![[Hit Songs of 1996] Spotlight on the iconic tracks and popular tunes that colored the Heisei era!](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/mdo-oEZ5_24/sddefault.jpg)
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 Iconic Tracks and Popular Tunes That Colored the Heisei Era (1–10)
Nagisasupittsu
This is a song with a mysterious charm, tinged with the bittersweetness of summer’s end and a dreamlike atmosphere.
The sparkling intro feels like it’s guiding you to the boundary between reality and dreams.
The lyrics penned by Masamune Kusano seem to go beyond a simple love song, encompassing the flow of life and even a profound view of life and death.
It’s filled with poetic beauty that stirs the listener’s imagination.
Released as a Spitz single in September 1996 and included on the classic album “Indigo Chiheisen” (Indigo Horizon), the song also became widely known as the theme for Ezaki Glico’s “Pocky Love Story” commercials.
Why not surrender your heart to the timeless resonance of this masterpiece?
Get fired upDaikoku Maki
When it comes to NHK’s broadcast theme song for the Atlanta Olympics, this is probably the first track many people think of.
Released as a single in July 1996, it became a massive hit, reaching No.
1 on the Oricon charts.
The lyrics portray the frustration of not being able to be honest with oneself, along with the determination to move forward with passion anyway—paired with powerful high-note vocals that resonate deeply with listeners.
Also included on the album “POWER OF DREAMS,” this energetic anthem is perfect for psyching yourself up when it really counts or getting hyped while watching sports.
Flower -Memento Mori-Mr.Children
A masterpiece ballad by Mr.Children, marked by a gentle acoustic guitar intro and a strikingly philosophical message.
Released as a single in April 1996, it sold an impressive total of 1.539 million copies.
It’s also included on the classic album “Shinkai” (Deep Sea), distilling the band’s profound spirituality.
While it grapples with the heavy theme of mortality, the lyrics portray a resolve to bloom boldly despite anxiety, quietly inspiring courage in listeners.
In 2017, it was featured in an NTT Docomo commercial and has been loved across generations.
It’s a song you should listen to when you feel uncertain about the future or want to spend a night reflecting deeply on yourself.
gloriousGLAY
GLAY is a rock band that has set numerous records.
Released in January 1996, this work is their 8th single, used as the theme song for the sporting goods store Victoria’s TV commercial.
It became their first entry into the Oricon Top 10 and marked their breakthrough.
The lyrics, which portray memories of youth, the realities of adulthood, and hope for the future, are truly moving.
With a catchy melody crafted within a comfortable vocal range, it’s a quintessential pop-rock piece.
For those who spent their youth in that era, it’s a number that’s sure to make your heart race from the very first notes of the intro.
BELOVEDGLAY
A medium-tempo ballad marked by a guitar intro that feels somehow nostalgic and a warm, embracing melody.
TAKURO’s lyrics, which sing of deep love for one’s dearest and a bond that remains unchanged even as the times shift, are filled with a gentle kindness that seems to stay close to the listener’s heart.
Released in August 1996 as GLAY’s ninth single, the song also became widely known as the theme for the TV drama “A Summer Proposal.” Reaching No.
3 on the Oricon weekly chart, it can be considered a pivotal work that cemented the band’s rise.
When you feel overwhelmed by busy days and on the verge of losing yourself, give it a listen.
Blue LightningSMAP
Released in July 1996, this is SMAP’s 22nd single.
It was used as the theme song for the Fuji TV variety show “SMAP×SMAP” and in Lawson commercials.
Following a member’s departure, this first release by the five-member lineup debuted at No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.
With total sales of approximately 814,000 copies, it became the group’s best-selling single at the time.
Although it is a cover of a song by Kenji Hayashida, its lyrics—portraying the heartache of being bewildered by a lover’s changes—and its cool, danceable sound unveiled a new side of the group.
JAMTHE YELLOW MONKEY
THE YELLOW MONKEY is a band that steadfastly upholds its own aesthetic, grounded in glam rock.
Released in February 1996, this song is a heavy rock ballad whose piercing, earnest message resonated widely.
It portrays a sharp gaze toward society and a thirst for life—touching on everyday loneliness and the unease felt toward overseas news coverage.
It was used as the ending theme for NHK’s music program “Pop Jam,” and its coupling track became the theme song for the anime Rurouni Kenshin.
When you want to feel the human vulnerability and quiet prayer that lie behind the dazzling sound, this is a track well worth listening to.