[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.
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[1995 Hit Songs] Japanese Classics That Colored the Music Scene of Heisei 7 (1–10)
Because you were thereFIELD OF VIEW
This is the memorable debut single by FIELD OF VIEW, created by a stellar team of songwriters who supported Being’s golden era.
Released in May 1995, it became a major hit with total sales of about 898,000 copies.
As the theme song for the popular drama “Kagayaku Kisetsu no Naka de,” it reached living rooms across the country and beautifully aligned with the coming-of-age ensemble drama’s worldview.
The lyrics affirm that even worries and anxieties are proof of being alive, offering a warmth that gently pushes listeners forward.
Izumi Sakai’s chorus is also beautiful, and her harmony with the male lead vocal is exquisite.
Only You ~Summer Heartbreak~Sazan Ōrusutāzu
A poignant classic that colored the summer of 1995.
This exquisite heartbreak ballad portrays lingering feelings for a summer romance that has ended, set against the backdrop of a beautiful seaside scene.
Released as a single in July 1995, it became a major hit as the theme song for the drama “Itsuka Mata Aeru” (Someday We’ll Meet Again).
It was later included on the acclaimed album “Young Love,” and has become a special number—so much so that Keisuke Kuwata has called it “one of my favorite songs” among his own works.
The rich, weighty sound and Kuwata’s voice, which gives full voice to helpless, aching emotion, truly resonate in the heart.
love me,I love youB’z
Released in July 1995, this B’z track is a catchy, upbeat pop number.
While its lively brass-driven arrangement feels bright, the lyrics confront the haze of human relationships and the ache of unmet emotions.
Rather than placing excessive expectations on others, it suggests that only you can fill the gaps in your own heart—a message that has likely struck a chord with many listeners.
The music video, featuring the duo in suits walking through the streets of Sapporo, is also memorable.
It’s an encouraging song for adults—perfect for those times when you’re worn out from expecting too much of others or when you want to lift your spirits.
[1995 Hit Songs] Japanese masterpieces that colored the music scene of Heisei 7 (11–20)
【es】～Theme of es～Mr.Children
A majestic rock ballad that portrays the inherent frailty, desires, and conflicting emotions of humanity, posing profound questions to the listener’s heart.
The lyrics, which sing of the resolve to survive in an unpredictable era while carrying unresolved feelings within, are quintessential Kazutoshi Sakurai.
Released as a single in May 1995, it was used as the theme song for the band’s documentary film “[es] Mr.Children in FILM.” Its weighty message—said to have been influenced by the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake—has not faded with time.
It’s a masterpiece to listen to slowly on nights when you feel anxious or lost and want to face yourself.
Overnight Sensation ~The times are in your hands~TRF
TRF, the central figure of the TK boom that became a social phenomenon in the 1990s and brought dance music into living rooms across Japan.
Released in March 1995 as their 10th single, this track was featured in a Honda Motor Co.
“Honda Dio” commercial and used as the ending theme for the film Meteor Garden.
Its groovy sound, infused with soul and funk elements, and lyrics that sing of hope for the future are enough to fill you with courage just by listening.
It’s a song that captures the momentum of the time, when they reigned at the top both in name and in reality, winning the 37th Japan Record Award.
Look at the sky.Sha ran Q
The eighth single by the rock band Sharam Q, led by Tsunku♂.
Chosen as the image song for Nippon TV’s baseball broadcasts, ’95 Gekikūkan Pro Yakyū, it followed the previous massive hit and reached No.
3 on the Oricon weekly chart.
When you’re feeling troubled or stuck, looking up for a moment can reset your mind and help you move forward—the song delivers that positive message over a refreshing acoustic sound.
Released in August 1995, it’s a recommended track to lighten your heart when you hit a wall at work or in daily life.
Song of the TravelerNakajima Miyuki
Released in May 1995 as the 32nd single and the theme song for the television drama “A Homeless Child 2,” which sparked a social phenomenon, “Tabibito no Uta” sold about 1.03 million copies, becoming a million-seller.
Its lyrics convey deep empathy for people who wander without a place to call home, powerfully asserting that even if you lose your past or your love, your dreams will never disappear.
The song gives profound courage to those who feel lonely in modern society.
With its emotional band sound and soul-stirring vocals that strike the heart, it’s a moving number that people standing at a crossroads in life should especially hear.