Japanese hit songs from 1990. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks
B.B.
Queens, Kome Kome Club, LINDBERG, THE BLUE HEARTS, Hideaki Tokunaga, JUN SKY WALKER(S)…
From among the many classic and popular songs that colored the J-POP hit charts of 1990 (Heisei 2), we’ve selected hit tracks recommended by our studio staff.
It’s a nostalgic playlist that represents the golden age of J-POP.
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1990 J-Pop hit songs. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks (1–10)
Megalopolis of the WastelandHikaru GENJI
Before SMAP, the hugely popular idol group was Hikaru GENJI.
Their early mega-hits are so famous that many people might not remember this song, but it’s also catchy and full of classic idol charm.
Fans of groups like Arashi today should give it a listen, as Hikaru GENJI are like the original blueprint.
Sun’s Komachi AngelB’z
This song is a famous single that represents B’z’s early period.
It sold around 300,000 copies, which was more than enough to be considered a hit in those days.
With its full-on rock sound and energetic guitars, it’s perfect for young and middle-aged listeners who enjoy hard rock.
Where Smiles GoDREAMS COME TRUE
Personally, I think Dreams Come True (DREAMS COME TRUE) is the top-selling female-vocal group of all time.
They seem to sell consistently every year and keep releasing hit singles and albums.
You could say they’re an amazing group.
Come see me, I need you!GO-BANG’S
I remember Princess Princess and Lindberg, but I had completely forgotten about this female-vocal group.
Listening again, though, their lively, glamorous sound is still plenty appealing, and the backing band’s performance is top-notch—I think it’s a really good track.
White LoveSPEED
A romantic ballad that evokes the coming of winter, it expresses a pure, bittersweet love by likening it to white snow.
The song sings of a fateful encounter like a miracle given by an angel, and the wish for that encounter to keep shining forever.
It’s characterized by SPEED’s delicate, beautiful high tones and heartrending lyrics.
Released in October 1997, it reached No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and became a massive hit, selling over 1.84 million copies.
It was also used in a Shiseido Tissere Angel Drop commercial, which drew attention for featuring all the members.
With a heartwarming sound that makes you want to listen when winter arrives, this work is truly charming.
Revisit this classic packed with nostalgic feelings and memories.
THE POINT OF LOVER’S NIGHTTMN
The intro evokes the African landscape, and the brilliantly soaring, searing lead guitar is fantastic—musically, it’s an excellent track.
On top of that, the distinctive, edgy high-register rock vocals ride in, making it a truly outstanding song.
Sexy MusicWink
I didn’t think much of it at the time, but listening now I’ve rediscovered how good a song it is.
Musically, I think it’s more adventurous and sonically elaborate than other tracks from the same era.
That might be thanks to the producer, but it’s an underrated gem you can’t dismiss.