[Heisei Retro] Hit Japanese songs that defined the 1990s. Recommended J-POP classics.
When you think of the Japanese music scene of the ’90s, what kind of sounds come to mind? It was an era when million-selling hits kept emerging and CD sales marked a golden age for the music industry.
Hit songs poured from TV and radio into the streets, and everyone was humming the same tunes.
From guitar rock to dance music, from the Shibuya-kei movement to the Being-kei style, a wide variety of genres coexisted, each shining with its own unique brilliance in the ’90s.
In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of hit songs that colored that rich musical scene.
For those who lived through the era, they’ll feel nostalgic; for first-time listeners, they’ll sound fresh.
Please take your time and enjoy.
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[Heisei Retro] Hit Japanese songs representing the 1990s. Recommended J-POP classics (71–80)
Crazy Beat Goes On!DA PUMP
This is a dance track brimming with DA PUMP’s positive energy.
With ISSA’s soaring vocals cutting through a poppy, catchy melody, it’s the kind of song anyone will find themselves humming along to.
The lyrics conjure up a powerful image of young people shaking off everyday stress and moving forward with hope for the future.
Released in June 1999 as their eighth single, it was featured in a Suntory C.C.
Lemon commercial—memorable for the dancing office workers.
It’s a perfect mood booster, whether you’re on a drive or looking to get the crowd going at karaoke.
Let yourself go，Let myself goDragon Ash
This is a landmark single released in March 1999 that became the turning point in establishing Dragon Ash’s signature style.
With DJ BOTS officially joining, the arrangement—fusing a heavy band sound with razor-sharp scratching—was truly revolutionary.
The lyrics carry a powerful message: shake off the stagnation and fear of the present, unleash yourself, and step boldly into the future.
It was even used as an insert song in a 2022 drama.
A track that continues to push listeners forward across generations.
Over and OverEvery Little Thing
Every Little Thing’s 11th single, released in January 1999, was chosen as the ending theme for the Yomiuri TV/Nippon TV drama “Border: Criminal Psychology Investigation File.” It is also included on the best-of album “Every Best Single +3.” The pure lyrics vowing eternal love resonate deeply when paired with Kaori Mochida’s crystal-clear vocals.
The contrast between the drama’s serious atmosphere and the song’s gentle melody surely brings back memories for many.
With its grand synth sound that perfectly suits the winter air, it’s a gem of a love song.
HEAVEN’S DRIVEL’Arc〜en〜Ciel
An irresistible rock number by L’Arc~en~Ciel, bursting with distorted guitar sound and a thrilling, fast-paced rhythm.
Released in April 1999 as their 16th single, it’s also included on the classic album ark.
Written and composed by hyde, the song depicts a world of driving filled with thrill and pleasure, as if racing toward ruin.
Upon release, it topped the Oricon charts for two consecutive weeks and ultimately became a million-seller, moving over 1.12 million copies.
A killer tune guaranteed to lift your spirits as a driving soundtrack.
BELIEVEMISIA
With her astonishing five-octave voice, MISIA firmly established authentic R&B in the Japanese music scene.
Her third single, released in April 1999, is a mid-tempo number that was featured in a commercial for Hitachi Maxell’s “Maxell MD.” Even if people or circumstances change, the song conveys a poignant yet powerful resolve to keep believing in the unchanging feelings within oneself.
The masterpiece album that includes this track, “LOVE IS THE MESSAGE,” sold over two million copies.
Its gospel-tinged, passionate vocals and rich groove remain as vibrant as ever, untouched by the passage of time.
AS TIME GOES BYhiro
Hiro, who enjoyed immense popularity as a member of SPEED, took her first step as a solo artist with this song.
Released in August 1999 as the theme song for the TV Asahi drama “Heaven’s Kiss,” it was her debut single.
The arrangement, unfolding from a melancholy intro into a fast-paced, soaring chorus, brilliantly captures the passage of time and the heart’s shifting emotions.
Selling approximately 812,000 copies, it’s a classic that symbolizes 1999 and unveiled a new side of Hiro’s appeal.
somedayyuzu
Released in January 1999 as Yuzu’s first maxi single and later included on the album “Yuzuen,” this is a classic track.
It paints scenes so vivid you can almost see the pure white snowy landscape, while expressing a steadfast devotion to someone precious that remains unchanged despite the distance—stirring the listener’s heart with a poignant ache.
The ensemble of acoustic guitar and strings, along with Iwasawa’s harmonica, further enhances the warmth and wistfulness of the piece.
It’s a gem of a folk ballad that gently accompanies the feelings of savoring the past and dreaming of the future.