[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)
Like tonight’s moonElefanto Kashimashi
A signature song by Elephant Kashimashi, it sublimates the feeling of a heart wavering between everyday nihilism and hope into something beautiful.
The dramatic melody and Hiroji Miyamoto’s impassioned vocals resonate deeply with listeners.
Released by Pony Canyon in July 1997, it was used as the theme song for the drama “Because the Moon Shines at Night.” It became the band’s first entry into the Oricon Weekly Top 10 and a major hit with total sales of about 800,000 copies.
When you’re worn out by relationships or work and listen to this song, you can sense someone who struggles just like you yet still tries to face forward and live.
Like gentle moonlight softly illuminating the night, this is a song that stays close to your heart.
survival dAnce 〜no no cry more〜TRF
TRF is a five-member dance and vocal group known for the concept “just their presence at a live venue turns the place into a disco,” and as a forerunner of the TK boom that swept the 1990s.
Their sixth single, “survival dAnce ~no no cry more~,” was used as the theme song for the TV drama ‘17-sai – at seventeen -.
’ The contrast between the relaxed A-melody and the high-energy chorus lifts your spirits just by listening.
It’s a catchy party tune that’s perfect for getting everyone singing along at karaoke.
[Heisei Retro] Hit Japanese songs representing the 1990s. Recommended J‑POP masterpieces (171–180)
Don’t give upZARD
ZARD, a music unit that was at the forefront of the Being label artists who exploded in popularity in the 1990s, achieved massive success with their 6th single, “Makenaide” (“Don’t Give Up”).
The song was used as the theme for the TV drama “Shiratori Reiko de Gozaimasu!” and became a million seller.
Its empowering lyrics and catchy melody have encouraged many people to find themselves humming it during tough times.
It’s also well-known for playing during the climax of Nippon TV’s charity program “24-Hour Television” marathon—a pop tune that gives you that extra push to take one more step.
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.
BELIEVE IN LOVELINDBERG
Among LINDBERG’s popular songs, this one is renowned as a classic.
Released in July 1991 as their eighth single, it was also used as the opening theme for Fuji TV’s “Yume de Aetara.” The lyrics, which sing about the importance of looking forward after heartbreak and hardship, resonate deeply with listeners.
Even amid sadness, it conveys the strength to hold onto hope and believe in a new morning.
With its bright, uplifting message and catchy melody, the song has continued to be loved by many fans.
It’s the perfect track for when you need a boost of energy or want to encourage a friend who’s feeling down.