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)
Banzai ~I’m glad I love you~Urufuruzu
This is Ulfuls’ 10th single, released in February 1996.
It’s a single cut from the album “Banzai.” The song was used as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “Victory Goddess.” Shortly after the song’s release, Tortoise Matsumoto, who wrote the lyrics and composed the music, got married, and the track became a staple at weddings.
Don’t avert your eyes.DEEN
This is DEEN’s fifth single, which became a million-seller and is widely known as a refreshing summer anthem thanks to its use in the “Pocari Sweat” commercial.
The lyrics by ZARD’s Izumi Sakai portray a straightforward plea—“Don’t avert your eyes”—from someone bewildered by a lover’s change.
Many listeners may feel their hearts tighten at that earnest emotion.
Shuichi Ikemori’s soaring vocals resonate over a sparkling melody that epitomizes the Being sound.
Interestingly, Ikemori himself felt a bit embarrassed by the freshness of the song at the time.
Perhaps that very purity is the charm that continues to shine even now.
Rusty NailX JAPAN
The arrangement, where a dreamy synthesizer phrase rings out from the intro and layers with a fast-paced rock sound, really amps up the excitement, doesn’t it? The one-of-a-kind fusion of intense metal and beautiful melody showcases YOSHIKI’s brilliant compositional sensibility.
This work vividly evokes the image of a protagonist who, while bearing unhealed wounds and loneliness that pierce deep into the heart, continues to struggle desperately.
The song was released in July 1994 as the band’s 10th single and was used as the theme song for the TV drama “Kimi ga Mienai.” Despite unfavorable conditions for its first-week tally, it reached No.
1 on the Oricon chart and was later included on the acclaimed album “DAHLIA.” It’s a classical yet beautiful rock number you’ll want to listen to when you want to lift your spirits.
Classic and Hit Songs by Nostalgic Japanese Bands from the 1990s (81–90)
YAH YAH YAHCHAGE and ASKA
It’s their 31st single, and their first-ever double A-side single.
It was used as the theme song for the drama “If You Look Back, He’s There.” In the theme song’s video, CHAGE and ASKA are said to make cameo appearances.
In 2009, it was also featured in a Kirin Beer “Tanrei W” commercial.
Melty LoveSHAZNA
Released as SHAZNA’s debut single, it was used as the ending theme for the TV Asahi program “Tokoro-san no Kore Ari N Janai no!?” It sold 880,000 copies, becoming SHAZNA’s biggest hit.
Erotica SevenSazan Ōrusutāzu
Released as Southern All Stars’ 32nd single, it was used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Akuma no KISS.” Kuwata, who wrote the lyrics and composed the music, has said that this song is the second installment of his “Eros Trilogy.” It became a hit second only to “TSUNAMI,” released in 2000.
Sorrow hurts.T-BOLAN
T-BOLAN is a big-name band that truly represents the 1990s, boasting CD sales totaling 17 million.
This song is their debut single.
The lyrics and composition are by Daria Kawashima, with arrangement by Masafumi Nishida of Earthshaker—both from the hard rock camp—but the song itself has a calm, kayōkyoku-style feel.