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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- Thrilling to Cool Showa-Era Tunes! Classic Songs from Female Singers and Artists of the Showa Period
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[Nostalgic Yet Timeless] Classic and Hit Songs by 1990s Idol Singers (1–10)
Even when I become an old ladyMoritaka Chisato
Chisato Moritaka, who released numerous hit songs in partnership with composer Hideo Saito, is best known for one representative track: “Even If I Become an Old Lady.” It’s a song that even those who aren’t die-hard Moritaka fans can hum along to, with the distinctive accessibility of the ’80s and ’90s.
Covered by artists like misono and Nozomi Tsuji, it truly is a timeless classic passed down through the eras.
With this song, dads can have a blast singing karaoke together with their kids.
Also pay attention to the buoyant digital sound that was once dubbed Japanese Eurobeat!
I’m glad I met you.Koizumi Kyoko
Here’s a song Kyoko Koizumi released in 1991.
Many of you may have heard it, as it was used as the theme song for the drama Papa to Nacchan, in which she also appeared as the daughter.
By the way, the father was played by Masakazu Tamura, known for the Furuhata Ninzaburo series.
Koizumi wrote the lyrics, while the composition and arrangement were done by Takeshi Kobayashi, who produced Southern All Stars and Mr.
Children, and you can really feel his touch in the songwriting and arrangement.
It goes to show that songs loved across generations have a solid backbone.
I just feel like crying.Nagayama Miho
Released in 1994, this song was used as the theme for the drama “If Wishes Could Come True,” starring Miho Nakayama.
Her co-star was Masatoshi Hamada of Downtown.
The lyrics, which express admiration for and anxiety about marriage, made it a song that was sometimes performed as entertainment at weddings.
It’s interesting how views on marriage depicted in lyrics change with the times.
As her 28th single, it’s a compelling piece that gives the impression her vocal expression had matured.
I’ll be by your side.ribbon
This song was released in 1990 as ribbon’s second single.
Ribbon was a three-member idol unit that included Hiromi Nagasaku, who is now active as an actress.
Everyone has their own history, don’t they? This song was used as the ending theme for the TV anime “Time Trouble Tondekeman!” and was composed by Tsugutoshi Goto.
He is known for providing songs to idol groups, and you could say his works helped define an era.
Sexy MusicWink
The duo idol group Wink, well-known for having built an era as the “idols who don’t smile,” needs no introduction.
I remember Shoko Aida saying with a laugh on a show looking back on their idol days, “It wasn’t that we were expressionless—we were just nervous.” Wink has covered many Western songs, and at the very top of that list is Sexy Music.
The original is a hit by The Nolans, and Wink also covered another Nolans track, Namida o Misenai de ~Boys Don’t Cry~.
What makes Wink’s songs distinctive is that they aren’t mere covers—they incorporate the Eurobeat sound of the ’80s and ’90s.
Those thin, digital tones really evoke a sense of nostalgia!
LOVE MachineMōningu Musume.
Morning Musume, who have enjoyed a long and enduring career.
I think a major turning point in their success was when Maki Goto joined the group.
For Aya Ishiguro, it was her last single, and for Maki Goto, her first—that was “LOVE Machine.” Beyond the toy-box-turned-upside-down pop melody, what really blew everyone away was Mayumi Natsu’s choreography.
The whole country looked at Morning Musume’s deadpan yet comical dance and went, “???”—but it didn’t take long for those question marks to turn into “!!!”.
This song sings about Japan’s future—not about love or romance—and it’s still a track that lifts your spirits when you listen to it today.
Half-mysteriousCoCo
Back when there weren’t many idol groups, fans split into Team ribbon and Team CoCo, debating which was cuter.
Nowadays it’s the opposite: idol groups are mainstream and solo idols are the minority.
People who watched the TV show Paradise GOGO!! might know this, but CoCo originally came out of Otomejuku.
This song refreshingly portrays the uniquely girlish emotional wavering of “liking someone but not being able to show 100% of your feelings.” The part where they sing in a kind of round, chasing each other’s lines, is wonderful! By the way, the lyrics are by Neko Oikawa, famous for A Cruel Angel’s Thesis.