![[1995 Hit Songs] Masterpieces of Japanese music that colored the Heisei 7 (1995) music scene](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/bYDExWsMD_g/maxresdefault.webp)
[1995 Hit Songs] Masterpieces of Japanese music that colored the Heisei 7 (1995) music scene
When you think of hit songs from 1995, what tracks come to mind? It was a landmark year when the release of Windows 95 had all of Japan buzzing, and the music scene saw a wave of great songs across diverse genres.
In this article, we’ll introduce the hit songs of 1995—nostalgic for those who spent their youth in that era, and fresh-sounding for those born after.
Even if you didn’t hear them in real time, there are plenty you’ve probably encountered somewhere! Enjoy to the very end.
[1995 Hit Songs] Japanese Classics That Colored the Music Scene of Heisei 7 (1–10)
DESIRELUNA SEA
In December 1995, LUNA SEA rode a wave of unstoppable momentum by successfully headlining the Tokyo Dome for the first time.
Just before that, in November 1995, they released their sixth single—an aggressive number that topped the Oricon charts despite having no tie-in.
Originally composed by SUGIZO, the track is defined by its relentless, hard-hitting guitar riff from the intro and an exhilarating sense of speed.
RYUICHI’s lush, expressive vocals are outstanding as he delivers lyrics depicting irrepressible desire and a shadow-tinged passion.
For anyone seeking a rock sound that shakes the soul, this is an irresistible song.
Body Feels EXITAmuro Namie
Released in October 1995 as the first project produced by Tetsuya Komuro, this work marked the beginning of Namie Amuro’s meteoric rise.
Blending her previous Eurobeat style with the groove of Black music, the sound left a striking impression of her talent as a dance vocalist at just 18 years old.
The lyrics, which depict a relentless urge to break through and find an exit, paired with a beat that makes your body move on its own, offer courage when you want to shatter a sense of stagnation.
It also drew attention as the commercial song for Taito’s networked karaoke system “X-55.” A timeless dance anthem loved across generations, it’s the perfect track for energizing a drive or boosting your mood in high-intensity moments.
wishB’z
B’z have set numerous records and have long led Japan’s rock scene.
Released in 1995, this song is also known for being used as the ending theme of the nationwide music program “J-ROCK ARTIST COUNT DOWN 50.” Takahiro Matsumoto’s groovy guitar intertwines with Koshi Inaba’s powerful vocals, elevating the track into superb pop rock.
The lyrics, which express a will to carve out the future by one’s own strength rather than merely wishing, and which affirm a very human kind of desire, will give you a push every time you listen.
Seesaw Game ~A Brave Love Song~Mr.Children
One of Mr.Children’s signature songs, it features an upbeat, breezy rock sound sprinkled throughout with homages to Elvis Costello, whom Kazutoshi Sakurai greatly admires.
The lyrics, which liken the push-and-pull and frustration of romance to a seesaw’s sway, probe human nature while retaining a touch of comedy, and just listening to it naturally lifts your spirits.
Released in August 1995, it achieved an astonishing total sales figure of 1.812 million copies despite having no tie-in.
It is also known that the proceeds from this single were donated as relief funds for the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake.
masqueradeTRF
Produced by Tetsuya Komuro, TRF is a five-member co-ed dance and vocal group that racked up numerous million-selling hits and helped cement rave culture in Japan’s music scene.
This work, their ninth single released in February 1995, was featured as the TV commercial song for Mitsuki’s Ginza Jewelry Maki “Camellia Diamond.” Its aggressive dance track infused with hard rock elements and lyrics evoking the allure of a masquerade ball draw listeners into a mysterious night.
With a glamorous atmosphere that paints the dazzling lights of the big city, it stands as one of TRF’s foremost million sellers.
Tears Sparkle☆supittsu
The 12th single by Spitz, depicting lovers dreaming on the night of Tanabata.
Released in July 1995, it became a long-running hit, selling a total of 980,000 copies.
This romantic number overlays images of shining tears and a starry sky.
It was used as the opening theme for TBS’s “COUNT DOWN TV” and in a Sharp commercial, so it may bring back memories of those summers.
The song is also included on the classic album “Honey (Hachimitsu),” where Masamune Kusano’s crystal-clear vocals and Tetsuya Miwa’s arpeggios heighten the sense of poignancy.
MessageFukuyama Masaharu
This is a quintessential pop tune by Masaharu Fukuyama, distinguished by its refreshing piano and lively band sound.
Released in 1995 as the theme song for the film “Birthday Present,” it also became widely known as the commercial song for Kirin Beer’s Ichiban Shibori.
It’s famous for achieving the remarkable feat of topping the charts for three consecutive releases, continuing the momentum from the previous single.
With lyrics that straightforwardly say “I love you” again and again, the song brims with the excitement of new love and brightens the listener’s mood.
It’s a great pick for karaoke when you want to convey your feelings to someone special or when you want to bask in a fresh, uplifting vibe.