[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.

Playlist

[Heisei Retro] Hit Japanese songs that defined the 1990s. Recommended J-POP classics.
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	Love Story Comes SuddenlyOda Kazumasa		Kazumasa Oda’s masterpieces after the breakup of Off Course
2	DEPARTURESglobe		globe ranked No. 2 in 1996
3	Nameless PoemMr.Children		Mr. Children clinch the top spot in the 1996 annual rankings
4	Tomorrow never knowsMr.Children		A classic hit of the ’90s that depicts a crossroads in life
5	LOVE PHANTOMB’z		B’z’s intense rock tune shakes the soul.
6	TRUE LOVEFujii Fumiya		Fumiya Fujii’s classic song from Asunaro Hakusho
7	Hate tell a lieKahara Tomomi		Tomomi Kahala’s hit songs, produced by Tetsuya Komuro
8	innocent worldMr.Children		Mr. Children tops the year-end chart, selling 1.81 million copies.
9	SAY YESCHAGE and ASKA		The 1990s hit song “SAY YES”
10	YAH YAH YAHCHAGE and ASKA		Chage & Aska’s smash hit song “If You Look Back, He’s There”
11	LOVE LOVE LOVEDREAMS COME TRUE		A lyrical signature song by Dreams Come True becomes a hit
12	Just by you being herekome kome CLUB		Kome Kome Club “Kimi ga Iru Dake de” – a major hit song of the 1990s
13	CAN YOU CELEBRATE?Amuro Namie		Namie Amuro and Tetsuya Komuro’s smash hit song
14	Dango Three BrothersHayami Kentarō, Shigemori Ayumi		A song from a children's TV show becomes a hugely popular hit
15	loadTHE toraburyū		A moody music video featuring sign language; a breakup-themed karaoke favorite
16	Longing, poignancy, and strength of heartShinohara Ryoko with t.komuro		Tetsuya Komuro gained clout as a music producer through his hit songs.
17	AutomaticUtada Hikaru		The legend and allure of the debut song “First Love”
18	As I love you selfishly, I won’t hurt anyone but you.B’z		B’z’s signature song makes waves with its long title
19	WOW WAR TONIGHT ~Sometimes You Gotta Start a Movement~H Jungle with T		Hit songs by Downtown and Komuro
20	Love will winKAN		KAN becomes a legend in the music world with 'Ai wa Katsu' ('Love Will Win')
21	HELLOFukuyama Masaharu		Masaharu Fukuyama's signature song became a massive hit.
22	LA LA LA Love SongKubota Toshinobu		The merry-go-round footage is striking.
23	Everything (it’s you)Mr.Children		A powerful rock song as the theme by Mr.Children
24	love me,I love youB’z		A masterpiece by B’z that contemplates human relationships
25	DESIRELUNA SEA		LUNA SEA’s overwhelmingly soul-stirring rock
26	【es】～Theme of es～Mr.Children		Singing of human frailty and the resolve to live
27	Overnight Sensation ~The times are in your hands~TRF		The appeal of TRF’s classic hit “EZ DO DANCE”
28	Look at the sky.Sha ran Q		Sharam Q’s “Sora” chosen as the image song for baseball broadcasts
29	Song of the TravelerNakajima Miyuki		Theme songs of TV dramas move society
30	LADY NAVIGATIONB’z		B’z hit songs perfect for a summer drive
31	HOWEVERGLAY		GLAY's legendary masterpiece: a ballad that depicts love and hope
32	I want to love rather than be lovedKinKi Kids		Youth hit song by KinKi Kids, singing about a resolve in love
33	Hello, Again ~A Place That’s Been Around Since Long Ago~My Little Lover		A classic hit by My Little Lover from the 90s
34	What kind of good things?SMAP		SMAP’s classic song that depicts everyday happiness
35	Tearful KissSazan Ōrusutāzu		A classic Southern song, a farewell ballad that pierces the heart
36	I should be able to fly (in the sky).supittsu		Spitz’s classic “Cherry,” a moving masterpiece
37	PRIDEImai Miki		Miki Imai’s classic song “LOVE PHANTOM”
38	Addicted To YouUtada Hikaru		Hikaru Utada’s smash hit depicts the agony of love
39	I’m glad I met you.Koizumi Kyoko		A masterpiece filled with feelings for my father; its heartrending lyrics resonate with the heart.
