[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)
Go for it!!Urufuruzu
With the motto “Show it, let them hear it, make them dance!”, Ulfuls’s songs always give us energy and vitality.
The music video featuring their distinctive chonmage look greatly boosted the song’s sales and could be called director Tetsuro Takeuchi’s masterpiece.
Like a white cloudsaruganseki
A single that was announced on a variety show.
Saruganseki was originally a comedy duo, but they gained major recognition through this song and the show.
Just when it seemed like they had vanished like one-hit wonders, Ariyoshi made a miraculous comeback.
Eternal, unchanging loveOda Tetsurō
Released in March 1992, this song became widely beloved as the theme for Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s Pocari Sweat commercials.
Tetsuro Oda composed it as a requiem imbued with feelings for his late brother, and the lyrics throughout reflect his admiration and love for him.
With its husky vocals that resonate deeply, the piece has been covered by multiple artists, including Ryuichi Kawamura and Kobukuro, who featured it on their albums.
Expressing a love that remains unchanged over time, the song can be listened to not only as a lovers’ anthem but also as a tribute to family and friends.
It’s a recommended track for moments when you want to feel the bonds with someone special.
Surely more than anyone else in the worldNagayama Miho & WANDS
This is a song etched in memory as one of the defining classics of the ’90s.
A miraculous collaboration between Miho Nakayama and WANDS, it captured the hearts of many listeners with lyrics expressing a powerful love and a wish to be by someone’s side.
Released in October 1992, it became a massive hit, surpassing one million copies sold in just 20 days.
It was also used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Dareka ga Kanojo o Aishiteru” (“Someone Loves Her”), remaining in many people’s memories alongside the show.
With lyrics that seem to speak on behalf of those in love and a melody that resonates deeply, it’s perfect for conveying your feelings to someone special—a song that will give your romantic heart a gentle push.
Why…Hysteric Blue
The fourth single by the rock band Hysteric Blue, who rose to popularity with their distinctive high-tone vocals and pop-leaning sound.
It poignantly sings about the frustration and heartache of love, where feelings miss each other despite being in love.
The pure question of why one’s feelings can’t get through rides on vocalist Tama’s endlessly soaring, emotional voice and truly hits home.
Released in July 1999, the song was used as the theme for the drama “P.S.
Genki Desu, Shumpei” starring Koichi Domoto, and reached No.
2 on the Oricon weekly chart.
Its heartrending melody, which swells in emotion toward the chorus, feels like it gently embraces an irresistible, helpless longing.