[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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[Hit Songs of 1996] Spotlight on iconic tracks and popular songs that colored the Heisei era! (21–30)
every little thing every precious thingLINDBERG
The song was inspired by sports, so the lyrics are an anthem that sends off and supports athletes as they head into a game.
It became famous when Kyuji Fujikawa of the Hanshin Tigers used it as his entrance theme, so many of you have probably heard it.
STEADYSPEED
Accompanied by a music video memorable for its sepia-toned seaside scenes, SPEED’s second single was released in November 1996.
It sold 1.5 million copies, earning a spot at No.
5 on the 1997 annual singles sales ranking.
While its bittersweet lyrics speak of love, the song conveys a forward-looking spirit.
Chosen as the theme song for the TV Asahi drama “Itazura na Kiss,” it captured the hearts of many viewers.
Beyond the allure of their vocals and dance, the track lets listeners feel the group’s growth through its melodic lines.
Filled with feelings for a cherished person swayed by love, it remains beloved by many listeners even today.
Hit Songs of 1996: Spotlight on Iconic Tracks and Popular Tunes of the Heisei Era (31–40)
You are not aloneDEEN
This is a song that was also used as the first ending theme for the Fuji TV anime Dragon Ball GT.
Its gentle vocals and positive lyrics really tug at the heart and make it a pleasant listen.
It also has a sense of nostalgia, doesn’t it? It seems perfect for when you’re feeling down.
IN SILENCELUNA SEA
This is the work released just before LUNA SEA entered a year-long hiatus in 1997.
It was chosen as the image song for the TV Asahi drama “Chicago Hope,” marking LUNA SEA’s first tie-in.
With its refreshing melody and interwoven vocals, it’s a perfect track for the summer in which it was released.
July 7, sunnyDREAMS COME TRUE
It’s a classic that still enjoys passionate support from many DREAMS COME TRUE fans.
Written specifically as the theme song for a film of the same name, it, too, became a beloved masterpiece that gained many fans.
With its relaxed rhythm and lyrics that linger and are savored like a quiet refrain, the song is deeply lyrical and exudes a moody atmosphere.
Dan Dan Kokoro HikaretekuFIELD OF VIEW
This is a song that became popular with both adults and children as the opening theme for the anime Dragon Ball GT.
True to its title, it powerfully conveys a sense of resolve, depicting the growing attraction to the other person and the determination to fight to make them turn and look your way.
FRIENDSHIPH Jungle with T
This is the third and final single by the unit H Jungle with T, consisting of Downtown’s Masatoshi Hamada and Tetsuya Komuro.
In terms of name recognition, it does tend to be overshadowed by their first single, but its enduring popularity is evident, as it was used as a TV drama’s theme song and has been covered by other artists.
It’s a gentle track themed around friendship, reminiscent of their previous two works.