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 (31–40)
Silent JealousyX（X JAPAN）
This song, known for its dramatic structure that shifts from silence to an explosive sprint, was released as a single from the album Jealousy, which came out in July 1991, and hit the shelves in September of the same year.
After YOSHIKI’s serene piano intro, it suddenly surges into a speed metal sound driven by ferocious guitar riffs and drums that stir the listener’s soul.
The fusion of classical elements with rock, combined with TOSHI’s overwhelming high-range vocals, creates a breathtaking sonic world.
Peaking at No.
3 on the Oricon chart and selling over 230,000 copies, this work can be called a masterpiece that opened a new frontier for X JAPAN, where intensity and beauty coexist.
It remains one of the band’s signature songs, beloved by many fans to this day.
Freeze My LoveGLAY
A single released in 1995.
It was written before they broke through, and it carries a rough, indie-like vibe overall.
Despite the dark atmosphere and tense mood of the track, TAKURO’s guitar solo is passionate, and this contrast feels like it’s moving from shadow to light, which is really cool.
BURNTHE YELLOW MONKEY
Released as THE YELLOW MONKEY’s 13th single, it served as the theme song for the TBS drama “Shokuinshitsu” (The Staff Room).
The music video was filmed in rural Yamagata, and photos of the members from their childhood are shown at the end.
With total sales of 900,000 copies, it became their biggest hit.
supercarCASCADE
This is CASCADE’s fourth single, released in November 1997, where pounding programmed beats fuse with high-energy guitars.
It features a sparkling sound that overturns the visual kei image, drawing on technopop and new wave influences.
Sung by TAMA with a crystal-clear high tone, the lyrics depict a love story set in a city aglow with winter illuminations.
The bittersweet mix of yearning and exhilaration—wishing to fly off with someone you love to a future planet—makes your heart ache in the best way.
It was also used in a Himalaya TV commercial, enhancing the cheerful mood of the season.
It’s lovely to sink into the bittersweet memories of that time while listening to the classic album “80*60=98,” which includes this track.
Put it on during a winter night drive and your spirits are sure to soar.
Orange-colored moonMarukoshiasu Banpu
Marcocius Bamp was active in the 1990s as one of Japan’s leading glam bands.
They came from the TV show ‘Ikasu Band Tengoku,’ and their technique and sound were already fully formed from their debut.
In particular, member Kenji Sato is also famous as one of Japan’s premier rock bassists.
This is the debut song by Marcocius Bamp.
Classic and Hit Songs by Nostalgic Japanese Bands from the 1990s (41–50)
As I love you selfishly, I won’t hurt anyone but you.B’z
Released as B’z’s 12th single, it was used as the theme song for the Nippon TV 40th anniversary drama “Saiyuki.” It became a major hit, topping the Oricon singles chart for four consecutive weeks.
Among B’z’s songs, it has the longest title.
Like tonight’s moonElefanto Kashimashi
Released as Elephant Kashimashi’s 15th single, it was selected as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Because the Moon Shines at Night.” It was their first drama tie-in, written specifically to match the show’s content.
The single became their first entry into the Oricon Top 10 and remains their biggest hit.