Classic and hit J-pop songs from the nostalgic ’90s
In the 1990s, when CDs sold explosively, countless artists produced signature songs that still stand the test of time.
From among the J-Pop hits that defined the ’90s, this article introduces classic and hit tracks recommended by our studio staff.
We’ve picked a variety of songs: theme songs from smash-hit dramas, beloved karaoke staples everyone in Japan has sung, and timeless favorites cherished across generations.
Be sure to check out this legendary playlist that reshaped the history of Japanese pop music—tracks that will never fade!
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Classic and Hit J-Pop Songs from the 90s (41–50)
suddenlyFIELD OF VIEW
A massive hit by FIELD OF VIEW from the golden Being duo: lyrics by ZARD’s Izumi Sakai and music by Tetsurō Oda.
Just hearing the guitar riff in the intro is enough for many to picture blue skies and that Pocari Sweat commercial.
Yūya Asaoka’s endlessly soaring high-toned voice captures the sparkle and exhilaration of a love that arrived, just as the title says, “suddenly.” The strikingly straightforward lyrics about love are enough to make your heart burn just by listening.
It’s an unfading anthem that makes you feel as if a scene from your own youth is coming back to life, reminding you of those bittersweet emotions you’d forgotten.
Classic and Hit J-Pop Songs from the Nostalgic ’90s (51–60)
Until the World Ends…WANDS
This is a song by WANDS, a rock band that represents the Being label, used as the ending theme for the anime SLAM DUNK.
The worldview of the work and the lyrics overlap exquisitely, gripping the hearts of fans at the time.
The loneliness and impatience felt in the middle of the city, and the earnest wish to not be separated “until the world ends.” Sho Uesugi’s vocals—like a cry from the soul, with lyrics he penned himself—ride on Tetsuro Oda’s dramatic melody and pierce deep into the heart.
Anyone who has carried emotions with no outlet yet still wished to believe in something will find this song profoundly moving.
A legendary track that continues to shine across generations.
Swaying FeelingsZARD
This is ZARD’s signature song, featured in a Pocari Sweat commercial and certified a million-seller.
Even among the tracks that drove the Being boom, this one stands out for its refreshing feel.
The moment the intro starts, you can almost see the dazzling summer sunshine.
Izumi Sakai’s straight, crystalline vocals beautifully capture the thrill of a budding romance, winning the hearts of many.
The wavering emotions of longing for someone—sweet, a little frustrating—make the pure lyrics deeply relatable.
As a timeless classic, it continues to color the youth of countless listeners even today.
Dear My FriendsNagayama Miho
This is a mid-tempo pop number by Miho Nakayama, whose warm message to close friends really resonates.
She wrote the lyrics herself, portraying the gentle way she watches over and cheers on a friend in love.
It has a lovely, letter-like warmth.
The track appears on her June 1993 album “Wagamamana Actress.” It’s the kind of song that can put you in a gentle mood when you’re thinking of a dear friend or driving on a summer day.
Those who feel a sense of nostalgia will surely find it touching as well.
EveOkui Masami
It’s a song that, when you listen to it at summer’s end, evokes a bittersweet resonance deep in your chest.
Sung by Masami Okui, the track takes Adam and Eve as its theme, portraying loneliness and the weight of a love that’s anything but straightforward.
Included on the album “Do-can,” released in September 1998, this piece is written and composed by Okui herself.
It’s one I’d especially recommend for quiet summer nights when you want to get lost in thought or immerse yourself in the song’s profound lyrical world.
LA LA LA Love SongKubota Toshinobu with Naomi Kyanberu
A gem of a love song that captures the unstoppable rush of romance—like a merry-go-round—with sweet, heartrending vocals and sound.
Born from the 1996 collaboration between Toshinobu Kubota and Naomi Campbell, the song became a major talking point as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “Long Vacation.” In its sixth week after release, it topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and went on to sell 1.856 million copies.
It has since been covered by numerous artists.
It’s a song you’ll want to sing with all your heart as you recall happy moments with your loved one.
Summer Colorsyuzu
This is an ode to youth that vividly captures the image of young people speeding down a hill on their bicycles.
Released in 1998, this song brought a fresh breeze to the music scene as Yuzu’s major-label debut single.
Featuring the refreshing sound of acoustic guitars and the crisp harmonies of Yujin Kitagawa and Koji Iwasawa, it was included on the album “Yuzu Ikka” and later used in 2017 as the theme song for Lotte’s “Sou” commercial.
Its lyrics, filled with summer memories and the bittersweetness of first love, gently portray a moment of youth that everyone can relate to.
The song is still used as the approach melody at Keikyu Kami-Ōoka Station, and has become a seasonal fixture woven into the fabric of the city—a quintessential summer track.
It’s perfect for the time of year when the start of summer is in the air, or when you want to look back on memories with someone special.