[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?
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[2026 Hit Songs] Beloved Classics That Colored the Heisei Era: Nostalgic Japanese Pop (1–10)
rainbowKobukuro
A 2009 track that paints a bridge of hope spanning the sky.
Born from a collaboration with JAL, this piece beautifully expresses the theme of air travel connecting people to one another.
Tracing the cloudy sky with a closed umbrella and overlaying hope onto the seven-colored light that appears after the rain, the lyrics resonate like a baton linking the present to the future.
Centered on warm acoustic guitar and featuring Kobukuro’s signature gorgeous harmonies, the sound lingers pleasantly in your ears.
It’s the perfect song for when you want to look up at the sky after a rainy day and reclaim a forward-looking mindset.
Golden Time LoverSukima Suichi
A track by Sukima Switch, who have pursued exhilarating, high-velocity numbers since their debut, released in October 2009 as their 12th single.
Chosen as the opening theme for the anime Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, its lyrics—centered on gambling and inspired by the work’s concept of “equivalent exchange”—convey a palpable resolve and tension: the willingness to stake something to gain something.
Venturing into new territory with the introduction of English lyrics, this energetic pop tune is also a perfect companion for drives that call for a sense of speed.
Love ForeverKatō Miriya × Shimizu Shōta
Released in May 2009, this is a bittersweet R&B love song by Miliyah Kato and Shota Shimizu.
The lyrics unfold as a duet from both male and female perspectives, portraying the joy and sorrow of love at the same time.
The contrast between the happiness of meeting and the pain of parting is interwoven, with the imagery of memories continuing to shine like stars leaving a strong impression.
The song won Best Collaboration Video at the MTV VMAJ 2010.
It’s a perfect track for when you want to feel the poignancy of romance or look back on memories with someone special.
[2026 Hits] Classic and Nostalgic J-Pop That Colored the Heisei Era (11–20)
Everythingarashi
Arashi’s 27th single, released in July 2009.
It’s crafted as a summer song where freshness intersects with poignancy.
The lyrics carry a message about believing in tomorrow and continuing to move forward, portraying a protagonist who keeps facing ahead even when tempted to stop—there’s a warmth that gently pushes the listener on.
Chosen as the theme for au’s “A Different Summer from Last Year” commercial, it topped the Oricon weekly singles chart.
With piano and strings riding a four-on-the-floor rhythm to create a sense of speed, it’s a classic that evokes late summer and sunset.
First LoveFukuyama Masaharu
Masaharu Fukuyama’s 25th single, released in December 2009.
Although it was not originally planned to be released as a single, the song drew such a strong response after being used in a commercial for Toshiba’s REGZA LCD TVs that it was hastily put out as a single.
The work’s theme is “beautiful memories,” singing of feelings that can never return but continue to live on in the heart.
The choice to write the title as “Hatsukoi” in hiragana rather than the usual kanji for “first love” suggests Fukuyama’s intent to idealize delicate memories of the past.
With a heartrending melody and arrangements that reflect the beauty of memory, this song resonates deeply—highly recommended for anyone who treasures precious memories.
Dear…Nishino Kana
This song, which expresses overflowing feelings during time spent apart, is included on Kana Nishino’s eighth single, “Dear…/MAYBE,” released in December 2009.
Chosen as the official song for NTT Docomo’s “Do Your Best, Exam Takers ’09–’10” campaign, it carries a message of support for students preparing for exams.
It doesn’t depict a breakup—just a brief time when the two can’t meet—yet it conveys, with refreshing directness, the aching longing that arises, and the sense that with you by my side, I can overcome any hardship, all set to an R&B-tinged pop ballad.
It’s a poignant winter love song that we especially recommend to those in long-distance relationships or anyone feeling the loneliness of not being able to see someone precious.
YELLikimonogakari
A renowned song by Ikimonogakari, created as the set piece for the NHK All-Japan School Music Competition (Junior High School Division).
Member Yoshiki Mizuno is said to have written and composed it while reflecting on his deeply troubled 15-year-old self.
It’s now beloved as a staple graduation song.
A ballad that portrays the sorrow of parting and the hope for the future, resonating with anyone standing at a turning point in life.