[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 that defined the 1990s: Recommended J‑Pop classics (81–90)
Glass BoyKinKi Kids
This is a 1997 hit song by the popular Johnny’s unit KinKi Kids, whose members are each active as solo artists as well.
Even my mother, who isn’t up on trends, used to sing it often back then (lol).
I think that shows just how popular the song was.
Seesaw Game ~A Brave Love Song~Mr.Children
This is their ninth single and marks their sixth consecutive million-seller.
The cover features a simple illustration of a monkey.
Apparently, this reflects vocalist Mr.
Sakurai’s intention to make a fresh restart.
Despite having no tie-in, it became a major hit.
ROSIERLUNA SEA
This is a signature song by LUNA SEA released in 1994.
At a time when tie-in tracks were dominating the charts, they achieved the remarkable feat of reaching No.
3 on the Oricon chart without any tie-in.
After their debut, the band temporarily went on hiatus, and this song was created during that period.
The English lyrics in the song are said to be like a “will written while alive” by J, the bassist.
GoodbyeGAO
This is a song by GAO that captured many hearts with its delicate emotional expression and memorable melody.
Chosen as the theme song for the Nippon TV drama “Suteki ni Damashite!,” it was released in April 1992 and quickly became a major hit.
It reached No.
3 on the weekly Oricon chart and became a million seller with total sales of 1.236 million copies.
The lyrics gently yet powerfully portray the pain of heartbreak and the turmoil after a breakup, resonating deeply with listeners.
This work is especially recommended for those who recall a past love and still carry lingering feelings deep in their hearts.
It’s also a great choice to sing at karaoke.
Silent JealousyX JAPAN
The way it cascades from beautiful piano lines into a storm-like metal sound is nothing short of dramatic.
This piece centers on the theme of a maddening jealousy born out of love, and its heartrending cries of the heart are powerfully conveyed through Toshl’s piercing high-tone vocals.
Even within its aggressive sound, the coexistence of melodic allure is breathtaking.
Released as a single from the classic album “Jealousy” in September 1991, it was also performed at that year’s NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
It’s a wonderful track that lets you fully savor X JAPAN’s passion and delicacy—the magnetic pull of both extremes.
Rose of PassionTHE BLUE HEARTS
The live footage is a rare one from their U.S.
tour.
It’s still used in commercials even now.
It’s a love song that compares feelings and passion for a loved one to a deep red rose.
One of their charms is that they have many songs that can be dedicated not only to a romantic partner, but also to family and friends.
[Heisei Retro] Hit Japanese songs that defined the ’90s: Recommended J-POP masterpieces (91–100)
Odoru Pompoko RinB.B. Kuīnzu
The biggest hit in 1990 was “Odoru Pompokolin” by B.B.
Queens, the theme song for the anime Chibi Maruko-chan.
This song became a massive hit, selling 1.3 million copies—more than double the second-place single—and it has come to be regarded as one of the defining songs of the 1990s.