Popular Nostalgic Songs: J-Pop Ranking [1990s Japanese Music Ranking]
We present the latest Top 100 ranking of classic Japanese pop songs all at once, ordered by most views! We’ve picked out nostalgic hits from the 1990s.
Listening again, you’ll notice many songs are still enjoying a revival today.
Be sure to check them out.
The playlist is updated weekly.
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Popular Oldies/J-Pop Rankings [1990s Japanese Music Rankings] (71–80)
Can’t Stop Fallin’in Loveglobe78rank/position
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.
Ballad of a SingerSaitō Kazuyoshi79rank/position
This is a bittersweet yet warm song that begins with a simple acoustic guitar tone.
It conveys the weight carried by the words “I love you,” intertwining a moving expression of deep love with the meaning of singing as a performer—truly a masterpiece.
Released in November 1997, its heartfelt vocals and universal message captured many hearts despite its simple sound.
It was chosen as the theme song for the animated film “Lu Over the Wall,” and has been embraced by even more listeners across generations.
With Kazuyoshi Saito’s characteristically warm vocals and memorable melody, it’s easy to sing at karaoke and is recommended when you want to convey your feelings to someone special or sing with heartfelt emotion.
Rusty NailX JAPAN80rank/position
The arrangement, where a dreamy synthesizer phrase rings out from the intro and layers with a fast-paced rock sound, really amps up the excitement, doesn’t it? The one-of-a-kind fusion of intense metal and beautiful melody showcases YOSHIKI’s brilliant compositional sensibility.
This work vividly evokes the image of a protagonist who, while bearing unhealed wounds and loneliness that pierce deep into the heart, continues to struggle desperately.
The song was released in July 1994 as the band’s 10th single and was used as the theme song for the TV drama “Kimi ga Mienai.” Despite unfavorable conditions for its first-week tally, it reached No.
1 on the Oricon chart and was later included on the acclaimed album “DAHLIA.” It’s a classical yet beautiful rock number you’ll want to listen to when you want to lift your spirits.
Popular Nostalgic J-Pop Rankings [1990s Japanese Music Rankings] (81–90)
threadNakajima Miyuki81rank/position
This is one of Miyuki Nakajima’s signature ballads, likening life’s mysterious encounters to a woven fabric and singing of how those bonds might someday warm someone’s heart.
Originally included on her October 1992 album “EAST ASIA,” it was released as a single in 1998 as the theme song for the TBS drama “Seija no Kōshin,” capturing the hearts of many.
It has since been covered by numerous artists, including Bank Band, and even inspired a film released in 2020, carrying the song across generations.
It’s a perfect listen for graduation season, when farewells and new meetings intersect, and for moments when you want to reflect on the bonds with those you cherish.
With its gentle yet powerful message, this timeless classic gives you the courage to take a new step forward.
frecklesJUDY AND MARY82rank/position
All four members of JUDY AND MARY had distinctive personalities and talents, and they took Japan’s music scene by storm in the 1990s.
The bassist and leader, Yasuhito Onda, was already an accomplished musician who had made a major-label debut with a heavy metal band before JUDY AND MARY began, but after meeting the vocalist YUKI, the prototype of Judy and Mary was born.
After making their major-label debut in 1993, they continued their activities with unstoppable momentum, and their first and only song to top the Oricon charts was 1997’s “Sobakasu.” For many people, this is the first song that comes to mind when they think of Judy and Mary.
The moment guitarist TAKUYA’s unconventional riff kicks off the intro, your heart can’t help but flutter.
It’s also famous as the theme song for the anime Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story, though it’s interesting that the song itself actually has nothing to do with the work.
It’s love.V683rank/position
A gem of a ballad with lyrics by Goro Matsui and music by Koji Tamaki.
It portrays a protagonist who, lost and lonely, confronts their true feelings and finds the courage to take a new step forward.
Released in January 1997, it became V6’s first non-tie-in single to reach No.
1 on the Oricon Singles Chart.
The song is also included on the album “NATURE RHYTHM” in an arrangement that begins with the chorus.
With gentle lyrics that convey the importance of facing forward in life and a beautiful melody woven by Tamaki, it’s a track that stays close to the hearts of those standing at a crossroads.
squallFukuyama Masaharu84rank/position
A signature song by Masaharu Fukuyama that vividly portrays a bittersweet love.
It beautifully captures the transience of a romance that passes like a sudden shower and the delicate emotions of a woman falling in love.
Released in 2010, this track is Fukuyama’s self-cover of a song originally written for Eiko Matsumoto, and it won first place in a popularity poll thanks to passionate support from fans.
It resonates deeply not only with those newly in love but also with anyone who has experienced heartbreak, making it one of the iconic masterpieces of the ’90s.
It’s great for karaoke, but also perfect for quietly listening alone.