[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 (111–120)
suddenlyFIELD OF VIEW
A massive hit by FIELD OF VIEW from the golden Being duo: lyrics by ZARD’s Izumi Sakai and music by Tetsurō Oda.
Just hearing the guitar riff in the intro is enough for many to picture blue skies and that Pocari Sweat commercial.
Yūya Asaoka’s endlessly soaring high-toned voice captures the sparkle and exhilaration of a love that arrived, just as the title says, “suddenly.” The strikingly straightforward lyrics about love are enough to make your heart burn just by listening.
It’s an unfading anthem that makes you feel as if a scene from your own youth is coming back to life, reminding you of those bittersweet emotions you’d forgotten.
Swaying FeelingsZARD
This is ZARD’s signature song, featured in a Pocari Sweat commercial and certified a million-seller.
Even among the tracks that drove the Being boom, this one stands out for its refreshing feel.
The moment the intro starts, you can almost see the dazzling summer sunshine.
Izumi Sakai’s straight, crystalline vocals beautifully capture the thrill of a budding romance, winning the hearts of many.
The wavering emotions of longing for someone—sweet, a little frustrating—make the pure lyrics deeply relatable.
As a timeless classic, it continues to color the youth of countless listeners even today.
EZ DO DANCETRF
This song can be called a landmark of dance music that got all of Japan moving in the ’90s.
Released in June 1993 as TRF’s second single, it peaked at No.
15 on the Oricon charts and became an unusually long-running hit, selling about 790,000 copies.
Produced by Tetsuya Komuro, it also features a memorable rap by DJ KOO.
The lyrics depict people dancing in pursuit of freedom, expressing hope, dreams, and bonds with friends.
With its bright, easy-to-dance rhythm and catchy melody, it remains a karaoke staple to this day.
It’s a perfect track for parties with friends or for lifting your spirits.
I won’t fall in love anymore.Makihara Noriyuki
It’s a love song featuring Mr.
Makihara’s gentle, warmly embracing vocals.
The chorus lyrics are unusual and interesting, aren’t they? By the way, if you type the last phrase of the chorus—which includes the song’s title—into Google, you’ll get some pretty amusing search suggestions.
Stay GoldHi-STANDARD
Despite being an indie band at the time, it was an extraordinary million-seller—this is a track from their 1999 album “MAKING THE ROAD.” I remember how shocking it felt back then.
With 20 songs on a single CD, I could listen to it nonstop without getting bored.
They truly are a band that represents the ’90s.
Far, far awayMakihara Noriyuki
This piece is distinguished by a warm melody that gently embraces the feelings of those who have left their hometowns.
In this song, Noriyuki Makihara weaves his thoughts for friends far away, portraying the universal desire to stay connected despite the distance, and it tenderly resonates with listeners.
It was included on the June 1992 album “Kimi wa Boku no Takaramono” and later drew renewed attention when it was used in a 2006 NTT East Japan commercial.
The song expresses the wish to have people back home see how one is striving in a new place, while celebrating the importance of unchanging bonds amid personal change.
It is sure to strike a deep chord with those starting a new chapter in life or those who have experienced being separated from dear friends.
Midsummer FruitSazan Ōrusutāzu
A quintessential Japanese summer song that resonates deeply with listeners.
Released in July 1990, this piece features a relaxed acoustic sound and portrays the poignant scenes of summer and a beautiful, fleeting love.
It was produced as the theme song for the film Inamura Jane, directed by Keisuke Kuwata, and was later used in commercials and as an insert song in TV dramas.
Its abstract lyrics liken midsummer romance to “fruit,” allowing each listener to form their own interpretation.
It’s a perfect track for leisurely moments by the beach or for reflecting on a summer love.