Nostalgic Yet Everlasting: Classic Hits by 1990s Idol Singers
In recent years, 80s idols have often been featured again thanks to the renewed interest in Showa-era pop, but 90s idol singers are incredibly appealing too!
In this article, we’ll spotlight the hit songs and classics by idol singers who were active in the 1990s.
It was a time when Japan’s pop scene grew even more vibrant, right at the peak of CD sales—many of you probably listened to these tracks in your car stereos.
From cute tunes to cool tracks, the catchy 90s vibe really shines through.
There are plenty of familiar hits as well, including debut songs by actresses you still see often in TV dramas today.
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[Nostalgic Yet Timeless] Classic and Hit Songs by 1990s Idol Singers (21–30)
Give me a ShakeMAX
Give me a Shake is MAX’s sixth single, released in April 1997.
With this song, they achieved their first No.
1 on the Oricon weekly chart, and it also won an Excellent Work Award at the 39th Japan Record Awards.
The song was additionally performed at their first appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Azure RabbitNoriko Sakai
Aoi Usagi is Noriko Sakai’s 27th single, released in May 1995.
It was chosen as the theme song for the Nippon TV drama Hoshi no Kinka, in which she starred.
The single reached No.
5 on the Oricon Weekly Chart, won the Excellence Award at the 37th Japan Record Awards, and became her best-selling hit.
[Nostalgic Yet Timeless] Classic and Hit Songs by 1990s Idol Singers (31–40)
STEADYSPEED
Accompanied by a music video memorable for its sepia-toned seaside scenes, SPEED’s second single was released in November 1996.
It sold 1.5 million copies, earning a spot at No.
5 on the 1997 annual singles sales ranking.
While its bittersweet lyrics speak of love, the song conveys a forward-looking spirit.
Chosen as the theme song for the TV Asahi drama “Itazura na Kiss,” it captured the hearts of many viewers.
Beyond the allure of their vocals and dance, the track lets listeners feel the group’s growth through its melodic lines.
Filled with feelings for a cherished person swayed by love, it remains beloved by many listeners even today.
Gentle RainKoizumi Kyoko
The lyrics penned by Kyoko Koizumi herself delicately depict loneliness in the city, chance encounters, and a heartfelt longing for the other person.
Released in February 1993, the song drew attention as the theme for the drama “To Love” and became a major hit, reaching No.
2 on the Oricon charts and selling over 950,000 copies.
Koizumi’s voice, carried by Shoko Suzuki’s beautifully composed melody, blends poignancy with warmth, gently resonating with listeners.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to alone on a rainy day—one that softly soothes the heart when you’re feeling the loneliness of the urban bustle or holding onto thoughts of someone dear.
no matter whatSakurakko Kurabu Sakura-gumi
Naniga Nandemo is a song that was used as the theme for the TV Asahi variety show “Sakurakko Club,” and it was also featured in TV commercials in which the members appeared.
The group included members such as Miho Kanno, Miki Nakatani, and Maki Mochida.
A premonition of a smileHinagata Akiko
Yokan of a Smile is Akiko Hinagata’s debut single as a singer, released in August 1995.
The track was produced by Daisuke Asakura of the male unit access and peaked at number 28 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.
As she debuted as a singer after working as an actress and idol, the release generated buzz and became her biggest hit.
Dear My FriendsNagayama Miho
This is a mid-tempo pop number by Miho Nakayama, whose warm message to close friends really resonates.
She wrote the lyrics herself, portraying the gentle way she watches over and cheers on a friend in love.
It has a lovely, letter-like warmth.
The track appears on her June 1993 album “Wagamamana Actress.” It’s the kind of song that can put you in a gentle mood when you’re thinking of a dear friend or driving on a summer day.
Those who feel a sense of nostalgia will surely find it touching as well.