Japanese hit songs from 1990. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks

Christmas EveYamashita Tatsuro

Nana Eikura stars in Tatsuro Yamashita’s “Christmas Eve” special movie-version PV

Every year during the Christmas season, this song naturally gains popularity for this artist.

It starts playing frequently around town, and before you know it, that famous commercial is on the air.

The song sold around 450,000 copies, making it a more than substantial hit.

Believe in your dreamsTokunaga Hideaki

Hidemasa Tokunaga / Believe in Dreams

This person’s high-pitched voice hasn’t changed from the past to the present.

They have a unique presence, and their clear, transparent voice is still often imitated at karaoke.

Being able to hit those notes at karaoke was seen as proof you were good—and it even made you popular with women.

Summertime BluesWatanabe Misato

Misato Watanabe Summer Has Come! ~ My Revolution ~ I Like You ~ Summertime Blues

Misato Watanabe was the leading female artist of that era.

She paved the way for today’s successful female artists, so I think people beyond her fanbase should show her more respect.

This song is a timeless classic, so if you don’t know it, please give it a listen.

Salty crescent-moon nightNagabuchi Tsuyoshi

COVER Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi / Salty Crescent Moon Night

The singer-songwriter Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi has had his share of problems and incidents, but I think he’s been successful in every era after all.

Fans are probably drawn to his good songs and his manly, gutsy persona.

The fact that he used to be slimmer also leaves a good impression.

To the City of RainbowsTakano Hiroshi

Hiroshi Takano – To the City of Rainbows (CM Version)

This singer-songwriter created captivating songs that still hold up today.

In this performance video from a TV appearance, they confidently present their music.

You can really feel their love for music, so I can recommend it even to those who aren’t already fans.

White ChristmasJUN SKY WALKER(S)

JUN SKY WALKER(S) – White Christmas

They were a famous punk rock band that shared popularity with groups like The Blue Hearts.

At the time, Japan was experiencing a band boom, and many bands made their debut, but I believe only the truly talented, genuine bands remained in the end.

Breath of DawnChekkāzu

The Checkers “Breath of Dawn” MV

It’s a famous single from The Checkers’ later period, just before they disbanded.

With this song, they broke away from their early idol-style image and established their sound as a genuine band.

Many younger people today may not know them, so start by listening to this track.

Working manyunikōn

Unicorn – Working Man [1992 Live Performance] UNICORN – Hataraku Otoko

Unicorn’s smash hit also sold 270,000 copies in 1990.

It’s still well-known today, so I remembered it as having sold even more back then, but it’s still fair to call it a classic that influenced many young people.

If you’re in a band now, I definitely want you to give it a listen.

Love Song AnthologyHoriuchi Takao

Love Song Anthology

This song was also a hit, selling close to 400,000 copies.

Many of Takao Horiuchi’s songs appeal to the emotions of adults, and you could say they are universal, unaffected by the tides and changes of the times.

And the fact that he’s still active on the front lines today is proof of his talent.

Cut me some slack!Koizumi Kyoko

Kyoko Koizumi’s “Please overlook it~.”

Kyoko Koizumi is supposed to be an idol, yet she also seems like a famous artist, and now she’s a top-tier actress as well.

She must be brimming with talent and able to produce more than sufficient results no matter what she does.

I personally like this classic song because it feels so full of momentum.