Classic and hit songs by nostalgic Japanese bands from the 1990s
The 1990s were an era when countless bands across a variety of genres were thriving.
Starting with the Being-kei bands, many visual-kei bands also emerged, and it was around the mid-90s that the melodic hardcore scene really took off in Japan.
Among them, quite a few bands are still active on the front lines today.
In this article, we’ll introduce classic songs by 90s bands that anyone who lived through that era will likely find “so nostalgic!!”
Of course, there are plenty of songs that feel nostalgic, but many of them are still beloved as timeless staples even now.
Please enjoy these tracks packed with the unique charm of that era.
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Classic and Hit Songs by Nostalgic Japanese Bands from the 1990s (61–70)
cherrysupittsu
A song that delicately captures the joys and bittersweet moments of youth was released in April 1996 and continues to be loved across generations.
The magical fusion of Spitz’s gentle melodies and poetic lyrics tenderly embraces a range of feelings—love, parting, and hope for the future.
Included on the album Indigo Chiheisen, it reached No.
1 on the Oricon weekly chart despite having no tie-in.
Since 2019, it has also been used in NTT East’s commercials, continuing to resonate with many people.
It’s a heartwarming track that stays close to those who carry feelings for someone dear and a faint sense of wistfulness, while holding hope for the future.
Just by you being herekome kome CLUB
13th single.
It was released in May 1992.
This smash hit sold a total of 2.895 million copies.
It was used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Sugao no Mama de,” and the show’s high ratings are said to have contributed to the song’s success.
ALONED-SHADE
D-SHADE, who debuted in the late ’90s.
This track is their first indie single.
Its melodic composition and passionate vocals are striking.
Even at this stage, the sound already felt fully realized—impressive.
The band sadly disbanded in 2000.
berangkatTHE BOOM
Their popularity rose with the massive hit “Shima Uta,” but they were originally a band known for upbeat songs rooted in ska.
Depending on the period, they would shift their musical style—Okinawan music, Brazilian music, kayōkyoku, and so on—but this track showcases the band’s strengths particularly well.
Goodbye, Humanitytama
Released as Tama’s debut single, it was used in the commercial for Takara Shuzo’s “Jun Aleph.” With this song, they made their first appearance at the 41st NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.
Debuting at number one on the Oricon Singles Chart, it became a long-running hit, staying near the top for nearly three months.
Don’t give upZARD
ZARD, a music unit that was at the forefront of the Being label artists who exploded in popularity in the 1990s, achieved massive success with their 6th single, “Makenaide” (“Don’t Give Up”).
The song was used as the theme for the TV drama “Shiratori Reiko de Gozaimasu!” and became a million seller.
Its empowering lyrics and catchy melody have encouraged many people to find themselves humming it during tough times.
It’s also well-known for playing during the climax of Nippon TV’s charity program “24-Hour Television” marathon—a pop tune that gives you that extra push to take one more step.
Romantic Flightkome kome CLUB
Kome Kome Club has released countless classic songs over the years.
If we had to name their signature track, it would likely be “Roman Hikō.” The song was released in 1990.
In recent years, its melody has gone viral on TikTok for being “emo.” It also made headlines when it was selected by Spotify as the “most-streamed song released in the 1990s” in 2022.
It’s a tune almost everyone has heard at least once, so take this chance to give it another listen.
