthems from the ’90s to the 2010s
Songs that get every generation pumped! Heisei retro classics you want to listen to now (1–10)
BELIEVE IN LOVELINDBERG
A single released by LINDBERG in July 1991.
Chosen as the opening theme for Fuji TV’s “Yume de Aetara,” this song is characterized by its bright, positive message and catchy melody.
The lyrics, which sing about the importance of becoming stronger by overcoming heartbreak and hardships, are sure to resonate with many listeners.
As a single cut from the album “LINDBERG IV,” it blends elements of pop rock into an energetic and moving track.
It’s great to listen to while reminiscing about one’s youth, yet it’s also a song with enough appeal to speak to today’s younger generation.
SaudadePorunogurafiti
This is Porno Graffitti’s fourth single, notable for its Latin-tinged sound and nostalgic melody.
Chosen as the commercial song for Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s “Pocari Sweat,” it became a popular hit that topped the Oricon charts.
The lyrics, written from a female perspective, depict parting, nostalgia, and yearning, imbued with emotions that etch the pain of heartbreak and memories of love into the heart, resonating with many listeners.
The song has remained a staple in live performances and is beloved across generations in karaoke.
It’s a moving track to listen to when you want to heal from heartbreak or overcome a farewell with someone important.
cherry (sweet cherry; cherry fruit)Otsuka Ai
This is Ai Otsuka’s second single, known for its exuberantly bright sound and lyrics that portray pure romance.
Released in December 2003, it was included on her album LOVE PUNCH in March the following year.
The song was used as the opening theme for the music show COUNT DOWN TV and the ending theme for the variety show Mecha-Mecha Iketeru!, making Ai Otsuka’s name widely known.
Packed with catchy hooks—like the interjections sprinkled throughout and the line before the final chorus—it’s irresistibly singable.
It’s a surefire karaoke hit that gets everyone going, regardless of gender, and stands as a quintessential karaoke anthem of the 2000s.
LOVE LOVE LOVENEW!DREAMS 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.
Pure Love SongShonan no Kaze
This is the fifth single by Shonan no Kaze, a four-member reggae group known for their high-energy live performances that perfectly suit the summer seaside and send audiences into a frenzy.
Woven from emotional vocals and fiery rap, the lyrics convey straightforward love for a partner and really resonate.
The down-to-earth message—where you can feel the flow of time, the scenery, and the protagonist’s emotions—likely led many listeners to overlay it with their own moments with someone special.
Released in March 2006, the song reached a personal best of No.
2 on the Oricon charts.
It became a massive hit, selling over 600,000 copies, and has since become one of Shonan no Kaze’s signature tracks.
It’s a number that reaffirms their deep musicality and expressive power, distinct from their upper-tempo tunes.
PRIDENEW!Imai Miki
This piece resonates with lyrics that portray deep love for a partner and the will of an independent woman, carried by a warm melody crafted by Tomoyasu Hotei.
You don’t need to belt it out, and the melody moves gently, making it a great choice even for those who aren’t very confident in their singing.
Released in November 1996 as Miki Imai’s 12th single, it also became well known as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Doc.” As a tender, soothing ballad, it’s recommended for the latter part of a karaoke session or in a calm setting.
Simply following the melody carefully will make it sound lovely, so consider adding it to your repertoire.
Mini Moni. Janken Pyon!Minimoni.
The debut single from Mini Moni, a unit from Hello! Project, released in January 2001.
It topped the Oricon weekly chart for two consecutive weeks and became a major hit, ranking 15th on the year-end chart.
The song was featured on numerous TV programs, including TV Tokyo’s “Oha Suta,” and was later included on the album “Mini Moni Song Daijiten Vol.
1,” making it a track that thrilled children at the time.
Most notably, it was produced by Tsunku♂, with unique lyrics themed around rock-paper-scissors and a friendly, easy-to-follow dance routine—an irresistibly fun song you can enjoy without overthinking.