Hit Japanese songs from 1993: recommended classics and popular tracks
THE TUBA RYU, Doji Morita, Maki Ohguro, WANDS, X JAPAN, Kyosuke Himuro, DEEN….
From among the many classic and popular songs that colored the J-POP hit charts of 1993 (Heisei 6), we’ve selected hit tracks recommended by our studio staff.
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Japanese hit songs of 1993 (11–20)
gajaimoTonneruzu
It’s a massive hit that debuted at No.
1 on the Oricon charts as the opening theme for Fuji TV’s “Tunnels no Minasan no Okage Desu.” The song is about potatoes and became extremely popular at the time, especially among children.
Its comical choreography and music video also became talking points.
manKyūhō Ruriko
This song, a massive hit with over 500,000 copies sold, overflows with all the lousy, intolerable things about men.
It’s precisely because she loves him that so many things get on her nerves.
I imagine many women can relate when they listen to the lyrics.
On the other hand, I’m curious what men think about it.
Angel’s RestHisamatsu Fumina
This song, which became a hit as the theme for the Nippon TV drama “I Want to Be Beautiful,” turned out to be Fumina Hisamatsu’s biggest hit.
Its rock-inspired sound and refreshing lyrics—like being able to happily reminisce with a lover you haven’t seen in a while—leave you feeling clear and uplifted when you listen.
My pager doesn’t beep anymoreKunitake Mari
This is a song that became a hit as the opening theme for the Nippon TV drama “The Pager Won’t Ring.” The drama portrayed pagers—then the main means of communication—as tools for extramarital affairs, and the lyrics, which convey the feelings of a heartbroken woman involved in an affair, make it a painful song to listen to.
A little; a bitDaikoku Maki
It became a huge hit as the opening theme for the TV Asahi drama “Ichigo Hakusho.” The lyrics, which portray a strong-willed woman characteristic of Maki Ohguro, resonated with many women, earning her a large female fanbase.
The powerful vocals are also captivating—so much so that listening to this song after a heartbreak can make you feel more positive.
Farewell to Youthful DaysHotei Tomoyasu
This is a song that became a big hit as the theme for the TBS drama “Kachō-san no Yakudoshi.” It was released as Tomoyasu Hotei’s sixth single after going solo.
The electric guitar sound, so characteristic of Hotei, is very striking.
It’s not overly rock, with an accessible sound that makes me feel like I’m seeing a new side of Tomoyasu Hotei.
Japanese hit songs of 1993 (21–30)
A Midsummer Night’s DreamMatsutōya Yumi
This song served as the theme for the TBS drama “Dare ni mo Ienai” (“I Can’t Tell Anyone”), and alongside the show’s success it became a million seller.
It turned out to be Yumi Matsutoya’s biggest hit.
Many musicians have covered it to this day, and it continues to be performed in a variety of arrangements.