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.
- [J-Rock] Timeless masterpieces that colored the 1990s. Nostalgic hit songs.
- Debut song of a 90s visual kei band
- Band Rankings Popular Among People in Their 40s [2026]
- A special feature on classic and hit songs by bands that were active in the 1980s
- Popular Nostalgic Songs: J-Pop Ranking [1990s Japanese Music Ranking]
- Recommended Japanese bands for men in their 50s
- Iconic ballads of 90s J-pop: nostalgic mega-hits and fan favorites
- Ranking of Popular Songs by Japanese Male Singers from the 1990s [2026]
- Classic and hit J-pop songs from the nostalgic ’90s
- A coming-of-age song that was a hit in the ’90s. A classic and popular track in Japanese music.
- A 90s girls' band. A popular Japanese band.
- [Heisei Retro] Hit Japanese songs that defined the 1990s. Recommended J-POP classics.
- Hits that resonate across generations! Popular 1990s songs on TikTok
Classic and Hit Songs by Nostalgic Japanese Bands from the 1990s (91–100)
I should be able to fly (in the sky).supittsu
This is the eighth single by Spitz, the four-piece rock band behind numerous must-have hits when discussing the J-pop scene of the 1990s.
Used as the theme song for the TV drama “Hakusen Nagashi,” its memorable guitar-riff intro creates a sense of buoyancy and freshness.
The breezy, catchy melody and acoustic sound instantly evoke the very essence of 1990s J-pop.
Buoyed by the drama’s popularity, it became a million-seller and stands as a quintessential pop tune synonymous with Spitz.
Let’s shoot through the present with a rusty machine gun.WANDS
This is the first single created after vocalist Sho Uesugi and guitarist Hiroshi Shibasaki left the band, with Jiro Waku newly joining.
Miho Komatsu was brought in to write and compose the song.
Because their vocal timbres are similar, it doesn’t feel too out of place, but with the departure of two core members, the band began to decline from this point.
Even at such a turning point, it’s a song with a beautiful melody.
Liar! Liar!B’z
This track seizes listeners’ hearts with its overwhelming guitar riffs and high-velocity sound.
Tak Matsumoto’s razor-sharp guitar work and Koshi Inaba’s powerful vocals blend beautifully, and the lyrics—offering a keen perspective on society—are equally compelling.
Released in October 1997 as the lead single from B’z’s ninth album, “SURVIVE,” it reached No.
1 on Oricon’s monthly chart.
It was also featured as the CM song for Perfect TV!’s “MUSIC FREAK TV” and served as the official theme for the NHL’s 1997 Japan Opening Series.
With its aggressive sound and strong message, this song is perfect for moments when you want to fire yourself up or stay true to your convictions.
For the momentEvery Little Thing
A gem of a ballad woven from airy, graceful vocals and a sophisticated arrangement.
It gently sings of aching feelings for a lover, carried by a lyrical melody.
As one of Every Little Thing’s signature songs, it has left a deep impression on many listeners.
Released as a single in June 1997, it became a major hit, reaching No.
1 on the Oricon charts.
It was also used in Morinaga Seika’s “ICE BOX” commercial and as the ending theme for TBS’s “COUNT DOWN TV,” earning broad support across audiences.
A track that resonates with those who carry the sorrows and anxieties of love, inviting empathy.
The music video, filmed in the Australian desert, is equally striking, creating a unique world of its own.
WALKHUSKING BEE
It’s a powerful, catchy rock number that feels nostalgic and somehow brings you to tears! It’s a song by HUSKING BEE, the band fronted by Masafumi Isobe, included on their first album, GRIP, released in 1996.
The lyrics reflect the life you’re walking straight on, and the passionate vocals really hit you.
It’s like… your heart starts to burn! When you’re feeling down after making a mistake, this song might just help you.
Swaying feelingsZARD
ZARD was a music unit that came to an end following the sudden passing of vocalist Izumi Sakai.
Their 8th single, Yureru Omoi, used as the theme song for Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s Pocari Sweat commercials, became a million-seller and is widely known as one of ZARD’s signature songs.
The gentle vocals and clear, airy ensemble have a soothing quality that heals the heart just by listening.
It’s a refreshing pop tune that people in their 50s—the generation that grew up with it—will especially want to sing at karaoke.
HAPPY BIRTHDAYLINDBERG
HAPPY BIRTHDAY is a track included on LINDBERG IV, the band’s fourth album and their biggest hit, which sold over a million copies.
The intro features a catchy bassline, and the light, shuffling rhythm gives it a poppy feel that brightens up any birthday celebration.
The melody doesn’t move up and down much and the vocal range isn’t wide, so it’s easy to sing, but watch out for a few high notes that appear in the chorus.
There’s also a part in the chorus where the vocals alternate, making it a pop tune that really gets the crowd going when you sing it with friends.