[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!
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- Anime songs that were hits in the 1990s. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks.
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- 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 the classics that dominated the charts! (21–30)
Let yourself go，Let myself goDragon Ash
This is a landmark single released in March 1999 that became the turning point in establishing Dragon Ash’s signature style.
With DJ BOTS officially joining, the arrangement—fusing a heavy band sound with razor-sharp scratching—was truly revolutionary.
The lyrics carry a powerful message: shake off the stagnation and fear of the present, unleash yourself, and step boldly into the future.
It was even used as an insert song in a 2022 drama.
A track that continues to push listeners forward across generations.
AS TIME GOES BYhiro
Hiro, who enjoyed immense popularity as a member of SPEED, took her first step as a solo artist with this song.
Released in August 1999 as the theme song for the TV Asahi drama “Heaven’s Kiss,” it was her debut single.
The arrangement, unfolding from a melancholy intro into a fast-paced, soaring chorus, brilliantly captures the passage of time and the heart’s shifting emotions.
Selling approximately 812,000 copies, it’s a classic that symbolizes 1999 and unveiled a new side of Hiro’s appeal.
A Little LovePucchimoni
This is the debut single by Petitmoni, a sub-unit formed from Morning Musume, released in November 1999.
It became a million-seller, with total sales exceeding 1.12 million copies.
The lyrics capture a tender, adorable girl’s heart that just wants someone to notice she changed her hairstyle a little—something that makes your chest tighten with a sweet ache.
The way it sings of delicate feelings swaying between friendship and budding love, set to an irresistibly bright, pop sound, made it a true icon of its era.
The song was used as the opening theme for TV Tokyo’s program “Find the Idol!” and gained immense popularity.
It’s the kind of track that gently gives you a push when you want to tell someone you like them but can’t quite take that final step.
HEAVENFukuyama Masaharu
A passionate rock number that exudes a dangerous allure.
Released in November 1999, it’s a track included on Masaharu Fukuyama’s single.
Chosen as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “OUT: The Crimes of Wives,” it resonated perfectly with the show’s thrilling atmosphere.
The song portrays the “dependence” of drowning in an irresistible attraction and the “struggle” of being unable to escape it.
Fukuyama’s lustrous vocals dramatize the bittersweet emotions—like shuttling between heaven and hell.
It’s no wonder it topped the Oricon weekly chart and sold approximately 800,000 copies in total—an iconic song brimming with adult sophistication.
Love, Day After TomorrowKuraki Mai
Mai Kuraki’s debut single.
Actually, while this song is her debut single in Japan, she had already released a US CD album called “Baby I Like” under the name Mai-K before this.
It’s a pretty rare CD, so it was tough to find and buy.
Why was I looking so hard for that CD? Because I’m such a huge fan that I’ve bought every piece of media since her debut.
First LoveUtada Hikaru
This is Hikaru Utada’s third single.
It was released as a single cut from her first album, “First Love,” but since the album was a massive hit from the outset, the song was already highly recognized even before the single came out.
It’s a gentle track that unfolds with a relaxed rhythm.
Transparent GirlNUMBER GIRL
With their aggressive sound and Hideto Mukai’s raw, emotionally charged vocals, this track can be called the very origin of the band that made a sensational major-label debut.
It’s a full-throttle song brimming with exhilarating speed that evokes a refreshing summer.