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 (71–80)
TrustOBLIVION DUST
OBLIVION DUST is a band that was active in the late 1990s and was popular for its grunge-influenced sound.
The central figure, KAZ, also performs in VAMPS, a unit with HYDE from L’Arc-en-Ciel.
Their Western-oriented sound was unusual for the time, and this song, too, showcases a sensibility that feels distinctly non-Japanese.
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.
JealousyJUSTY NASTY
Formed in 1987 by Kenichi Fujisaki, JUSTY-NASTY had established themselves as a mid-tier band even amid the band boom.
This is their second single, and it offers classic beat rock—the quintessential band sound of that era.
KOME KOME WARkome kome CLUB
It’s a funk number packed with the charm of Kome Kome Club.
Above all, the band’s tight performance—doing things that are surprisingly technical—really impresses.
The lyrics are as nonsensical as ever, but there’s a call-and-response section in the middle, making it a track that really fires up the crowd live.
SHADELUNA SEA
Originally, this single was released on cassette tape during LUNA SEA’s indie era.
It was later included on their first indie album and was re-recorded in 2011.
Among their many songs, this uptempo two-beat track holds a special place in the members’ hearts.
loadTHE toraburyū
Released as a single by THE Toraba Ryu, it was used as the ending theme for the TBS program “Television Near-Future Laboratory.” Although this song was originally produced as a single piece, it ended up being composed of 13 chapters.
It was created based on fan letters received by George Takahashi.
Ranchu (a breed of goldfish)tama
Tama is strongly associated with the image of “Sayonara Jinrui,” but this song was the B-side on the 1990 single “Sayonara Jinrui.” They also performed it during their first appearance on Ikasu Band Tengoku.
Even now, it doesn’t feel dated—a quintessentially Tama track.