[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] Iconic Tracks That Colored the Heisei Era: Nostalgic J-Pop (31–40)
milkaiko
It’s a very aiko-like song.
It speaks for those hard-to-express feelings girls have, so I’m sure many women can relate.
And since it has a characteristically aiko up-tempo vibe, even the slightly sulky lyrics come across as cute.
promiseKinKi Kids
KinKi Kids are idols, but many of their songs don’t feel like typical idol music, so they’re loved by people of all ages.
I recommend paying attention to their profound lyrics as you listen.
Also, although they’re idols, they sing very well, making their songs easy to listen to.
I want to see you.yuzu
This is a song by Yuzu member Kitagawa, sung with his father in mind.
The lyrics and melody evoke fresh greenery.
Although it was written about a parent, it can also apply to romantic love, making it easy for anyone to listen to.
The vocals are calm and easy on the ears.
Even if the moon cannot be seen tonightPorunogurafiti
It’s the theme song for a hit anime that was made into a movie.
The anime itself is dynamic and cool, and this song is just as cool, not losing out to it.
It’s a track that’s quintessentially Pornograffitti.
The chorus is also incredibly catchy and sticks in your head.
Rumba of ExcitementHikawa Kiyoshi
It’s a bright song that’s very much in Hikawa Kiyoshi’s style.
As the title suggests, it has a rumba feel, but it’s easy on the ears.
Even generations that don’t usually listen to enka will find Hikawa Kiyoshi’s songs easy to enjoy.
Adding call-and-response parts makes karaoke even more exciting.
[2026 Hit Songs] Masterpieces that Colored the Heisei Era: Nostalgic Japanese Music (41–50)
Cowardly Santashuuchishin
This is also a unit that came out of a popular quiz show.
It was a limited-time unit, but every song was very popular.
Since it mentions Santa, it’s a winter song.
It’s a song you can sing with momentum, one that really hypes up the crowd.
Shuchishin also has a dance, so if you sing while dancing, it gets even more exciting.
RIVERAKB48
While many AKB48 songs have a typical idol feel, this one is really cool.
It even sounds great when sung by a man.
However, the rhythm is hard to catch.
Among their many love songs, this one stands out as a self-empowerment anthem.