[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 Chart-Topping Classics! (41–50)
Days / My DiamondPoketto Bisuketsu
A three-person unit made up of Chiaki, Teruyoshi Uchimura, and Udo Suzuki that debuted from the show Ucchan Nanchan no Urinari.
For a group that originated from a TV program, they were quite popular at the time.
I myself was of the generation that took part in the signature campaign.
They were a group that made such an impact on kids back then that even now there are many songs I can sing without looking at the lyrics.
LOVE MachineMōningu Musume.
Isn’t this the signature song that suddenly made Morning Musume widely known to the public? Starting with this track, Maki Goto joined the group.
Her then-rare, blonde, kogal-like look captivated both new and existing fans.
She still looks cute even now.
I WISHHirose Kōmi
The nickname “Queen of Winter” is incredibly famous—this is Kohmi Hirose’s 15th single.
As with many of her songs, it was used in a commercial for Alpen.
The track is very relaxed; rather than evoking the feeling of racing down the slopes like her other classic hits, it has the atmosphere of a ballad that conjures the image of snow falling silently and steadily, piling up.
Gardensugar soul feat. Kenji
While it’s a relaxed, grand ballad, the song is marked by a catchy melody and lyrics that resonate deeply.
It also drew attention for featuring Kenji Furuya, aka Kj, the vocalist of Dragon Ash, who was already hailed as a charismatic figure and hugely popular among younger generations at the time.
When Kj was featured on 10-FEET’s “River,” the lines he often sings are the chorus of this song.
On the edge (chop)B’z
This is the 10th single released by the two members of B’z.
It has a hard, up-tempo feel, was used as an opening theme for Detective Conan, and became a massive hit, boasting the highest sales among the series’ theme songs.
The title “chop” is said to be a tribute to Giant Baba, who passed away six months before the release.
Morning will come againDREAMS COME TRUE
This is DREAMS COME TRUE’s 24th single, which also garnered attention for being chosen as the theme song for the drama “Emergency Room 24 Hours.” It unfolds with a very DCT-like, relaxed rhythm, gradually building a sense of joy.
It’s the kind of song that makes you want to sing along together with everyone.
Somewhere, not hereGLAY
This is the 17th single released as an advance single from the 5th album, HEAVY GAUGE.
It was also used as the theme song for the drama Perfect Love!.
The song has a refreshing feel that conveys a sense of hope, as if moving forward.