40	Aphrodisiac from the lipsKudō Shizuka		Shizuka Kudo: A smash hit that symbolizes her growth
41	Boys & GirlsHamasaki Ayumi		Ayumi Hamasaki’s classic hit “Boys,” a summer staple
42	Soap bubbleNagabuchi Tsuyoshi		Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi’s million-selling hit song
43	Real Thing ShakesB’z		B’z’s smash hit: hard rock with English lyrics
44	wishB’z		B’z’s overwhelming musicality and powerful message
45	BELOVEDGLAY		A masterpiece whose nostalgia-filled song resonates in the heart
46	gloriousGLAY		GLAY’s classic—an anthem of youthful memories and hope
47	Flower -Memento Mori-Mr.Children		Mr.Children’s moving masterpiece—a song that cheers you on in life
48	Blue LightningSMAP		SMAP’s first single as a five-member group, a big hit song
49	masqueradeTRF		A classic hit produced by Tetsuya Komuro for TRF
50	Can’t Stop Fallin’in Loveglobe		A classic hit by globe that depicts a poignant winter romance
51	Kotodama of Love ~Spiritual Message~Sazan Ōrusutāzu		Southern’s classic song “Summer Night” becomes a big hit
52	excuseSha ran Q		A quintessential 90s breakup rock ballad
53	Nagisasupittsu		A poignant classic that colors the end of summer
54	Get fired upDaikoku Maki		Moved by the Olympic theme song
55	Don’t wanna cryAmuro Namie		A classic that marked a turning point in the Amura boom era
56	BREAK OUT!Aikawa Nanase		A high-energy, fast-paced rock number by Tetsuro Oda
57	romantic feelingsAikawa Nanase		Singing Nanase Aikawa’s 90s classic “Koigokoro” with passion
58	save your dreamKahara Tomomi		In the 1990s, Tomomi Kahala had a huge hit under Komuro’s production.
