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 (81–90)
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.
lipsGLAY
A masterpiece that sensually portrays a heartrending romance, it deftly captures emotions swaying between passion and desire.
The protagonist’s irrepressible impulses and a foreboding sense of love’s fragility fuse beautifully in this gem of a song.
Released in May 1997 by GLAY, it was used as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s music program “HEY! HEY! HEY! MUSIC CHAMP” and topped the Oricon Singles Chart.
That autumn, it was also included on the acclaimed album “REVIEW – BEST OF GLAY.” It’s a track that resonates deeply when you want to unleash the passion hidden in your heart or when your feelings for someone special are growing stronger.
The powerful performance and emotional vocals create a world that will gently embrace not only rock fans but also anyone struggling with love.
Soulmatesupittsu
A gem of a song whose delicate lyricism finds meaning in the small moments of everyday life, paired with a universal message that questions the nature of love in modern society.
Released as a single in November 1997, it is known as a work that symbolizes Spitz’s musical evolution.
The striking sound—where the warmth of acoustic guitar harmonizes with new approaches like breakbeats—reached No.
3 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
It also drew attention as the theme song for the 1999 film “Whisper of the Moonlight.” Highly recommended for those who want to listen alone on a calm night, or for anyone seeking emotional support at a crossroads in life.
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.
That’s important.Daiji MAN Burazāzu Bando
Released as DaijiMAN Brothers Band’s 3rd single, it was used as the ending theme for TV Asahi’s “Sports Frontier.” After being selected as the theme song for Fuji TV’s “Hō-chan no Yamada Katsutenai TV,” its sales rose, and it reached No.
1 for January 1992.
suddenlyFIELD OF VIEW
Released in 1995 as FIELD OF VIEW’s second single, it became a huge hit after being featured in a Pocari Sweat commercial.
Since the lyrics were written by ZARD’s Izumi Sakai, a cover of this song was later included on a ZARD album.
Classic and Hit Songs by Nostalgic Japanese Bands from the 1990s (91–100)
every little thing every precious thingLINDBERG
This is the 25th single by LINDBERG, a four-member rock band formed around former idol vocalist Maki Watase that released many hit songs in the 1990s.
The track was used as the ending theme for the quiz show “The 16th All Japan High School Quiz Championship,” and its fusion of rich, expansive strings with a full band sound is truly stirring.
The lyrical melody, delivered with a piercing, soaring vocal, conveys an impact befitting a pioneering female-fronted band.
It’s one of LINDBERG’s signature songs, brimming with the charm that made them a defining band of the 1990s.
