[Hit Songs of 1996] Spotlight on the iconic tracks and popular tunes that colored the Heisei era!
In 1996, as Japan was slowly recovering from the bursting of the bubble economy, the music scene saw diverse expansion and a wealth of million-selling hits.
The songs that were popular that year still shine with unfading brilliance along with the atmosphere of the time, moving listeners today.
In this article, we’ll showcase a wide range of classic Japanese hits from 1996.
Take this opportunity to revisit and savor these tracks that bring back memories of those nostalgic days.
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[1996 Hit Songs] Spotlight on the iconic tracks and popular tunes that colored the Heisei era! (11–20)
countrysideTamaki Kōji
A classic song by Koji Tamaki, the vocalist of Anzen Chitai.
It’s their 11th single, which also served as a TV drama theme song, and remains one of their most beloved signature tracks.
Many listeners have likely been encouraged by its message of “let’s live strongly,” delivered over an upbeat, easy-to-groove melody.
DEPARTURESglobe
This is a mega-hit single by the music unit globe, led by Tetsuya Komuro, formed at the height of the Komuro boom.
It’s been covered by many musicians—surprisingly including Hyde and Demon Kakka.
Nearly 20 years later, it was even chosen as a Coca-Cola campaign song, making it a timeless classic loved across generations.
ALICEMy Little Lover
As a single by My Little Lover, it was a hit second only to “Hello, Again.” It was used in the ICEBOX commercial.
Compared to their earlier songs, the digital sound was more prominent, and some may remember that the slightly provocative lyrics became a talking point.
With the internet spreading at the time, its digital content rollout also drew attention.
Pure AsiaPUFFY
PUFFY’s debut single released in 1996 and their timeless signature song.
With lyrics by Yosui Inoue and music by Tamio Okuda, it’s also a masterpiece crafted by heavyweight musicians.
At the time, it was tied in with Kirin Beverage’s “Tennen Sodachi” commercial and became a smash hit, topping the Oricon charts for 12 consecutive weeks.
LA LA LA Love SongKubota Toshinobu
This is one of Toshinobu Kubota’s signature songs, which became a massive hit as the theme song for the legendary drama “Long Vacation” starring Takuya Kimura and Tomoko Yamaguchi.
Naomi Campbell, who was active as a supermodel at the time, is featured on the track.
The reason this collaboration happened, it’s said, is because they lived in the same apartment building!
I’m proudKahara Tomomi
Tomomi Kahara’s biggest hit.
Produced by Tetsuya Komuro, it followed “I BELIEVE” to become another million-seller.
Her soaring vocals and heartrending lyrics resonate deep in the heart.
It later drew attention again when she released a self-cover.
[Hit Songs of 1996] Spotlight on iconic tracks and popular songs that colored the Heisei era! (21–30)
Real Thing ShakesB’z
B’z, the rock unit that has built numerous milestones.
Released in May 1996, this work drew attention for its unprecedented format: a one-coin single with no B-side.
Chosen as the theme song for the drama “Watch Out for Us,” it became their 13th consecutive million-selling single, setting a new all-time record at the time.
Produced by Andy Johns, known for his work with Led Zeppelin, it’s a hard rock number performed entirely in English.
The sound woven by Takahiro Matsumoto’s heavy guitar riffs and Koshi Inaba’s soaring high-tone vocals is nothing short of breathtaking.