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)
boykuroyume
Kuroyume is a rock band that burst through the 1990s, starting activities in 1991 and going on hiatus in 1999.
Rooted in punk and hardcore, their songs are impulsive and energetic, yet somehow tinged with fragility and darkness.
The vocalist was Kiyoharu, who later found success as the frontman of SADS and as a solo artist.
This song, which radiates his charisma, was released in 1997.
Driven by a sense of urgency, it’s one of their signature tracks.
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.
Classic and Hit Songs by Nostalgic Japanese Bands from the 1990s (81–90)
Sad Asian BoyTHE YELLOW MONKEY
Released as their third single, this song didn’t gain much recognition—peaking at No.
97 on the Oricon charts—but it’s well known among fans.
It’s a staple in their live shows, reflecting the band’s deep attachment to it.
The intro features pyro effects, creating the most electrifying moment of the performance.
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.
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.