[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)
HELLOFukuyama Masaharu
Masaharu Fukuyama ranked third in the 1995 year-end chart.
This song is one of his signature tracks, still a staple at his live shows and popular at karaoke.
It sold 1.87 million copies, and it’s no exaggeration to say that this was the song that cemented Fukuyama—who at the time might have been better known as an actor—as a hugely popular singer-songwriter.
LA LA LA Love SongKubota Toshinobu
As an aside, when you select this song on karaoke systems like DAM, it picks that stock background video with a toy carousel spinning.
You can really feel the taste of the person who decided that.
It’s a timeless classic that never fades with age.
Everything (it’s you)Mr.Children
This is the theme song for the NTV drama “Koi no Vacance,” released in March 1997.
It’s said that Mr.
Children’s Kazutoshi Sakurai wrote the song with an “athletic, go-for-it” mindset.
The powerful, hard rock-tinged sound and lyrics filled with feelings for a loved one are striking.
The guitar solo in the interlude is performed by Kenichi Tahara and Sakurai, with Yuko Tsubokura from BB Queens contributing chorus vocals.
Centered around the word “STAY,” the song expresses the importance of finding what truly matters in life.
It’s a moving track that gives you the courage to move forward despite worries and contradictions.
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.
DESIRELUNA SEA
In December 1995, LUNA SEA rode a wave of unstoppable momentum by successfully headlining the Tokyo Dome for the first time.
Just before that, in November 1995, they released their sixth single—an aggressive number that topped the Oricon charts despite having no tie-in.
Originally composed by SUGIZO, the track is defined by its relentless, hard-hitting guitar riff from the intro and an exhilarating sense of speed.
RYUICHI’s lush, expressive vocals are outstanding as he delivers lyrics depicting irrepressible desire and a shadow-tinged passion.
For anyone seeking a rock sound that shakes the soul, this is an irresistible song.