Millennial Generation: Iconic Heisei-Era Songs That Defined Our Youth
Do you still find yourself humming songs from the Heisei era? When you think back on your youth, don’t you remember the moments you encountered songs that resonated with your heart? For those of the “Yutori” generation in particular, the classic hits of the Heisei period may hold a special place.
Those songs are now spoken of alongside fond memories.
Here, we introduce melodies and lyrics that have been loved across generations.
You’re sure to find one that’s tied to your own cherished memories.
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[Yutori Generation] Iconic Heisei-Era Songs That Marked Our Youth (21–30)
cotton candyback number
Set against the backdrop of a summer festival, this bittersweet love song portrays the feelings of a man who can’t bring himself to confess his love.
Released in 2012 as the sixth single, it was also included on the third album “blues” and the best-of collection “Encore.” Chosen as the opening theme for TBS’s COUNT DOWN TV in July 2012, it reached many listeners.
Wanting to hold hands but hesitating, wanting to say “I like you” but unable to put it into words—the song is filled with that poignant frustration, evoking the faint, youthful crushes many experienced in their school days.
Amid the lively bustle of the festival, quiet emotions surface; this is a track that resonates with the sweet, fleeting moments of love.
Night of Osmanthuskinoko teikoku
For those who find themselves feeling inexplicably wistful in autumn, I highly recommend this song by Kinoko Teikoku.
It’s a track from their album “Time Lapse,” released in September 2018, and it stands out as one of the most popular numbers on the record.
Chiaki Sato’s soft, translucent vocals and the sparkling guitar arpeggios resonate beautifully.
It’s a bittersweet yet soothing piece that can make you recall past loves on an autumn night.
Perfect for those solitary evenings when you want to fully sink into an emo mood.
budKobukuro
It’s a masterpiece overflowing with feelings for a beloved person you can no longer meet.
Written by Kentaro Kobuchi of Kobukuro in memory of his mother, whom he lost in his teens, the song was specially composed in 2007 as the theme for the drama “Tokyo Tower: Mom and Me, and Sometimes Dad.” It begins with gentle acoustic guitar and then swells into a dramatic development in the chorus that truly moves the heart.
The lyrics portray hope for a future that will bloom like a bud not yet in full flower, along with the belief that the person you can no longer see is still watching over and cheering you on from somewhere.
When you recall the kindness of someone dear who is now far away, you may find tears spilling out before you know it.
Blue BenchSasuke
The single released in 2004 is imbued with a wistfulness that lingers like standing on a station platform at dusk.
Created by Sasuke—who at the time gained word-of-mouth popularity with acoustic guitar and two-part harmonies—this work is a heartbreak tale of someone clutching a class reunion invitation and tasting regret.
Despite its simple, street-bred arrangement, the emotions that rise from the pauses in the lyrics and the swell of the chorus resonate across generations.
Though it peaked at only No.
8 on the Oricon Weekly chart, it remained charted for 64 weeks and was later included in school textbooks as a choral piece.
It’s a classic that gently stays by your side when you’ve grown up still holding faint memories of first love, or when you want to revisit old feelings during graduation season.
March 9Remioromen
Known as a classic graduation song that has continued to accompany the youth of the yutori generation, this piece originally began as a wedding song, inspired by the fact that a member’s friend was getting married on the same date.
Its warm lyrics matched perfectly with the graduation season, turning it into a song that has colored the new beginnings of many students.
The lyrics, filled with gratitude for someone dear and a desire to keep supporting each other, resonate with the emotions felt before parting with friends and companions.
Released in 2004 and used as an insert song in the drama “1 Litre of Tears,” it left an even deeper impression on many people.
Highly recommended for those approaching graduation or anyone who wants to reminisce about their school days.