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 (1–10)
Red tambourineBLANKEY JET CITY
A quintessential 90s love song that symbolically captures pure feelings and passion for the one you love.
Released by BLANKEY JET CITY in January 1998, this track weaves a unique tapestry of metaphors to explore what love truly is.
The protagonist wishes to gift a shooting star to their beloved, and the way their heart quivers in everyday, ordinary moments is vividly portrayed, resonating with the bittersweetness of love that anyone can relate to.
Included on the album “Romeo no Shinzō” (Heart of Romeo) and used as the opening theme for TV Asahi’s “Sunday Jungle,” the song reached No.
11 on the Oricon Singles Chart for the week.
It’s a heartwarming piece with melodies and lyrics perfect for healing the wounds of heartbreak or reaffirming feelings for someone special.
GLORIAZIGGY
Some of you may have heard their songs in variety shows or commercials from the ’90s.
If you like straightforward rock ’n’ roll or melodic kayōkyoku-style pop, I recommend “GLORIA.” It was released by the rock band ZIGGY in 1998 and was used as the theme song for the drama Dō-kyū-sei (Classmates).
The performance delivers an intense rock sound, while the lyrics and melody evoke the feel of kayōkyoku.
It’s said that vocalist Juichi Morishige’s fondness for kayōkyoku during his youth also had an influence.
If you’re in the mood for a nostalgic melody that will get you pumped, give it a listen.
Nameless PoemMr.Children
Mr.
Children—also known by their nickname “Misu-Chiru”—began performing under that name in 1988.
During their indie days, they met renowned producer Takeshi Kobayashi, and in 1992 they made their major-label debut.
Their subsequent rise was so explosive that some younger fans may assume they were a big act from the start, but until they truly broke through with the classic song “CROSS ROAD,” they were a group known mainly to those in the know.
They were also often discussed in the context of the so-called Shibuya-kei scene and enjoyed popularity particularly among women, which feels nostalgic to recall.
Among their many hits, “Namonaki Uta,” released in 1995, became the first song in Oricon history to sell over one million copies in its first week, ultimately surpassing 2.3 million—a massive hit.
Its magical, singable chorus melody, beloved across generations by people of all ages, continues to shine with the timeless brilliance it so rightfully deserves.
Classic and Hit Songs by Nostalgic Japanese Bands from the 1990s (11–20)
Rose of PassionTHE BLUE HEARTS
Even past the 2020s, there are surely countless music fans of all generations who can’t help but smile when they hear that name.
The Blue Hearts, formed in 1985, continued to create countless legends and classic songs until their breakup in 1995.
The fact that their songs are still used widely—in commercials, TV dramas, and films—shows just how enduringly beloved the Blue Hearts’ music remains.
Rooted in punk rock, their band ensemble was stripped of excess and built on simple chord progressions, yet they produced a trove of masterpieces that could only be called Blue Hearts songs.
From among them, here’s an introduction to “Jōnetsu no Bara” (A Rose of Passion), the only song of theirs to top the Oricon charts.
With Kōmoto Hiroto’s lyrics that sink into the heart, it’s often sung as an anthem of encouragement.
And here’s a brilliant touch: the phrase “jōnetsu no bara” appears only once in the latter half of the song!
cream sodaSUPERCAR
This song portrays emotions swaying between the fleeting nature of youth and the realities of life.
As SUPERCAR’s debut single, it’s marked by a refreshing sound that fuses shoegaze and guitar pop, and by wistful lyrics that weave together dreams and longing.
Koji Nakamura’s delicate melodies intertwine with Junji Ishiwatari’s poetic words, gently resonating in the heart.
Released by Epic Records Japan in September 1997, it was also included on the album Three Out Change.
It’s a track with a peculiar charm that can summon nostalgic memories when you listen to it during a drive, at dusk, or in those slightly melancholic moments.
The wind is dancing outside the window.SUPER BUTTER DOG
A song imbued with the desire to pause amid the busyness of daily life and cherish time to face your own heart—its exquisite melody is truly captivating.
The ambitious work SUPER BUTTER DOG released in November 1997 captured many hearts with its sprightly rhythms that fuse funk and rock, and lyrics so delicate they seem to seep into the soul.
Takashi Nagazumi’s vocals gently envelop inner tremors, loneliness, and hope, leaving a lasting impression.
It also made waves as the opening theme for TBS’s music program “BLITZ INDEX,” and was included on the album “FREEWAY.” This track is perfect for those moments when you’re worn out by hectic days or want to take a slow, honest look at yourself.
Loved by many as a warm song that quietly gives you a nudge forward when your heart feels a bit heavy.
Primalorijinarurabu
A heartwarming love song that begins with the bittersweet feeling of gazing up at a loved one’s window in the stillness of a snowy, pre-dawn winter morning.
It’s one of ORIGINAL LOVE’s signature tracks, brimming with the joy and ache of love and a yearning for eternity.
Takao Tajima’s emotionally rich vocals blend beautifully with arrangements infused with soul and funk, creating a sophisticated, urban soundscape.
Released in February 1996, it drew attention as a TV drama theme song and reached No.
5 on the Oricon weekly chart.
It’s a song I recommend when you want to cherish pure feelings for someone you love—one that gently stays by your heart.
Its beautiful lyrics and melody continue to captivate many listeners to this day.