Heisei Song Collection: Iconic Hits That Colored the ’90s and 2000s
During the Heisei era, which lasted from 1989 to 2019, many CDs achieved million-selling hits.
In addition to songs that became such huge hits they could be called social phenomena at the time, there are also many tracks that remain perennial favorites to this day.
In this article, we’ll introduce carefully selected Heisei songs, focusing mainly on J-pop from the 1990s to the 2000s.
These are timeless masterpieces, so please take your time and listen to each one.
We hope this brings back fond memories for adults, and that younger readers will use this as a gateway to discover other classic hits from the Heisei era.
- Heisei-era masterpieces. Hit songs that represent the Heisei period.
- Emotional songs from the Heisei era. Nostalgic tracks that really hit you.
- 2000s: A Collection of Hit Karaoke Classics
- 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.
- Heisei-era masterpieces: Easy to sing! Carefully selected songs recommended for karaoke choices!
- Resonates across generations! Hit songs that colored the Heisei era, perfect as BGM
- Cool songs of the Heisei era. Hit tracks that energized the times.
- 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
- Songs from the Heisei retro era that will get any generation excited! Timeless tracks you’ll want to listen to now.
- Healing songs from the Heisei era that soothe daily fatigue and stress
- A Must-See for the Heisei Generation: Nostalgic Songs That Were Popular in the Heisei Era
Heisei Song Collection: Classic Hits That Colored the ’90s and 2000s (11–20)
cherry (sweet cherry; cherry fruit)Otsuka Ai
Ai Otsuka’s music made an explosive impact on the J-pop scene! Her appeal lies in lyrics that capture the sweet-and-sour feelings of love and in her catchy melodies.
Released in December 2003, this song became a major hit as her second single.
It’s also included on the albums LOVE PUNCH and Ai am BEST, and it’s loved by listeners across generations.
With its bright, energetic vibe, it’s even used as a cheer song for high school baseball.
It’s a perfect track not only for those troubled by love but also for anyone who wants a boost of energy.
Just listening to it makes your heart leap—such a wonderful song.
Summer Colorsyuzu
This song features a refreshing guitar sound that evokes the arrival of summer.
Its exhilarating progression and summer-themed lyrics bring back memories of youth.
Released in July 1998, this track became Yuzu’s first hit single.
In 2023, a special 25th-anniversary music video was also produced.
It’s a perfect song for summer outdoor activities like driving or barbecues.
It’s also very popular at karaoke and is a great pick when you want to have fun with friends.
AutomaticUtada Hikaru
Beginning with the resonance of the piano, this song is full of charm that instantly grips the listener’s heart.
The lyrics portray both the naturalness and the instability of being in love, expressing emotional fluctuations as if under a spell.
Released in December 1998, the song made a sensational impact on the music scene as Hikaru Utada’s debut single.
It became an unforgettable classic for many, topping the Oricon Karaoke Chart for 13 consecutive weeks.
Seamlessly blending a Western-style groove with Japanese pop sensibilities, this track is a must-listen for anyone wrestling with love or looking to feel a fresh breeze in music.
BLUE BIRDHamasaki Ayumi
Evoking the freshness of a summer breeze, this song seamlessly fuses Ayumi Hamasaki’s striking melodies with powerful lyrics.
Symbolizing hope and new beginnings, the words convey a determination to overcome hardships and soar into a wider world, resonating deeply with many listeners.
Released in June 2006 as Hamasaki’s 40th single, it topped the Oricon Singles Chart.
It was also featured in a commercial for Zespri Gold Kiwifruit, gaining popularity across a broad audience.
Brimming with positive energy, this track is perfect for moments when you want to take a new step forward or need a boost of courage.
Time goes byEvery Little Thing
This work, which set the group’s all-time sales record, is a masterpiece ballad of the Heisei era, with Kaori Mochida’s gentle yet powerful vocals striking straight to the heart.
The lyrics portray two people whose desire for each other causes them to drift apart, conveying a sense of hope for the future even amid the sadness.
Released in February 1998 as their eighth single, it became widely known as the theme song for the drama “Amai Kekkon” and as the CM song for Toyota’s HILUX SURF SSR-V.
It’s also included on the classic album “Time to Destination,” and is a must-listen—especially on nights of romantic turmoil or when you want a quiet moment of self-reflection.
Like tonight’s moonElefanto Kashimashi
The lyrics, which portray the emptiness felt in everyday, fleeting moments and hope for tomorrow, are deeply moving.
Written and composed by Hiroji Miyamoto of Elephant Kashimashi, the single “Koyoi no Tsuki no Yō ni” was released in July 1997 and was written as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Tsuki no Kagayaku Yoru Dakara.” It became their biggest hit and is known for rapidly boosting the band’s popularity.
With a very catchy, easy-to-remember melody line and a relaxed rhythm, it’s perfect for anyone looking for a song that’s easy to sing.
It’s a timeless classic loved across generations, so consider adding it to your repertoire.
Seesaw Game ~A Brave Love Song~Mr.Children
One of Mr.Children’s signature songs, it features an upbeat, breezy rock sound sprinkled throughout with homages to Elvis Costello, whom Kazutoshi Sakurai greatly admires.
The lyrics, which liken the push-and-pull and frustration of romance to a seesaw’s sway, probe human nature while retaining a touch of comedy, and just listening to it naturally lifts your spirits.
Released in August 1995, it achieved an astonishing total sales figure of 1.812 million copies despite having no tie-in.
It is also known that the proceeds from this single were donated as relief funds for the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake.
PRIDEImai 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.
SaraiKayama Yūzō & Tanimura Shinji
A moving ballad featuring two stars who represent the Japanese music scene, Yuzo Kayama and Shinji Tanimura.
The lyrics were written based on viewers’ messages, and the song was created as part of a project to complete it within a 24-hour broadcast.
Released as a single in November 1992, it’s well known as the theme song for Nippon TV’s “24-Hour Television: Love Saves the Earth.” With its relaxed tempo and gentle melodic contours, it allows for easy breathing and is very singer-friendly.
The chorus builds a unifying sense of excitement that brings the audience together—perfect for linking arms and singing along as a group near the end of a karaoke session.
I’m glad I met you.Koizumi Kyoko
Kyoko Koizumi, who has brightened the era as a top idol, delivers a heartwarming medium-tempo ballad with lyrics she wrote herself.
At first glance, the words seem to depict feelings toward a former lover, but did you know there’s a backstory that she actually wrote them by casting her father in the role of the lover? Released in May 1991, the song reached living rooms nationwide as the theme for the TBS drama “Papa to Natchan,” in which Koizumi also appeared, and went on to become a million-seller with over one million copies sold.
The melody, composed by Takeshi Kobayashi, features minimal leaps in range and sits in a comfortable key, making it reassuring even for those who struggle with high notes.