[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)
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.
[Heisei Retro] Hit Japanese songs representing the 1990s. Recommended J-POP classics (121–130)
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.
I was only looking at you.To Be Continued
Released in March 1994, this song became a major hit, staying in the Top 10 of the Oricon Singles Chart for seven weeks.
It was used as an insert song for the TBS drama “If Only Wishes Could Come True” and became To Be Continued’s biggest hit.
The lyrics, centered on deep love and bonds, express unwavering feelings for a loved one.
It sings of a relationship built on profound love and mutual support—always being there with an unadorned heart—resonating with many listeners.
The song was also a commercial success, achieving double platinum.
Many people may relate to its powerful message: even on nights when you feel like you might be crushed, you can overcome it because you have someone you love.
Embracing sleepless nightsZARD
This is ZARD’s fourth single, released in August 1992, and it was used as the ending theme for TV Asahi’s program “Tonight.” ZARD vocalist Izumi Sakai’s clear, translucent voice and the emotionally resonant melody leave a strong impression.
It’s a ballad that delicately portrays the quiet of the night and a wistful, aching sentiment, cherished by many fans.
The lyrics depict the feelings of spending a sleepless night while reflecting on past memories.
You can sense a longing to return to an innocent, almost girlish smile, even as the singer feels a sense of loneliness in reality.
It’s a song that conveys nostalgia for lost time and past memories, while also holding a glimmer of hope for the future.
If you listen to it alone on a quiet night, it will surely seep into your heart.