[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 defined the Heisei era! (51–60)
Another OrionFujii Fumiya
“Another Orion” is a song that was selected as the theme for the TBS Friday drama Glass Fragments, starring Mr.
Fujii.
Fumiya’s sweet singing voice captured the hearts of women across the nation.
Many people probably found themselves swooning over Fumiya.
Midnight ShuffleKondō Masahiko
A hit song from the 1990s by Johnny’s veteran “Matchy,” Masahiko Kondo.
He also performed it at the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen.
Even if the title doesn’t ring a bell, the phrase “an angelic, devilish smile” is probably well-known.
It’s a powerful track that sings about his mindset and way of life.
This is my way of life.PUFFY
PUFFY’s second single, which became a massive hit at the time, felt like it was released to overlap with their first single “Ajia no Junshin,” which was enjoying a long run on the charts.
Like the previous release, it was produced by Tamio Okuda and has a somewhat carefree vibe.
BODY&SOULSPEED
SPEED’s debut single, which sold a total of 800,000 copies.
Producer Hirosue Ijichi said he turned his impression of the girls—who were 13 to 14 years old at the time—directly into the song, resulting in a lively, mischievous, and powerful track.
It’s now out of print and considered a rare release.
[1996 Hit Songs] Spotlight on Masterpieces and Popular Tracks That Colored the Heisei Era (61–70)
SPARKTHE YELLOW MONKEY
This is one of THE YELLOW MONKEY’s signature songs, continuing to have a major impact on Japan’s rock scene.
Released in July 1996, it became their first top-3 hit and was a smash success, selling a total of 550,000 copies.
It’s characterized by its sharp, punchy sound and lyrics that suggest chance events can change your life.
The phrase “Kimi to spark, ai no speak” expresses the power of love.
A newly recorded version was featured in a 2017 commercial starring Keisuke Honda, drawing plenty of attention.
Give it a listen when you’re excited about new encounters and possibilities—your heart is sure to spark.
The End of the WorldTHEE MICHELLE GUN ELEPHANT
Blazing through in less than a decade before disbanding in 2003, Thee Michelle Gun Elephant likely had a huge impact on countless bands with their straightforward, powerful sound.
This is one of their signature songs—a track whose exhilarating sense of speed feels like an all-out sprint.
Swallowtail Butterfly ~Song of Love~YEN TOWN BAND
Singer Chara took part as the vocalist.
It was released as the theme song for the film Swallowtail.
YEN TOWN BAND is the name of the band in the movie.
Although it was treated as a theme song, it also topped the Oricon chart.
For those in their 30s, it’s probably a very nostalgic track.