59	WILD HEAVENTMN		A rock love song racing through the night
60	Robinsonsupittsu		Spitz’s smash-hit song breaks into the top 10 of the Oricon chart
61	Until the World Ends…WANDS		The strong influence of the Slam Dunk theme song
62	Sorrow like snowHamada Shogo		Shogo Hamada ranked No. 2 on the singles chart in ’92
63	Glass BoyKinKi Kids		Kinki Kids’ 1997 hit song
64	Seesaw Game ~A Brave Love Song~Mr.Children		The single has reached a million sales.
65	ROSIERLUNA SEA		LUNA SEA’s representative song of 1994 ranked 3rd among non-tie-up tracks
66	GoodbyeGAO		GAO’s heartbreak song becomes a hit as a TV drama theme
67	ALONEB’z		A classic by B’z: a love ballad that colors loneliness
68	In the Sun and the DustCHAGE and ASKA		A song about chasing dreams that portrays the struggles of youth
69	Don’t forget.DREAMS COME TRUE		A heartfelt DCT ballad that portrays the pain of parting
70	Somewhere in a distant townNagayama Miho		A heartwarming ballad themed around Miho Nakayama’s long-distance love
71	PIECE OF MY WISHImai Miki		A song that gives me courage because there’s a tomorrow
72	Boy in the WindHikaru GENJI		A wistful song of youth shining in the wind
73	Goodbye, Summer DaysYamashita Tatsuro		Tatsuro Yamashita’s youth ballad 'Niji' (Rainbow)
74	LOVE IS ALLTokunaga Hideaki		The classic song “Missing,” which portrays the universality of love
75	Legendary GirlMizuki Arisa		Ami Ozaki’s debut song is a big hit.
76	Rose of PassionTHE BLUE HEARTS		A Love Song Dedicated to a Red Rose
77	Come, spring.Matsutōya Yumi		A masterpiece that expresses the transition to spring
78	Odoru Pompoko RinB.B. Kuīnzu		Pompoko Rin sells 1.3 million copies in a big hit
79	Beyond the Night SkySMAP		Suga Shikao lyrics ballad nostalgic lyrics
80	BOY MEETS GIRLTRF		TRF to make their first Kouhaku appearance with a Coca-Cola commercial song
81	Go for it!!Urufuruzu		Ulfuls' songs give me energy and vitality
82	Like a white cloudsaruganseki		Ariyoshi pulls off a miraculous comeback
83	Eternal, unchanging loveOda Tetsurō		The requiem of the Pocari Sweat commercial song
84	Surely more than anyone else in the worldNagayama Miho & WANDS		The iconic collaboration song by Miho Nakayama and WANDS
85	Why…Hysteric Blue		An inspiring classic that sings of love’s frustrating yearning
86	Crazy Beat Goes On!DA PUMP		DA PUMP's upbeat popular song
87	Let yourself go，Let myself goDragon Ash		Dragon Ash’s groundbreaking turning-point single
88	Over and OverEvery Little Thing		Eternal Love, a moving masterpiece of a drama ending theme
89	HEAVEN’S DRIVEL’Arc〜en〜Ciel		A high-velocity rock number by L’Arc~en~Ciel
90	BELIEVEMISIA		MISIA revolutionizes the music scene with R&B
91	AS TIME GOES BYhiro		hiro's debut solo single becomes a big hit as a TV drama theme song
92	somedayyuzu		A classic song that depicts snowy scenery and thoughts for a loved one
93	Movin’ on without youUtada Hikaru		A masterpiece with a mature worldview right after their debut
94	RESPECT the POWER OF LOVEAmuro Namie		Namie Amuro’s powerful cheer song
95	SquallMatsumoto Eiko		Eiko Matsumoto’s rain ballad with lyrics by Masaharu Fukuyama
96	LOVE〜Destiny〜Hamasaki Ayumi		Ayumi Hamasaki’s fateful, heartrending ballad
97	TO BEHamasaki Ayumi		Ayumi Hamasaki’s philosophically themed song that resonates with hearts at a crossroads
98	HEAVENFukuyama Masaharu		Dependence and conflict depicted by a passionate song
99	Time goes byEvery Little Thing		Kaori Mochida's ballad single
100	frecklesJUDY AND MARY		JUDY AND MARY's only million-selling single
101	Bye For NowT-BOLAN		T-BOLAN’s signature song of bittersweet parting and hope
102	Endless dreamsZYYG, REV, ZARD&WANDS		Shigeo Nagashima singing the ending theme for the Giants game
103	At all times.Makihara Noriyuki		Noriyuki Makihara’s signature songs, the importance of staying true to yourself
104	Romantic Flightkome kome CLUB		Kome Kome Club's hit song that ranked second in 1990
105	Working manUNICORN		A man who is successful at work but feels lonely in his private life
106	Goodbye, Humanitytama		Tama became a huge hit in the ’90s for their uniqueness.
107	Far, far awayMakihara Noriyuki		A song that warmly portrays feelings for a friend who has left their hometown
108	1/2Kawamoto Makoto		Rurouni Kenshin opening, pioneering female singer-guitarist
