[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.
- [Hit Songs of 1996] Spotlight on the iconic tracks and popular tunes that colored the Heisei era!
- A collection of iconic Heisei-era J-pop hits: Japanese songs that were massive hits in 1994
- Hit Japanese songs that represent 1997. Recommended masterpieces.
- Hit Japanese songs from 1993: recommended classics and popular tracks
- Karaoke songs that were hits in the ’90s. Classic and popular tracks from Japanese music.
- Hit J-Pop songs of 2015. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks.
- 1990s J-Pop to listen to in summer: classic and hit summer songs
- A 90s girls' band. A popular Japanese band.
- Classic and hit J-pop songs from the nostalgic ’90s
- Hit J-pop songs of 2005. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks.
- [Heisei Retro] Hit Japanese songs that defined the 1990s. Recommended J-POP classics.
- A coming-of-age song that was a hit in the ’90s. A classic and popular track in Japanese music.
- A collection of nostalgic hits from the Heisei era: Let’s look back at iconic songs from the 1990s and 2000s.
[1995 Hit Songs] Japanese classics that colored the music scene of Heisei 7 (51–60)
They are lovers.Moritaka Chisato
Chisato Moritaka’s 24th single.
It was released as an advance single from a best-of album, and because the mix differs from the version on the album, the single version’s audio isn’t available on other albums, making it a difficult track to listen to.
It was also used as the theme song for the drama “Koi mo Nidome Nara.”
Hold my soulHimuro Kyosuke
Kyosuke Himuro’s 11th single.
It was his first single after switching labels, and it’s the song he performed when he made a rare TV appearance in a band-style setup.
It’s also well known for the story that, while singing this song, Himuro locked eyes with someone in the audience and was moved to tears.
HELLOFukuyama Masaharu
Masaharu Fukuyama’s 10th single.
Among his singles, it’s a massive hit second only to “Sakurazaka.” The chorus lyrics and the driving backing performance are striking—it really makes you feel excited as you listen.
Ballads are great too, but personally, I love Fukuyama’s more up-tempo, fast-paced songs.
regret; lingering attachment; reluctance to let goFuji Ayako
A 1995 signature work by Ayako Fuji, a grand dame of enka.
It might not resonate as much with people who mostly listen to bands, but Ayako Fuji is an amazing artist who achieved the remarkable feat of appearing on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen for 15 consecutive years from 1992 to 2006.
Enka truly embodies the Japanese spirit.
Bands are great, but I hope you’ll also give enka and kayōkyoku a listen.
[1995 Hit Songs] Masterpieces of Japanese music that colored the Heisei 7 (1995) music scene (61–70)
I can’t help wanting to see you.Gō Hiromi
An eternal idol, Hiromi Go’s ultimate love song.
I’m in awe of his potential—his vocal ability keeps soaring as he gets older.
Not wanting to be apart from the one you love, aching to see them—you can really feel a man’s emotions in this great song.
I’ve heard many young people nowadays say they don’t need a girlfriend, but it’s nice to fall for someone with this level of passion at least once.
I can’t see loveZARD
ZARD’s 15th single.
You could say every track on it is a signature song.
Even after vocalist Izumi Sakai passed away in 2007, we still hear their music in many different settings.
They were pioneers as artists who didn’t appear in the media, and it’s nostalgic now to recall the urban legend that the person in the photos and the one singing were different people.
Feel Like danceglobe
This is the debut single by globe, who enjoyed immense popularity at the time as part of the Komuro Family.
It was used as the theme song for the drama “Hitori ni Shinaide” and sold 950,000 copies.
With its intro and overall vibe, it fully showcases that quintessential Komuro Family feel that dominated the era—it’s a very cool track.