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 (21–30)
MELODYFukuyama Masaharu
It was released as Masaharu Fukuyama’s seventh single.
From this song onward, he consistently made it into the top 10.
As a love song about purely loving his girlfriend, its lyrics are appealing in a way that makes women think, “How happy I’d be if he loved me like this.” If Masaharu Fukuyama sang it to you, any woman would be completely smitten.
To be happyNagayama Miho
This song, which became a hit as the theme for the NHK morning drama series “Eenyobo,” features a gentle, slow sound and girlish lyrics.
Although Miho Nakayama did not appear in the morning drama series, I’m sure her soft, gentle image and beautiful singing voice were a perfect match.
The Last RainYasushi Nakanishi
Although it ranked only 52nd on the Oricon year-end chart for 1993, it became a long-running hit and sold 900,000 copies over several years.
It’s a masterpiece about a man’s heartbreak, with poignant lyrics about still loving a woman even after breaking up that truly resonate.
It has been covered by a wide range of artists, regardless of gender, and remains a timeless song even today.
My dear youMatsuda Seiko
This song became a hit as the theme for the TBS drama “Was I Really That Plain?” in which Seiko Matsuda herself appeared.
The lyrics overflow with a woman’s deep affection for a man.
When sung in Seiko Matsuda’s cute voice, it would make any man feel happy.
The adorable lyrics are also very endearing.
RUNNagabuchi Tsuyoshi
This song, which became a hit as the theme for the TBS drama “RUN” starring Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi himself, reached No.
1 on the Oricon singles chart.
It’s a manly track that sings about how feelings and love matter more than money.
Nagabuchi’s deep voice and distinctive sound are quintessentially him.
Embrace the presentNOA
It became a huge hit as the theme song for the TBS drama “Thoroughly, Love Is…”.
It also drew attention for being performed by the duo of Atsuko Sendo and Eisaku Yoshida, and garnered major buzz because the song was written and composed by YOSHIKI of X JAPAN.
At the time, it was also popular as a duet song in karaoke.
KISS MEHimuro Kyosuke
This song, Kyosuke Himuro’s ninth single, became a massive hit—his biggest to date.
With a sound reminiscent of his BOØWY days and Himuro’s characteristically clear vocals, it won support not only from band fans but also from many women thanks to its success.
I imagine there are quite a few people who first discovered Kyosuke Himuro through this track.