[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 ’90s: Recommended J-POP classics (41–50)
gloriousGLAY
GLAY is a rock band that has set numerous records.
Released in January 1996, this work is their 8th single, used as the theme song for the sporting goods store Victoria’s TV commercial.
It became their first entry into the Oricon Top 10 and marked their breakthrough.
The lyrics, which portray memories of youth, the realities of adulthood, and hope for the future, are truly moving.
With a catchy melody crafted within a comfortable vocal range, it’s a quintessential pop-rock piece.
For those who spent their youth in that era, it’s a number that’s sure to make your heart race from the very first notes of the intro.
Flower -Memento Mori-Mr.Children
A masterpiece ballad by Mr.Children, marked by a gentle acoustic guitar intro and a strikingly philosophical message.
Released as a single in April 1996, it sold an impressive total of 1.539 million copies.
It’s also included on the classic album “Shinkai” (Deep Sea), distilling the band’s profound spirituality.
While it grapples with the heavy theme of mortality, the lyrics portray a resolve to bloom boldly despite anxiety, quietly inspiring courage in listeners.
In 2017, it was featured in an NTT Docomo commercial and has been loved across generations.
It’s a song you should listen to when you feel uncertain about the future or want to spend a night reflecting deeply on yourself.
Blue LightningSMAP
Released in July 1996, this is SMAP’s 22nd single.
It was used as the theme song for the Fuji TV variety show “SMAP×SMAP” and in Lawson commercials.
Following a member’s departure, this first release by the five-member lineup debuted at No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.
With total sales of approximately 814,000 copies, it became the group’s best-selling single at the time.
Although it is a cover of a song by Kenji Hayashida, its lyrics—portraying the heartache of being bewildered by a lover’s changes—and its cool, danceable sound unveiled a new side of the group.
masqueradeTRF
Produced by Tetsuya Komuro, TRF is a five-member co-ed dance and vocal group that racked up numerous million-selling hits and helped cement rave culture in Japan’s music scene.
This work, their ninth single released in February 1995, was featured as the TV commercial song for Mitsuki’s Ginza Jewelry Maki “Camellia Diamond.” Its aggressive dance track infused with hard rock elements and lyrics evoking the allure of a masquerade ball draw listeners into a mysterious night.
With a glamorous atmosphere that paints the dazzling lights of the big city, it stands as one of TRF’s foremost million sellers.
Can’t Stop Fallin’in Loveglobe
When I start to feel winter in the air, this is the TK sound from back then that I can’t help but listen to.
Led by Tetsuya Komuro, globe released this as their seventh single in October 1996.
Following “DEPARTURES,” it was used in JR East’s “JR ski ski” commercial and became a massive hit, selling over 1.3 million copies in total.
The lyrics, which portray an earnest adult romance that draws two people together beyond even morals and rules, strike a chord alongside the beautiful melody.
The world woven by KEIKO’s powerful vocals and Marc Panther’s rap shines with the brilliance that defined the ’90s.
Kotodama of Love ~Spiritual Message~Sazan Ōrusutāzu
Southern All Stars are a five-piece band that have continued to lead the J-pop scene and are loved by people of all ages.
This track, where festival-like beats intertwine with rap, is a dreamlike number that portrays the scenery of Kamakura and the spiritual theme of kotodama (the power of words).
Released as a single in May 1996, it drew major attention as the theme song for the TV drama “Invisible Man” starring Shingo Katori.
It achieved an astonishing total sales of about 1.395 million copies according to Oricon, and is also known as a hit that helped propel the classic album “Young Love.” It’s a masterpiece best enjoyed quietly while feeling the summer night breeze.
excuseSha ran Q
A quintessential 90s rock ballad that powerfully voices a man’s aching heart.
This is the 10th single by Sharam Q, the rock band led by Tsunku♂, who is also known as a music producer.
While spouting selfish excuses, the protagonist’s inability to sever his lingering attachment to the lover who left is portrayed over a wistful melody.
Released in April 1996, the song was used as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “Age, 35 Koishikute,” won the Excellence Award at the Japan Record Awards, and cemented the band’s popularity.
It’s a gem of a breakup song that makes you want to pour your emotions into it at karaoke.