109	I’m proudKahara Tomomi		This is Tomomi Kahala’s biggest hit song.
110	Believe in your dreamsTokunaga Hideaki		The strength to move forward while carrying emotional scars
111	To the City of RainbowsTakano Hiroshi		Hiroshi Takano’s 1990s hit song used in commercials
112	EZ DO DANCETRF		TRF's signature song and a popular dance from the '90s
113	I won’t fall in love anymore.Makihara Noriyuki		A love song with Makihara’s gentle singing voice
114	Stay GoldHi-STANDARD		An unusual million-seller from the indie scene
115	Silent JealousyX JAPAN		Love and Jealousy, the Soul of X JAPAN
116	STEADYSPEED		SPEED 1997 annual singles No. 5
117	Midsummer FruitSazan Ōrusutāzu		A Japanese classic that depicts summer love
118	Miracle EarthKuwata Keisuke & Mr.Children		AIDS awareness charity single
119	CallingB’z		B’z’s moving classic ballad
120	How gasoline sloshesBLANKEY JET CITY		Youth rock characterized by emotional lyrics
121	HoneyL’Arc〜en〜Ciel		L'Arc and Ciel’s pronunciation becomes a hot topic
122	Kiss me right nowLINDBERG		A massive hit thanks to a drama tie-in
123	I was only looking at you.To Be Continued		To Be Continued greatest hit song
124	Embracing sleepless nightsZARD		ZARD’s nighttime ballad songs
125	threadNakajima Miyuki		A signature song by Miyuki Nakajima, a masterpiece that depicts human connections
126	I can’t stay a daydreaming girlAikawa Nanase		Nanase Aikawa is being covered by young band girls.
127	Silent EveKarashima Midori		A heartfelt ballad by Midori Karashima that resonates with the heart
128	I can’t say it.Gō Hiromi		A ballad that sings of Hiromi Go’s heartrending love
129	A third of pure-hearted feelingsSIAM SHADE		A love song that sings of a bittersweet yearning.
130	JAMTHE YELLOW MONKEY		Deep insights into an absurd world and a personal quest
131	PIECE MY WISHImai Miki		Miki Imai’s million-selling signature song
132	An uncool way of getting dumpedŌe Senri		A masterpiece that delicately portrays the pain of heartbreak and the changes of the heart
133	I’m only gazing at you.Daikoku Maki		Slam Dunk ending theme released in 1994
134	for a long timeKiroro		Kiroro’s debut single is a big hit
135	Man & WomanMy Little Lover		A massive hit with My Little Lover’s debut single
136	boykuroyume		A rock song that expresses a rebellious spirit.
137	Don’t avert your eyes.DEEN		DEEN’s refreshing summer song
138	suddenlyFIELD OF VIEW		ZARD “Totsuzen,” a moving anthem of youth
139	Swaying FeelingsZARD		“Don’t Give Up” is a classic of youth, resonating in the heart
140	White LoveSPEED		SPEED's winter classic
141	That’s important.Daiji MAN Burazāzu Bando		A song that sings about the importance of not giving up and believing to the end
142	God of RomanceHirose Kōmi		A famous commercial song popular at winter ski resorts
143	POSTMANYoshikawa Koji		Kōji Kikkawa’s passionate rock number that kindles hope
144	EveOkui Masami		A heartfelt song that resonates at summer’s end
145	Winter，againGLAY		GLAY achieved 2nd place in the annual rankings in ’99, with 1.63 million copies.
146	TimingBlack Biscuits		Vivian Hsu breaks through
147	The Other Side of LoveSakamoto Ryuichi featuring Sister M		A moving ballad born from a father-daughter collaboration
148	Happy endingOhtaki Eiichi		Eiichi Ohtaki’s first love song in 12 years. A major hit with 970,000 copies sold.
149	The wind is dancing outside the window.SUPER BUTTER DOG		A gemlike melody that cherishes time spent facing your heart
150	Singin’ in the Rainthe pillows		the pillows Youth Song Searching for Myself in the Rainy Town
151	Young PeopleSanīdēi Sābisu		A representative work that gently portrays the delicate emotions of youth
152	Crazy Babyfisshumanzu		A love song thinking of my lover
153	Pure AsiaPUFFY		Debut single composed by Yosui Inoue
154	Kujira No. 12JUDY AND MARY		JUDY AND MARY's sports cheer song
155	Dear My FriendsNagayama Miho		A song whose warm message to a friend resonates in the heart
156	Broken RadioTokunaga Hideaki		Timeless anthems that color our youth, music that resonates with the heart
157	beetle (specifically, a rhinoceros beetle)aiko		“Kabutomushi” is a masterpiece that portrays the four seasons of love.
