Hit Japanese songs from 1993: recommended classics and popular tracks

Surely more than anyone else in the worldNagayama Miho & WANDS

Surely more than anyone else in the world

This is a legendary duet song by Miho Nakayama & WANDS, also known as the theme song of a drama that became a major hit starring Miho Nakayama.

Produced by Being and composed by Tetsuro Oda, it was created by a lineup that epitomized the 1990s music scene.

The earnest lyrics about believing in a fateful reunion are deeply moving.

Many listeners were surely captivated by the interplay between Miho Nakayama’s clear, crystalline vocals and WANDS’ Sho Uesugi’s passionate singing.

The chorus, where their voices intertwine, brims with the exhilaration of a miraculous moment.

It’s a timeless, gem-like love song.

As I love and as I please, you’re the only one I won’t hurt.B’z

B'z / As Love Is, As Selfish As I Am, I Won't Hurt Anyone But You

At the same time that it became B’z’s biggest hit, it achieved an astonishing level of success, including four consecutive weeks at No.

1 on the Oricon weekly chart.

Its long title also became a talking point.

Precisely because B’z is known for rarely appearing in the media, their flashy live shows are something you’d want to see at least once.

Cactus FlowerZaitsu Kazuo

Kazuo Zaitsu: Cactus Flower (theme song of “Under One Roof”)

This song, which became a big hit as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “Under One Roof,” is based on Kazuo Zaitsu’s own experience of a broken heart, and the lyrics reflect the lived-in feel of cohabitation.

Although it’s about heartbreak, it’s a song that makes you feel positive—ready to work hard and move forward toward a new life.

If only I had held you tighterWANDS

WANDS If I Had Held You Tighter (ORIGINAL)

This is WANDS’ biggest hit, released when they debuted as a three-man band.

It came out in 1992, continued to chart for a long time, and became a million-seller the following year, in 1993.

Its refreshing vocals and soaring high notes are instantly appealing, and the track showcases the remarkable singing ability of the vocalist, Sho Uesugi.

TearsX JAPAN

X JAPAN – TEARS

This is X JAPAN’s smash-hit ballad that reached No.

2 on the Oricon charts.

It was later revealed that YOSHIKI, a member of the band who wrote the lyrics, penned them in memory of his late father.

Toshi’s soaring vocals and the heartrending melody, true to the song’s title, bring listeners to tears.

It’s a very beautiful ballad.

Don’t give upZARD

Don't Give Up – ZARD (Full)

It’s ZARD’s biggest hit and the song that raised the band’s profile.

It has become customary for all the performers to join in a mass sing-along as the charity marathon nears its finish during NTV’s annual 24-Hour Television “Love Saves the Earth.” Even now, it continues to be sung as an uplifting, energizing song.

I can’t wait for summerTUBE

Can't Wait for Summer / TUBE (with lyrics)

This is the song with which TUBE topped the Oricon charts for the first time.

Cementing the phrase “summer means TUBE” as a staple, the track shines with its summery sound and Maeda’s soaring high notes as the vocalist.

It also marked their first appearance on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when summer comes around.