[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 (161–170)
Happy endingOhtaki Eiichi
As the theme song for a Fuji TV Monday 9 p.m.
drama, this is a gem of a love song that Eiichi Ohtaki released for the first time in 12 years.
Its gentle, heartwarming melody and lyrics that carefully weave the feelings of a woman in love blend beautifully, leading to a massive hit of 970,000 copies sold since its release in November 1997.
Used in Love Generation, the song also marked Ohtaki’s first-ever Top 10 entry as a solo artist, showcasing his rich musicality to the fullest.
Portraying a sweet yet bittersweet love story, this track is highly recommended for those harboring feelings for someone special or wishing for a happy future with a loved one.
I love youKawamura Ryuuichi
A heart-stirring ballad woven from a delicate singing voice and profound expressions of love.
Ryuichi Kawamura’s solo debut is a memorable masterpiece whose romantic melody is matched by vivid imagery that evokes the shoreline.
Chosen as the ending theme for the music program COUNT DOWN TV, the song reached No.
4 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart after its release in February 1997, and it continues to shine as one of Kawamura’s signature tracks.
This exquisite love song, sung with sincere emotion, distinctive expressiveness, and soaring high notes, is sure to touch the heart—perfect for a nighttime drive when love is in the air or for special moments with someone important.
[Heisei Retro] Hit Japanese songs representing the 1990s. Recommended J‑POP masterpieces (171–180)
LOVE IS ALL MUSICKahara Tomomi
A rock ballad produced by Tetsuya Komuro, this gem weaves a beautiful melody with Tomomi Kahara’s translucent vocals.
The lyrics portray a woman’s feelings through the night until dawn, and the deeply expressive singing resonates powerfully with listeners.
Released in July 1997, the song—born as Komuro played the piano—is set in 6/8 time, with a mid-song key change that heightens its emotional impact.
It was also featured in the commercial for Ginza Jewelry Maki’s “Estate Twin Jewelry,” where its wistful yet romantic atmosphere perfectly matched the brand.
It’s a piece that will stay close to your heart on nights when your feelings are in turmoil or during quiet moments spent thinking of someone special—a song we earnestly recommend you listen to.
sunflowerNagabuchi Tsuyoshi
A song filled with warmth like sunlight, woven from a powerful singing voice and acoustic guitar.
With themes of hope and renewal, it superbly expresses human strength and kindness, showcasing Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi’s musical maturity.
Released on July 2, 1997, this work was used as the theme song for the TBS drama “Bodyguard” and became his 28th single.
Seamlessly blending folk rock and acoustic rock, the track embodies the essence of Nagabuchi’s musicality.
It is truly a sun-like song that stands beside those who are troubled at heart and those who are about to take a new step forward.
BLOWIN’B’z
In third place for ’92, hard rock band B’z finally made the rankings.
With this song selling over 1.6 million copies, I felt that a new era had arrived in Japan where a genuine hard rock band could secure a top spot on the singles chart.
You could say B’z became truly mainstream with this track.
Where Smiles GoDREAMS COME TRUE
Released in February 1990, this song became a major hit as DREAMS COME TRUE’s fifth single, breaking into the top 10 on the Oricon charts.
Chosen as the theme song for the TBS drama “Sotsugyo (Graduation),” its graduation-themed lyrics resonated with many listeners.
The verses that sing about carefree smiles in the yearbook and a more mature self invite listeners to reflect on their youthful memories.
Filled with gratitude for the past and hope for the future, this track gives you the courage to take a new step forward.
It’s a recommended song for life’s milestones or whenever you want to bask in nostalgia.
TemptationGLAY
It’s a hit single that’s still being covered and passed down among band kids today.
Playing it in front of people who were around when it first came out is a blast, because everyone joins in on the chorus.
The guitar solo in the interlude is surprisingly on the challenging side.