[Hit Songs of 1999] A roundup of timeless tracks that dominated the charts!
1999 was a turning point that brought various changes to Japan’s music scene.
The achievements of female artists in particular were remarkable, and across a wide range of genres—from J-pop to rock to ballads—many classic songs were born.
The numerous hits from 1999, whose appeal remains undiminished even today, continue to have a major influence on contemporary artists.
In this article, we’ll introduce hit songs released in 1999.
Immerse yourself and enjoy the sound where nostalgia and freshness coexist!
- [Heisei Retro] Hit Japanese songs that defined the 1990s. Recommended J-POP classics.
- [1998 Japanese Hit Songs] A roundup of timeless classics that still live on in people’s memories!
- Japanese Music of the 2000s: Revival Included! A J-POP Hit Song Special
- Hit Japanese songs that represent 1997. Recommended masterpieces.
- Heisei-era masterpieces revisited through the hit songs of 2001
- [Hit Songs of 1996] Spotlight on the iconic tracks and popular tunes that colored the Heisei era!
- Iconic ballads of 90s J-pop: nostalgic mega-hits and fan favorites
- 2003 J-Pop hit songs special: the golden age of music when diversity blossomed
- A collection of nostalgic hits from the Heisei era: Let’s look back at iconic songs from the 1990s and 2000s.
- Cool songs of the Heisei era. Hit tracks that energized the times.
- Anime songs that were hits in the 1990s. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks.
- Nostalgic Yet Everlasting: Classic Hits by 1990s Idol Singers
- A coming-of-age song that was a hit in the ’90s. A classic and popular track in Japanese music.
[Hit Songs of 1999] A roundup of classic tracks that dominated the charts! (31–40)
BIRDSCOIL
This is the title track of COIL’s major-label fourth single, released when they were a home-recording unit affiliated with Office Augusta.
It’s a song that showcases their distinctive traits—which set them apart from the more commercially oriented artists of the time—featuring a catchy, easy-to-listen-to melody and a sound and vocals that evoke a certain nostalgia.
On the morning when the bell of hope ringsTHE ALFEE
It’s the theme song from Salaryman Kintaro, a drama starring Katsunori Takahashi that I loved, and also a manga I’m a big fan of.
Back then, because of this song and the story, I thought, “As long as you’ve got spirit, a salaryman can handle anything!” But the world doesn’t really work that way, does it… Still, listening to it again after a long time brought back memories and made me feel like I need to give it my best.
It’s one of those songs.
TRUTH 〜A Great Detective of Love〜TWO-MIX
Speaking of TWO-MIX, it’s gotta be Detective Conan.
Why? Because Conan-kun is the one singing! TWO-MIX’s vocalist is Minami Takayama—yes, Conan-kun’s voice actress.
What’s more, there was even an episode where Conan-kun and Minami Takayama appeared together.
That was truly a god-tier episode.
I bet it was tough dubbing for tone-deaf Conan-kun, lol.
Last chanceSamushingu Erusu
A band that came out of Susume Denpa Shōnen.
In today’s terms, they were abducted and confined and told to write one song by a deadline.
If it didn’t sell, they’d disband immediately.
They overcame a project that would be absolutely impossible in today’s music and TV industries, and released a song they put their heart and soul into.
As the title suggests, it was the band’s last chance.
Maybe because that feeling is poured into it, it’s a truly moving masterpiece that really fires you up.
AWAKEWANDS
It’s the title track of WANDS’ final original album, AWAKE.
Knowing that the album released after four years will be their last makes me feel a bit sad.
As the lead song from their first album after the lineup change, it’s a powerful track that, true to its title, conveys a sense of “awakening” and a firm resolve.
Grateful DaysDragon Ash
Dragon Ash’s fifth single.
This release features guest vocals by ZEEBRA (formerly of KGDR/King Giddra) and ACO.
The chord progression of the backing track faithfully follows Pachelbel’s Canon.
Although it stands as a signature song from the period when DA had a strong hip-hop flavor, KGDR’s 2002 track “Public Execution,” which included disses toward Kj, ended up making this piece feel like a work that reflects and surveys the music scene of that time.
SurvivalGLAY
A hugely popular release in the form of a video single.
The music video was created by Koji Morimoto at the direct request of the members, and the work has a unique history—such as simultaneously ranking on Oricon’s single chart and video chart.
VanillaGACKT
This was the first song by Gackt I ever listened to.
I still sing it at karaoke sometimes, and well, it’s Gackt after all—his voice is so sweet.
If I remember correctly, I have an embarrassing memory of about ten boys, including me, belting this out during an overnight elementary school retreat, lol.
But that’s how impactful the song is.
It’s definitely worth a listen.
Before dawnSuga Shikao
This is the seventh single by Shikao Suga, chosen as the CM song for Seiko’s “LUKIA.” While overflowing with pop and catchy appeal, it also blends his signature funk elements in an exquisite balance.
Among his releases, this work was the last to be issued as an 8cm single.
Sunny Day SundaySenchimentaru Basu
A phrase from a commercial that makes you go, “What is this song?!” and keeps you watching.
Catchy lyrics you can’t help but hum.
Why does the female guitarist-vocalist have an afro?! It was one of those bands that, for some reason, you just can’t stop thinking about, with so many details grabbing your attention.