[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)
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.
Come, spring.Matsutōya Yumi
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to as the cold season draws to a close.
It’s also popular as a beginner piano practice piece.
Despite its simplicity, the profound structure and melody evoke a distinctly Japanese atmosphere, making it one of those timeless masterpieces that linger in our hearts.
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.
Beyond the Night SkySMAP
It’s a ballad with lyrics written by Shikao Suga, and there were times during live shows and TV programs when member Kimura played acoustic guitar.
It makes me so sad to think we may never hear them sing it again.
I also love the lyrics that look back on their youth and compare it with the present.
BOY MEETS GIRLTRF
Released in June 1994, this song gained attention as a Coca-Cola commercial tune.
With this track, TRF made their first appearance at that year’s NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, serving as the opening act.
The lyrics depict the possibilities that encounters bring and the precious moments that enrich life, delivering a message that resonates with listeners.
It also features an innovative fusion of world music elements, such as incorporating a “kecak” chorus recorded by Tetsuya Komuro while on vacation in Indonesia for the ending.
As one of the iconic hits of the 1990s, it continues to be beloved by many to this day.