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 (11–20)
White ChristmasJUN SKY WALKER(S)
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
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’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.
Japanese hit songs of 1990: Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks (21–30)
Love Song AnthologyHoriuchi Takao
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 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.
Aphrodisiac from the lipsKudō Shizuka
In the 1990s, Shizuka Kudo enjoyed unshakable popularity as a top idol.
Despite being an idol, she was a skilled singer, and her delinquent-like vibe resonated with students in rural areas.
This song is still popular at karaoke even today.
Put jealousy to sleepHimuro Kyosuke
This is a smash-hit single by Kyosuke Himuro, who still enjoys charismatic popularity.
The song sold over 400,000 copies, so it was a major hit at the time.
Since the band broke up at the height of their popularity, I think that momentum carried over into his solo career.