[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)
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.
Miracle EarthKuwata Keisuke & Mr.Children
In January 1995, a gem of a song was created through the collaboration of Keisuke Kuwata and Mr.Children.
It was released as a charity single as part of Act Against AIDS (AAA), a campaign aimed at spreading accurate knowledge about AIDS.
Written and composed by Kuwata, and arranged by Takeshi Kobayashi and Mr.Children, the piece was completed with a harmony between Kuwata and Kazutoshi Sakurai that truly resonates.
According to Oricon, it sold a cumulative total of 1.72 million copies.
All proceeds were used for AIDS countermeasures in various countries, including across Asia.
Its warm melody and powerful vocals have a cleansing effect on the heart.
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.
CallingB’z
A deeply moving ballad released in July 1997.
Known as the theme song for the drama “Glass Mask,” this track sings of the belief that hearts remain connected even when far apart.
Koshi Inaba’s powerful vocals and Takahiro Matsumoto’s soulful, tear-inducing guitar solo are a perfect match, stirring the listener’s emotions.
Another highlight is the B-side, which features the first-ever B’z live recording included on a CD.
This work became B’z’s final million-selling single of the 1990s.
It’s the perfect song for moments when you want to feel pure love or think of someone dear to you.
How gasoline sloshesBLANKEY JET CITY
This song stands out for its lyrics that capture raw emotions and moments.
It was included on a maxi single released by the Polydor label in May 1997, coming after the release of the album “Love Flash Fever” that same year.
The intro’s guitar phrase is striking, and the motorcycle-themed lyrics by vocalist Kenichi Asai are part of its appeal.
The lyrics, which seem to reflect the inner landscape of a young person wavering between introspection and rebellion, have the power to speak directly to the listener’s heart.
Evoking both the radiance and conflicts of youth, this work can be considered a song that epitomizes BLANKEY JET CITY’s musical identity.
HoneyL’Arc〜en〜Ciel
L’Arc-en-Ciel led the rock scene from the front lines in the ’90s.
Around that time, their vocalist Hyde said on a music program, “It’s not ‘Ciel’ with a ‘she’ sound; it’s ‘Ciel.’ Ci-e-l!” This became a talking point and made the band known even among people who weren’t interested in rock.
Kiss me right nowLINDBERG
It was their second single and became a major hit.
It was the theme song for the drama “The One I Love Most in the World!” In the ’90s, songs tied to TV dramas tended to attract attention and become hits even more than they do now—probably related to the dramas’ viewership ratings.