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 Nostalgic J-Pop Rankings [1990s Japanese Music Rankings] (81–90)
Swaying feelingsZARD85rank/position
This song has a warm resonance that gently embraces wavering feelings and sinks into the heart.
Included on ZARD’s fourth album, “Yureru Omoi,” it was released in July 1993.
Izumi Sakai’s clear, transparent vocals blend beautifully with the moving melody, resonating with many listeners.
The lyrics delicately capture the fluctuations of being in love and feelings that seem to last forever, as if they’re by the listener’s side.
You’ll be drawn into its poetic world, woven with changing seasons and dreamlike scenes.
It’s a highly recommended track for times when you’re struggling with a relationship with someone important or when you want to spend time in a calm, peaceful mood.
Rose of PassionTHE BLUE HEARTS86rank/position
A four-piece rock band that ignited middle and high school students nationwide from the 1980s through the 1990s, THE BLUE HEARTS helped elevate punk rock into a mainstream genre in the J-POP scene.
This is their ninth single overall.
Chosen as the theme song for the TV drama “High School Graffiti 2,” it’s also known as the band’s signature track for being their only single to reach No.
1 on the Oricon charts.
Its exhilarating, fast-paced sound contrasts with its poetic message—sure to stir the hearts of anyone who spent their youth in the 1990s.
With powerful choruses and ensemble work that will lift your spirits, it’s a number that likely influenced many artists.
Believe in your dreamsTokunaga Hideaki87rank/position
This is the ninth single by singer-songwriter Hideaki Tokunaga, who has created numerous classic ballads with his one-of-a-kind voice and, in recent years, captivated many listeners with his cover works.
The song was used as the ending theme for the TV anime Dragon Quest, and it’s a number distinguished by Tokunaga’s expansive, powerful vocals.
Its message—overcoming past tears and doubts to press forward toward the future you believe in—is sure to resonate especially with graduates whose hearts are filled with both hope and anxiety.
Released in January 1990, the single became a long-running hit, staying on the Oricon charts for 24 weeks.
It’s a song that gently nudges you toward realizing your dreams and warmly supports new beginnings.
Roller Coaster RomanceKinKi Kids88rank/position
Have you ever wanted to relive that heart-pounding excitement from the very moment a romance begins? “Jet Coaster Romance” by KinKi Kids is a refreshing youth anthem that likens love’s ups and downs to a roller coaster.
Released in April 1998 as their third single, it was also featured in ANA’s Okinawa campaign commercial.
Its popularity was tremendous, achieving the remarkable feat of three consecutive million-selling singles since their debut.
Play it on a summer trip or drive, and it’s sure to lift your spirits!
LOVE PHANTOMB’z89rank/position
B’z, the monster unit that has continued to lead Japan’s rock scene and rack up multiple million-sellers.
Their 18th single, released in October 1995, was chosen as the ending theme for Season 1 of the overseas drama The X-Files.
From its majestic intro—over a minute and twenty seconds of orchestra and operatic vocals—straight into a sudden avalanche of hard guitar riffs and a soaring chorus, the structure stood out as highly distinctive in the J-pop scene of the time.
The lyrics, swirling with themes of intense dependency in love, self-denial, and the urge to let everything go, make for a dramatic love song that powerfully shakes the listener’s heart.
The single posted an initial week of roughly 950,000 copies and went on to become a massive hit with cumulative sales exceeding 1.86 million.
It’s a rock tune recommended for anyone who wants to experience the essence of B’z—also famous for their live shows featuring high-altitude stage dives.
Gentle RainKoizumi Kyoko90rank/position
The lyrics penned by Kyoko Koizumi herself delicately depict loneliness in the city, chance encounters, and a heartfelt longing for the other person.
Released in February 1993, the song drew attention as the theme for the drama “To Love” and became a major hit, reaching No.
2 on the Oricon charts and selling over 950,000 copies.
Koizumi’s voice, carried by Shoko Suzuki’s beautifully composed melody, blends poignancy with warmth, gently resonating with listeners.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to alone on a rainy day—one that softly soothes the heart when you’re feeling the loneliness of the urban bustle or holding onto thoughts of someone dear.
Popular Nostalgic Songs: J-Pop Rankings [1990s Japanese Music Rankings] (91–100)
Let’s dance in a circle (Wasshoi)V691rank/position
Formed as image characters for the Volleyball World Cup and known for their dynamic live acrobatics, V6 is a six-member idol group.
Their 7th single, “WA ni Natte Odorou,” a cover of a song broadcast on NHK’s music program Minna no Uta, is also known as one of V6’s signature tracks.
Its catchy, poppy melody and ensemble are perfect for enhancing summertime fun with a crowd.
It’s a timeless number that everyone can sing together at karaoke and get hyped up to, loved across generations.