1991 Japanese Hit Songs | A collection of timeless classics loved across generations!
In 1991, when Japan was shaken as the bubble economy began to collapse, music continued to soothe people’s hearts amid anxieties about changing times, and a stream of hit songs was born.
In this article, we’re spotlighting Japanese songs that became hits in 1991! From timeless ballads cherished across generations, to positive anthems that encouraged the Japanese people, to poignant love songs that tug at the heart, we’ll cover a wide range.
Why not look back on “who you were back then” alongside these gem-like masterpieces?
- Japanese hit songs from 1990. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks
- Hit Japanese songs from 1993: recommended classics and popular tracks
- Tear-jerking J-pop from the ’90s. Hit songs and real tearjerkers.
- [Heisei Retro] Hit Japanese songs that defined the 1990s. Recommended J-POP classics.
- Resonates across generations! Hit songs that colored the Heisei era, perfect as BGM
- Anime songs that were hits in the 1990s. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks.
- A heartbreak song that was a hit in the 90s. Classic and popular tracks in Japanese music.
- A coming-of-age song that was a hit in the ’90s. A classic and popular track in Japanese music.
- A collection of iconic Heisei-era J-pop hits: Japanese songs that were massive hits in 1994
- A roundup of hit love songs from the ’90s
- Cool songs of the Heisei era. Hit tracks that energized the times.
- [J-Pop] A Collection of Soothing 90s J-POP Hits
- A heartbreak song that was a hit in the 1980s. A classic and popular track in Japanese music.
1991 Japanese Hit Songs | A Collection of Timeless Classics Loved Across Generations (31–40)
Christmas EveYamashita Tatsuro
I got curious about this song and looked it up, and its first release was in 1983.
It was a hit that year, then again in 1991, and after that it keeps hitting the charts every Christmas season—it’s a monster single, like a ghost that never goes away.
ZUTTOMariko Nagai
If you know this female artist, I think you can proudly say you’re well-versed in the music rankings of ’91.
I had completely forgotten about her too, but after listening again for the first time in a while, I realized it’s a great song.
Her smile has the power to lift everyone’s spirits.
A Love Song I Couldn’t SingOda Yūji
Yuji Oda, who still remains active on the front lines as an actor, also released this song—a major hit single—in 1991.
Although it did not make the top ten in the rankings, it sold over 500,000 copies.
Among actors and TV personalities, it holds the highest sales record.
Memories of Kujukuri BeachMi-Ke
It’s a song by an idol group that really evokes the Showa era and early Heisei period.
However, the fact that a classic, orthodox song like this sold well during a time when idols weren’t very popular has a resonance with today’s trends.
Recommended for fans of groups like AKB.
Eyes to me / He is a friendDREAMS COME TRUE
DREAMS COME TRUE is a wonderful group that has been active and successful for decades.
Their melodic sense is outstanding, and with the female vocalist singing so soulfully, I imagine many fans are deeply moved.
They’re a duo you can continue to expect great things from.
JulianPRINCESS PRINCESS
Princess Princess, pioneers of all-female rock bands, also had big success this year.
They stand shoulder to shoulder with the other artists I’ve introduced—1991 truly was a banner year.
If you’re a woman who plays in a band or plays an instrument, this track is a must-listen.
Goodbye, YesterdayTUBE
Even though TUBE has become firmly associated with being a summer band, they also gained popularity in 1991 with this song.
They had already produced many hit singles, so you can sense a certain confidence here as well.
They’re still a popular group for karaoke today, so I can recommend them.
Parody Song MedleyKamon Tatsuo
What’s amazing about this person is that they can rank around the top 30 in the annual charts with parody songs.
Despite being a comic song in the form of a parody, the fact that they established an entire genre deserves more recognition.
And even now, it still makes you laugh.
An uncool way of getting dumpedŌe Senri
Thinking that even Senri Oe was in ’91, it truly was a wonderful era with so many artists who are still active today scoring massive hits.
Japan still had momentum, and without things like the internet as we have now, you could say it was a fortunate time for artists.
Shake Hip!kome kome CLUB
The group Kome Kome Club has been active for a long time and continues to perform consistently.
The way they seem to genuinely enjoy making music overlaps with groups like Dreams Come True, and I think they’re truly wonderful.
Their live shows are still really exciting, so I’d love to experience one if I get the chance.