[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 ’90s: Recommended J-POP Classics (131–140)
That’s important.Daiji MAN Burazāzu Bando
A powerful song by DaijiMAN Brothers Band that teaches us what’s important in life.
It passionately sings about the importance of not giving up, not quitting, not running away, and believing to the very end.
Since its release in 1991, it has continued to be loved by many.
It was used in a Fuji Fire and Marine Insurance commercial in 1996 and as a campaign song for Sokenbicha in 2005.
If you’re thinking, “I want to fire myself up,” or “I want to take on a challenge but can’t take the first step,” give it a listen—you’ll surely feel a push forward.
God of RomanceHirose Kōmi
It became a huge hit the moment it was tied in as the theme song for Alpen’s commercial.
Even now, when you think of a song you want to hear in winter, this is definitely the one! You hear it a lot at ski resorts, too.
In fact, just listening to it brings scenes of the slopes to mind.
Silent JealousyX JAPAN
The way it cascades from beautiful piano lines into a storm-like metal sound is nothing short of dramatic.
This piece centers on the theme of a maddening jealousy born out of love, and its heartrending cries of the heart are powerfully conveyed through Toshl’s piercing high-tone vocals.
Even within its aggressive sound, the coexistence of melodic allure is breathtaking.
Released as a single from the classic album “Jealousy” in September 1991, it was also performed at that year’s NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
It’s a wonderful track that lets you fully savor X JAPAN’s passion and delicacy—the magnetic pull of both extremes.
Winter，againGLAY
With this song released in 1999, GLAY became champions once again, following their victory the previous year.
If it hadn’t been for the special phenomenon of “Dango 3 Kyodai,” they would have taken first place in both sales and the rankings, so it was quite a close call.
They finished second on the year-end chart, with sales reaching 1.63 million copies.
TimingBlack Biscuits
It’s a vocal trio that was formed on the variety show “Ucchan Nanchan no Urinari!” as a rival to Pocket Biscuits.
This led to Vivian Hsu’s big break.
The chorus choreography, which was easy to imitate, also became popular at the time.
for a long timeKiroro
Kiroro’s debut single overflows with the joy and love of finally being able to express one’s feelings, and with gratitude toward the person who waited.
The harmony woven by Chiharu Tamashiro’s endlessly pure vocals and Ayano Kinjo’s warm piano tones gently wraps around the listener’s heart.
Released in January 1998, the song became a massive hit through word of mouth despite having no tie-ins, ultimately selling over 1.2 million copies.
In the spring of 1999, it was selected as the entrance march for the National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament.
It’s a song that gives you a gentle push when you find it hard to say “thank you” to someone important.
Man & WomanMy Little Lover
Released in May 1995, this was My Little Lover’s debut single, and despite being newcomers, it became a hit with total sales of about 917,000 copies.
Its light, stylish sound reminiscent of French pop blends beautifully with Akko’s translucent vocals.
The song seems to depict the subtle emotional shifts between men and women—the missed connections, and yet the irresistible pull toward one another.
Later included on the classic album “evergreen,” which went on to sell over two million copies, this track captured many hearts.
It’s a song that gently accompanies that slightly sentimental feeling where hope and anxiety mingle just before love begins.