[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 (21–30)
love me,I love youB’z
Released in July 1995, this B’z track is a catchy, upbeat pop number.
While its lively brass-driven arrangement feels bright, the lyrics confront the haze of human relationships and the ache of unmet emotions.
Rather than placing excessive expectations on others, it suggests that only you can fill the gaps in your own heart—a message that has likely struck a chord with many listeners.
The music video, featuring the duo in suits walking through the streets of Sapporo, is also memorable.
It’s an encouraging song for adults—perfect for those times when you’re worn out from expecting too much of others or when you want to lift your spirits.
【es】～Theme of es～Mr.Children
A majestic rock ballad that portrays the inherent frailty, desires, and conflicting emotions of humanity, posing profound questions to the listener’s heart.
The lyrics, which sing of the resolve to survive in an unpredictable era while carrying unresolved feelings within, are quintessential Kazutoshi Sakurai.
Released as a single in May 1995, it was used as the theme song for the band’s documentary film “[es] Mr.Children in FILM.” Its weighty message—said to have been influenced by the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake—has not faded with time.
It’s a masterpiece to listen to slowly on nights when you feel anxious or lost and want to face yourself.
Overnight Sensation ~The times are in your hands~TRF
TRF, the central figure of the TK boom that became a social phenomenon in the 1990s and brought dance music into living rooms across Japan.
Released in March 1995 as their 10th single, this track was featured in a Honda Motor Co.
“Honda Dio” commercial and used as the ending theme for the film Meteor Garden.
Its groovy sound, infused with soul and funk elements, and lyrics that sing of hope for the future are enough to fill you with courage just by listening.
It’s a song that captures the momentum of the time, when they reigned at the top both in name and in reality, winning the 37th Japan Record Award.
Look at the sky.Sha ran Q
The eighth single by the rock band Sharam Q, led by Tsunku♂.
Chosen as the image song for Nippon TV’s baseball broadcasts, ’95 Gekikūkan Pro Yakyū, it followed the previous massive hit and reached No.
3 on the Oricon weekly chart.
When you’re feeling troubled or stuck, looking up for a moment can reset your mind and help you move forward—the song delivers that positive message over a refreshing acoustic sound.
Released in August 1995, it’s a recommended track to lighten your heart when you hit a wall at work or in daily life.
Song of the TravelerNakajima Miyuki
Released in May 1995 as the 32nd single and the theme song for the television drama “A Homeless Child 2,” which sparked a social phenomenon, “Tabibito no Uta” sold about 1.03 million copies, becoming a million-seller.
Its lyrics convey deep empathy for people who wander without a place to call home, powerfully asserting that even if you lose your past or your love, your dreams will never disappear.
The song gives profound courage to those who feel lonely in modern society.
With its emotional band sound and soul-stirring vocals that strike the heart, it’s a moving number that people standing at a crossroads in life should especially hear.
LADY NAVIGATIONB’z
B’z’s 8th single, featuring a digital beat perfect for summer drives and catchy English phrases, leaves a lasting impression.
Released in 1991, the song was written for Kanebo Cosmetics’ summer campaign.
Many people may remember the commercial starring Maki Mizuno.
The fusion of programmed sounds and sharp guitar cutting felt cutting-edge at the time.
Its urban perspective on a woman striding briskly along the seaside is also captivating.
This release became B’z’s first million-seller, leading to an astounding streak of 13 consecutive million-selling singles.
It’s a refreshing pop-rock number that’s perfect for livening up a karaoke session or boosting your mood on a drive.
HOWEVERGLAY
GLAY, known for their legendary concert that drew 200,000 people in 1999, released their 12th single in August 1997—a gem of a ballad that became the band’s first million seller.
Written and composed by TAKURO, the song sets a grand melody to lyrics about the preciousness of meeting a loved one and the resolve to move forward beyond past wounds.
It topped the Oricon Weekly Chart for five consecutive weeks and became a social phenomenon, selling a cumulative total of about 1.34 million copies.
Chosen as the ending theme for the TBS drama “Ryodatsuei: Abunai Onna” (Stolen Love: Dangerous Woman), it captured even more listeners’ hearts.
TERU’s emotionally rich vocals blend beautifully with the band’s dramatic sound, making this a masterpiece that feels like it gently stays by your side when you want to reaffirm your feelings for someone special.