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] (41–50)
PIECE OF MY WISHImai Miki43rank/position
Released in November 1991, this song was used as the theme for the TBS drama “Ashita ga Aru Kara,” starring Miki Imai, and reached No.
1 on the Oricon weekly chart.
A million-selling hit with about 1.25 million copies sold, it’s one of Imai’s signature songs and was also performed at the Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
The lyrics, which carry a message of looking forward despite hardships and setbacks, were written by lyricist Yūho Iwasato while she was pregnant.
With a warmth reminiscent of motherhood, the song gently comforts those who are struggling.
When work or relationships feel tough, listening to this track will surely help you regain your footing and make a fresh start.
beetle (specifically, a rhinoceros beetle)aiko44rank/position
This renowned song, which portrays the joy and poignancy of love through the changing seasons, was released as a single by aiko in November 1999.
In this work, each season symbolizes a different stage of romance, and from the distinctive perspective of a beetle, it delicately conveys the protagonist’s emotions.
Chosen as a program tie-in, it served as the ending theme for TBS’s “CDTV” in December 1999 and for Fuji TV’s “Jobireba!?” and has since been covered by various artists, including Keisuke Kuwata.
Embracing those moments when the beauty and fragility of love are most keenly felt, this piece was likely a youth anthem for many who came of age in the ’90s.
Summer Days of 1993class45rank/position
This is a gem of a ballad, colored by a refreshing acoustic sound and a melody that lingers in the heart.
It delicately portrays the subtle emotional shifts from friendship to romance, resulting in a song that gently embraces a love that suddenly blossoms.
class released this as their debut single in April 1993, and it was used as the opening theme for “Kimi to Itsumademo” and as a commercial song for Saison Card.
It was also included on the albums “Mellow Prism” and “CLASSIX,” and became a massive hit, selling over 1.7 million copies.
Fifteen years later, in 2008, an answer song—effectively a continuation of the story—was released.
It’s a recommended track for those who want to look back on memories with someone dear, or who resonate with the secret feelings of love held for a long-time friend.
Seesaw Game ~A Brave Love Song~Mr.Children46rank/position
One of Mr.Children’s signature songs, it features an upbeat, breezy rock sound sprinkled throughout with homages to Elvis Costello, whom Kazutoshi Sakurai greatly admires.
The lyrics, which liken the push-and-pull and frustration of romance to a seesaw’s sway, probe human nature while retaining a touch of comedy, and just listening to it naturally lifts your spirits.
Released in August 1995, it achieved an astonishing total sales figure of 1.812 million copies despite having no tie-in.
It is also known that the proceeds from this single were donated as relief funds for the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake.
Glass BoyKinKi Kids47rank/position
The debut single and signature song of KinKi Kids, a Kansai-born idol duo.
Since the two had already been active in TV dramas and other media before their debut, there was a real sense of surprise at the time—wait, they hadn’t debuted yet?! With lyrics by Takashi Matsumoto and music by Tatsuro Yamashita, both hitmakers, the song carries a touch of nostalgic kayōkyoku flavor while remaining a timeless classic embraced by a wide range of generations even today.
It’s no wonder it became the first million-selling single of the Heisei era.
As I love you selfishly, I won’t hurt anyone but you.B’z48rank/position
It’s no exaggeration to call this the quintessential love song and one of B’z’s most iconic tracks.
With Tak Matsumoto’s striking guitar riff and Koshi Inaba’s powerful vocals interwoven, it truly stands as a defining rock number of the 1990s.
Released in March 1993, it set astonishing records, including four consecutive weeks at No.
1 on the Oricon charts and finishing No.
2 for the year.
Its lyrics, boldly foregrounding a selfish kind of love, evidently resonated with many listeners.
This work brilliantly captures the complex emotions of being in love—a captivating song you’ll want to listen to with someone special.
Silent EveKarashima Midori49rank/position
An essential song when talking about Midori Karashima, which became a massive hit as the theme song for the TBS drama “Christmas Eve” starring Atsuko Sendo and Eisaku Yoshida.
It’s a ballad from the heyday of trendy dramas, and at year-end and New Year karaoke parties, the women would compete to sing it.
The lyrics, written like a letter about a love wavering between friendship and romance, are striking—there may be no other song that so powerfully conveys the loneliness of spending Christmas alone.
Even the intro, which begins quietly with a piano solo, is heartbreakingly beautiful.
A defining ballad of the ’90s—if you haven’t heard it, you must!