![[2026 Hit Songs] Iconic Heisei-Era Classics and Nostalgic Japanese Music](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/jIl8_jMMULs/sddefault.jpg)
[2026 Hit Songs] Iconic Heisei-Era Classics and Nostalgic Japanese Music
In 2009, a year when historic events unfolded one after another for Japan—like a change of government and victory in the WBC—the music scene was just as electrifying, producing numerous hits that defined the era.
These gems are filled with the heartache, passion, and pure joy of that time.
In this article, we’ll introduce timeless masterpieces that dominated the charts back then and still haven’t lost their luster.
Your heart will surely dance as you reunite with the songs you once loved.
Why not relive that excitement once more, along with your fond memories?
[2026 Hit Songs] Beloved Classics That Colored the Heisei Era: Nostalgic Japanese Pop (1–10)
May it be filled with kindnessJUJU
This is a rock ballad by JUJU released in 2009.
As the theme song for Nissan’s Cube commercial, it touched the hearts of many.
The lyrics express deep gratitude to the person who taught the singer the meaning of life at times when, amid unchanging days, she felt she might lose sight of what truly matters.
JUJU’s powerful yet delicate vocals convey a straightforward resolve to keep loving, even when apart.
It’s a timeless song that gently stays by your side when you want to renew your feelings for someone important or when you need a little warmth in your heart.
My Girlarashi
Released in November 2009, this song was used as the theme for the TV Asahi drama “My Girl,” starring Masaki Aiba.
Its warm, string-rich sound gently embraces both the regret of unspoken feelings and the resolve to keep believing in the future.
In the music video, the five members are portrayed as brothers, depicting family bonds and the determination to move forward while carrying their past.
The single sold approximately 432,000 copies in its first week, debuting at No.
1 on the Oricon weekly chart.
It’s a highly recommended track for moments when you want to reconnect with the bonds you share with family or loved ones, or when you need a gentle push forward.
Memories of Tomorrowarashi
A gem of a medium-tempo ballad included on the double A-side single “My Girl of Tomorrow / Crazy Moon ~Kimi wa Muteki~,” released in May 2009.
Used as the theme song for the drama “The Quiz Show” starring Sho Sakurai, it portrays a heartrending world where indelible memories of the past intersect with hopes for the future.
It sold approximately 502,000 copies in its first week and debuted at No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
Its calm yet expansive sound gently encourages all those who are facing their past while trying to envision tomorrow.
ButterflyKimura Kaera
Released exclusively as a digital single in June 2009, this song was written as a wedding tune to celebrate a close friend’s marriage.
Its lyrics overflow with warm blessings for a beloved person setting off toward happiness.
Kaela Kimura’s cute vocals, paired with the pure tones of piano and harpsichord, make it perfect for weddings.
It was also featured in Recruit’s “Zexy” commercial, and continues to be cherished as a wedding classic.
It’s an ideal choice when you want to wholeheartedly celebrate a friend’s marriage or sing a heartwarming number at karaoke.
Under the same skyayaka
A single released in July 2009 before her hiatus.
It was featured in a commercial for Kao’s “ASIENCE,” prompting a flood of requests from fans for a CD release.
Although Ayaka wrote the song for a dear friend, its message of “you’re not alone” and “we’re connected under the same sky” resonated with many people, and over time it came to be widely loved as an uplifting anthem.
It’s the perfect song for moments when you want to think of your friends and family and be wrapped in a sense of calm.
MY LONELY TOWNB’z
After its release in October 2009, B’z’s 47th single debuted at No.
1 on the Oricon charts, achieving the remarkable feat of 43 consecutive No.
1 singles.
It’s characterized by a bold arrangement that starts with a powerful guitar-and-drum intro and inserts a reggae-style rhythm during the interlude.
The song, which sings of urban loneliness and the wonder of someday meeting someone, was produced as the lead single for the album MAGIC.
The music video and cover art were shot on Gunkanjima (Hashima Island) in Nagasaki Prefecture, where landing had been permitted again for the first time in 35 years.
The ruins of the uninhabited island create a stunning visual beauty that mirrors the lyrical world.
It’s an emotional rock track you’ll want to listen to on lonely nights or when standing at a crossroads in life.
FIREWORKSEXILE
A fiery dance number that layers the passion of love over fireworks coloring the summer night sky.
Released by EXILE in July 2009 as their 31st single, the track stands out with its East-meets-West sound that fuses the tones of the shamisen with rap, instantly reviving that exhilarating summer feeling.
It debuted at No.
1 on the Oricon weekly chart and ranked 12th on the year-end chart.
The lyrics, which sing of passionate love like fleetingly brilliant fireworks, are sure to stir your heart.
Listen to it before a summer festival or fireworks show, and your excitement will definitely soar.