158	cherrysupittsu		The charm of iconic songs that color Spitz's youth
159	Liar! Liar!B’z		B’z’s guitar rock brimming with a sense of speed
160	lipsGLAY		A poignant love song by GLAY from 1997
161	It’s love.V6		A gem-like ballad that finds courage from loneliness
162	FACEglobe		A signature song by globe, a dance-pop track released in 1997
163	Soulmatesupittsu		A gem of a song by Spitz that questions love and life
164	I love youKawamura Ryuuichi		The ballad of Ryuichi Kawamura’s solo debut single
165	LOVE IS ALL MUSICKahara Tomomi		A gem-like ballad by Tomomi Kahala, produced by Tetsuya Komuro
166	sunflowerNagabuchi Tsuyoshi		A song by Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi with themes of hope and rebirth
167	Red tambourineBLANKEY JET CITY		1990s love songs by BLANKEY JET CITY
168	RALLYCymbals		Expressing romantic mind games through breezy pop
169	survival dAnce 〜no no cry more〜TRF		TRF's dance and vocal song
170	Wonderful DaysUNICORN		UNICORN’s 1993 farewell ballad
171	A town where it snowsUNICORN		A classic song that warmly portrays a year-end snowy landscape
172	Don’t give upZARD		The Appeal and Influence of ZARD’s Signature Song “Makenaide”
173	Like tonight’s moonElefanto Kashimashi		A signature song that sublimates emotions wavering between nihilism and hope
174	BLOWIN’B’z		B'z scores a massive hit with a hard rock song
175	Where Smiles GoDREAMS COME TRUE		DREAMS COME TRUE’s smash hit graduation-themed song
176	TemptationGLAY		Hit songs passed down within the band
177	BELIEVE IN LOVELINDBERG		A classic song about overcoming heartbreak and staying positive
178	YELLOW YELLOW HAPPYPocket Biscuits		The vocal ability of groups originating from variety shows
179	my graduationSPEED		Speed is a popular vocal and dance group.
180	The End of the WorldTHEE MICHELLE GUN ELEPHANT		THEE MICHELLE GUN ELEPHANT's debut song
181	Until the world endsWANDS		A masterpiece depicting bittersweet love and the bond between loneliness and love
182	The rattlesnake is comingTonneruzu		Tunnels’ signature song “Gara Gara Hebi”
183	Pathetic.Tonneruzu		Tunnels' debut song at the Kōhaku Uta Gassen
184	Erotica SevenSazan Ōrusutāzu		Southern's "Erotica Seven" is a big hit
185	LOVE MachineMōningu Musume.		Morning Musume become idolized with a smash hit song
186	I love it!Hirosue Ryōko		Refreshing J-POP classics of the ’90s
187	ETERNAL WIND ~A Smile in the Shining Wind~Moriguchi Hiroko		Theme song of Gundam F91
188	Kiss me here.Shiina Ringo		Shiina Ringo’s cryptic song conveys a simple message
189	squallFukuyama Masaharu		A signature song by Masaharu Fukuyama that portrays a heartrending love
190	White ChristmasJUN SKY WALKER(S)		A wistful winter love song that vividly depicts Christmas scenes
191	Summer Days of 1993class		class's summer love song becomes a big hit
192	Breath of DawnChekkāzu		Classic single by The Checkers
193	presentJITTERIN’JINN		An iconic heartbreak-themed song that expresses feelings through a gift
194	We’ll meet again…KIX-S		A bittersweet love ballad by KIX-S
195	Poem of SunlightLe Couple		A married duo scores a big hit with a gentle song
196	Can’t Say Anything… SummerTHE JAYWALK		The End of a Summer Love by THE JAYWALK
197	I can’t just leave you alone.Kusunose Seishiro		Seishiro Kusunose’s heartrending love song
198	WomanNakanishi Keizō		Keizo Nakanishi’s hit anthem supporting women
199	Another OrionFujii Fumiya		Fumiya Fujii’s dramatic ballad becomes a big hit
200	P.S. I LOVE YOUPINK SAPPHIRE		Pink sapphire sings of a burning passion