Songs that were hits in the Heisei era are so nostalgic. We've carefully selected timeless classics you'll find yourself humming.
The roughly 30 years of the Heisei era were also a time when the music scene changed at a dizzying pace.
The frenzy of back-to-back million sellers, the melodies that played nonstop throughout the city, the phrases we sang over and over at karaoke—each hit song of the Heisei era is tightly packed with the spirit of its time.
Which track colored your youth? Here, we’ll broadly introduce a range of hit songs that defined Heisei.
Whether you want to indulge in nostalgia or newly unearth Heisei masterpieces, please enjoy!
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Songs that were hits in the Heisei era are so nostalgic. We’ve carefully selected timeless tunes you’ll find yourself humming (1–10)
Winter,againGLAY
It’s a quintessential winter song of the Heisei era that conjures up a frozen silver world and TERU passionately singing! Created by TAKURO while envisioning the landscapes of his Hokkaido hometown, this piece is amazing for the way emotions burst forth all at once from the quiet opening into the soaring final chorus.
Released in February 1999, it still hasn’t lost its charm.
It was used as the CM song for JR East’s “JR SKI SKI,” and was later included on the classic album HEAVY GAUGE.
It’s GLAY’s biggest hit, which won the 41st Japan Record Award, and it will also brighten a 2026 commercial for Car Sensor.
Perfect for when you want to dive headfirst into a nostalgic mood at karaoke! How about belting it out while tracing your memories from back then?
Crimson Lotus FlowerLiSA
This masterpiece expresses the indomitable spirit of a protagonist who, despite enduring harsh fate and deep despair, turns pain into strength and presses forward with hope.
Its energetic rock sound blends perfectly with singer LiSA’s powerful high-tone vocals, and listening to it ignites your spirit.
Capping off the Heisei era, the song was used as the opening theme for the smash-hit anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, released digitally in April 2019 and as a single in May of the same year.
It topped the Oricon charts as both the final No.
1 of the Heisei era and the first No.
1 of the Reiwa era, and was also featured in a Toyota Aqua commercial.
It’s a highly recommended track when you need the courage to face adversity or want to boost your mood and feel refreshed.
LOVE MachineMōningu Musume.
Morning Musume, an idol group that likely had a tremendous impact on the Heisei-era music scene.
Their sound, which exquisitely weaves disco and funk elements into catchy melodies, naturally brings a smile to listeners’ faces.
Their worldview brimming with brightness and humor, as if to blow away economic gloom, is something that makes anyone want to hum along.
This song, their seventh single released in September 1999, became a million seller.
It was also adapted into a drama in 2017.
It’s a guaranteed dance tune for anyone who wants to get everyone involved and fired up.
Songs that sold in the Heisei era are so nostalgic. We handpicked timeless hits you can’t help but hum (11–20)
Marigoldaimyon
It’s a bittersweet yet warm love song that tugs at the heart, with scenes of a summer gone by and unwavering feelings for someone special.
The protagonist’s earnest emotions—the joy of love, the anxieties it brings, and the wish for an eternal bond—come through alongside vivid floral imagery.
This track is the fifth single by Aimyon, a singer-songwriter known for a captivating, androgynous voice, released in August 2018.
Despite having no tie-ins with films or TV shows, it became a huge hit in the late Heisei era and has remained a beloved classic.
With its appealing, soothing acoustic guitar sound, it’s perfect for those moments when you want to look back on past love and sink into nostalgia.
Be sure to take it along for a drive and let the memories blossom into conversation!
Bridge of Gloryyuzu
It’s a grand, ballad-style anthem that colored the music scene of the Heisei era—one that everyone’s heard at least once! It carries a warm message that gently affirms how the struggles and steep paths we never showed others have shaped who we are today.
The beautiful melody woven by piano and strings is sure to give you the courage to move toward the future without hesitation.
Created by Yuzu, this piece was released as a single in July 2004 and moved the entire nation as the official theme song for NHK’s coverage of the Athens Olympics.
It was later included on the album “1 ~ONE~” and peaked at No.
2 on the Oricon charts.
It’s a timeless masterpiece, perfect for those striving through life’s turning points or for milestone moments like graduation ceremonies!
Heavy rotationAKB48
When it comes to karaoke staples and guaranteed crowd-pleasers, you just can’t leave this song out! Set to a bright, classic pop sound, its melody captures the overflowing thrill of being in love and lifts the listener’s spirits.
Released in August 2010 as AKB48’s 17th single, the track took over various media, serving as the jingle for UHA Mikakuto’s Puccho commercials and being featured in Nintendo’s game software JUST DANCE Wii.
The performance by members chosen through fan voting also became a hot topic.
With its fun call-and-response, this song is perfect for singing with friends when you want to keep things upbeat and lively.
Highly recommended for anyone who wants to relive those days and get pumped up!
Don’t give upZARD
When it comes to a rousing, sing-along mega-hit that defined the Heisei era, this is the song, right? ZARD’s sixth single, released in January 1993, is a pop tune whose brisk 8-beat rock sound and uplifting message really strike a chord.
Lead vocalist Izumi Sakai’s crystal-clear voice gently gives listeners a supportive push.
It’s well known as the theme song for the TV drama “Shiratori Reiko de Gozaimasu!” and as a staple for cheering on marathon runners during the long-running summer charity program.
Later included on the classic album “Yureru Omoi,” this track features an easy-to-sing, familiar melody.
Pick it when you want to boost your mood or fire up the crowd at karaoke with friends.