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 (91–100)
A happy yet embarrassed walk of shame in the morning.DREAMS COME TRUE
The third single, released in September 1989.
Lyrics and music by Miwa Yoshida, arrangement by Masato Nakamura.
It’s a very cute song and one I’ve always loved.
Back then, it was also a song that girls often sang at karaoke.
The single includes “Ureshii! Tanoshii! Daisuki!”
I want to take only you away just like this.DEEN
Starting from a mood of quietly gazing at the cityscape, DEEN’s debut song gives voice to the pain of heartbreak and lingering attachment.
Carried by a characteristically poignant ballad melody, the deep sorrow of losing a lover and the powerful desire to win them back resonate in the listener’s heart.
Released in March 1993, it was later featured in a pager commercial and reached No.
2 on the Oricon charts, becoming a massive hit with total sales exceeding 1.3 million copies.
Fully expressing the feelings of reflecting on a love that has ended, the song—highly acclaimed for the quality of both its lyrics and melody—has been covered by many artists.
Cherished as a staple at weddings and karaoke alike, it continues to comfort and encourage those who have experienced heartbreak.
Classic and hit songs by nostalgic Japanese bands from the 1990s (101–110)
White ChristmasJUN SKY WALKER(S)
A love song that weaves a poignant breakup story in the romantic season of Christmas.
While the title evokes images of a pure white snowy landscape, the song actually paints an indelible picture of a parting scene unfolding in a torrential downpour.
Released in November 1989, this track by JUN SKY WALKER(S) became the band’s first number-one hit on the Oricon charts.
It was also featured in a commercial for Matsushita Electric (now Panasonic) promoting their CD radio-cassette player, earning widespread acclaim.
In this work, the punk rock band takes on a ballad, skillfully contrasting the city’s glamorous Christmas atmosphere with the protagonist’s heart swaying with a sense of impending separation, creating a unique world of its own.
It’s the perfect song for spending a winter night alone or soothing a heart unsettled by love.
A town where it snowsUNICORN
This is a classic song that gently captures scenes of a snowy town at year’s end.
Released by UNICORN in December 1992, it was originally planned as a Christmas song but was reworked into a year-end song.
Set to a shuffle beat with a melody line reminiscent of the mid-period Beatles, it beautifully contrasts the bustle and the quiet of late December.
The worldview woven from candid feelings about the city’s hectic pace and a nostalgia for the falling snow continues to resonate with many listeners.
Also used as the ending theme for TBS’s “Totsuzen Variety Sokuhō!! COUNT DOWN 100,” this is a track you’ll want to play when you’re seeking a bit of calm at the busy close of the year or on a quiet night thinking of someone special.
TemptationGLAY
The rock band GLAY, which left behind legendary records such as holding a 200,000-person live concert in 1999, is indispensable when talking about 90s music.
Their 1998 release “Yuuwaku” was featured as the theme song for TDK’s “MiniDisc XA Series” commercial.
Its addictive blend of an up-tempo melody and intertwining rock sound makes it a standout track.
Their visual-kei appearance combined with gentle, warm sounds made a huge impact on the music scene at the time.
The lustrous lyrics and high level of musicianship also make this song especially compelling.
DESIRELUNA SEA
A quintessential 90s masterpiece that belts out passionate love.
This is a tour de force packed with LUNA SEA’s aggressive stance and fresh experimentation.
Rooted in alternative rock while weaving in elements of post-punk and goth rock, it unfolds a distinctive sonic world.
Released in November 1995, it topped the Oricon Singles Chart, stayed on the charts for 14 weeks, and became the band’s second best-selling single.
The lyrics, depicting fierce, profound love along with the accompanying anguish and resolve, resonate deeply with listeners.
Highly recommended for those who want to connect with the racing heartbeat and bittersweet emotions of being in love.
Endless JourneyMr.Children
Mr.Children is a four-piece rock band that has achieved numerous million-selling singles and albums, and continues to lead the J-POP scene today.
Their 15th single, “Owarinaki Tabi” (Endless Journey), was used as the theme song for the TV drama “Naguru Onna” and became a major hit.
The lyrics, which sing of the dignity of keeping your eyes fixed forward while holding hope for the future, give courage to those who are pursuing their dreams while grappling with hardship.
With its lyrical melody that stirs the heart, it’s a track you’ll want to listen to when you feel like you’re about to lose heart.
