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)
Just by you being herekome kome CLUB50rank/position
This is one of Kome Kome Club’s signature songs, known for its deeply moving melody and lyrics.
Released in 1992, it was used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Sugao no Mama de” (“Just the Way You Are”).
It became a mega-hit with 2.89 million copies sold and even turned into a social phenomenon.
Reportedly composed by Tatsuya Ishii in just 30 minutes, the song was crafted to broaden its appeal by singing about a “view of life.” It conveys the strength one gains from a loved one’s presence and gratitude for that presence.
It’s a song that can be enjoyed not only by those in love but also by people on their own.
Highly recommended when you want to express your feelings to someone special or show appreciation for someone’s presence in your life.
Popular Oldies and J-Pop Ranking [1990s Japanese Music Ranking] (51–60)
CAN YOU CELEBRATE?Amuro Namie51rank/position
It’s one of those songs that makes you forget it was released back in 1997.
Not only did Namie Amuro dominate the music scene of that era, she also reigned in the world of fashion, and this signature track of hers is still a staple at weddings today.
As a trailblazer of Japan’s “diva boom,” Namie Amuro set the tone for the times.
The bouncy rhythm and flashy strings—hallmarks of the era—were, of course, crafted by Tetsuya Komuro.
You could even say it served as the background music for the entire 1990s.
RomancePENICILLIN52rank/position
In the 1990s, when hits emerged across a wide range of genres, the visual kei rock band PENICILLIN stood out by staying true to their unique identity.
Their 1998 release “Romance” was chosen as the opening theme for the anime “Sexy Commando Gaiden: Sugoi yo!! Masaru-san.” HAKUEI’s one-of-a-kind vocals will captivate you more and more with each listen.
The varied guitar phrases and catchy melodies are also highlights.
Even those who don’t usually listen to visual kei will find themselves hooked!
Sorrow like snowHamada Shogo53rank/position
The 14th single by the solitary singer-songwriter Shogo Hamada, who continues to assert his unique worldview and presence with strongly protest-tinged messages and rock sounds that remain faithful to Japanese.
Chosen as the theme song for the TV drama “Ai to Iu Na no Moto ni,” it was also released as his 23rd single.
With a deep, husky vocal and richly layered choral work, it’s an irresistibly catchy number.
Especially for those familiar with the drama, its rollercoaster-like plot will overlap with the song and likely bring you to tears.
Although originally released in 1981, it remains unfaded to this day—an immortal classic in J-Pop.
LOVE MachineMōningu Musume.54rank/position
A signature hit of the ’90s, this Morning Musume track sings of hope for a bright future atop a catchy, poppy melody.
Released in September 1999, it became their first million-seller and captured many hearts, topping the Oricon karaoke chart for 17 consecutive weeks.
Though centered on love, its lyrics brim with optimism and positive energy that lift the listener’s spirits.
Also used as the opening theme for TV Tokyo’s “Find the Idol!,” it’s the perfect song when you want to brighten your mood or get a boost of energy.
Boy Meets GirlTRF55rank/position
TRF is a five-member coed dance and vocal group that dominated the J-POP scene in the 1990s.
Their seventh single, released in June 1994, is a gem of a dance track that reached countless ears as a Coca-Cola commercial song.
Centered on the themes of a fateful encounter and setting off on a journey, the lyrics positively portray the moment when a boy’s and a girl’s dreams intersect, brimming with energy that gives listeners a push forward.
The four-on-the-floor beat at 135 BPM and the striking callout in the intro create a surge of excitement that makes you want to move.
A million-selling hit that reached No.
3 on the Oricon weekly chart and No.
9 for the year with about 1.22 million copies sold, it was performed when TRF made their first appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
It’s the perfect song for when you want to start something new or lift your spirits.
Surely more than anyone else in the worldNagayama Miho & WANDS56rank/position
This is a legendary duet song by Miho Nakayama & WANDS, also known as the theme song of a drama that became a major hit starring Miho Nakayama.
Produced by Being and composed by Tetsuro Oda, it was created by a lineup that epitomized the 1990s music scene.
The earnest lyrics about believing in a fateful reunion are deeply moving.
Many listeners were surely captivated by the interplay between Miho Nakayama’s clear, crystalline vocals and WANDS’ Sho Uesugi’s passionate singing.
The chorus, where their voices intertwine, brims with the exhilaration of a miraculous moment.
It’s a timeless, gem-like love song.