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 and J-Pop Ranking [1990s Japanese Music Ranking] (51–60)
Bye For NowT-BOLAN57rank/position
A gem of a ballad that has etched itself into many hearts as a supportive song about a beautiful farewell.
Released by T-BOLAN in November 1992, it was used as the theme song for Woman Dream and impressively became a million-seller.
Its powerful message—singing of the courage and hope to move toward one’s dreams after overcoming the loneliness of parting—deeply resonates with listeners.
It remains a beloved song more than 30 years after its release, one you’ll want to hear when parting from someone dear, at graduation ceremonies, or at the start of a new journey.
Also included on the albums HEART OF STONE and SINGLES, it shines as one of T-BOLAN’s signature masterpieces.
Forever LoveX JAPAN58rank/position
It’s the ultimate ballad that epitomizes the band’s extraordinarily dramatic history.
The magnificent orchestration and the piano melodies performed by YOSHIKI intertwine with Toshi’s poignant yet powerful high-tone vocals to superbly convey the grand theme of eternal love that endures even after losing the one you love.
Released in July 1996, this song was also included on that year’s masterpiece album, Dahlia.
Chosen as the theme song for the theatrical animated film X, based on CLAMP’s work, and later featured in a commercial starring Junichiro Koizumi, it became a classic widely known beyond the band’s fanbase.
On nights when you’re thinking of someone dear, listening while immersing yourself in its expansive world will move you to tears with its profoundly emotional resonance.
There will be love there -Ainō Aru Basho-the brilliant green59rank/position
For people in their late 40s to 50s, it’s a song that makes you instantly go, “Ah, it’s BuriGuri!”—one of the signature tracks by the brilliant green, who churned out hit after hit in the ’90s.
Not only the song, but vocalist Tomoko Kawase’s hairstyle and fashion struck a deep chord with women of the time who were chasing a new era.
In today’s terms, it was “cutting-edge”! The brilliant green had consistently released songs with English lyrics, but since this track was chosen as a TV drama theme, they released it in Japanese for the first time.
Plenty of men were also captivated by her fairy-like voice, right?
I should be able to fly (in the sky).supittsu60rank/position
This is Spitz’s eighth single, released in April 1994.
It was originally written for a different TV drama but wasn’t selected and was instead released as a single.
Later, in 1996, it was chosen as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Hakusen Nagashi,” bringing it back into the spotlight and earning it the No.
1 spot on the Oricon weekly chart.
It became a million-selling classic.
The lyrics poetically capture the unique struggles of adolescence, a vague anxiety about becoming an adult, and the feeling of one’s heart being set free by staying close to someone.
Alongside sweet romance, it weaves in the harshness of reality and a sense of loneliness, yet its forward-looking stance truly resonates.
The airy guitar riff and Masamune Kusano’s crystal-clear vocals gently envelop the listener.
It’s a pop tune that continues to be loved across generations, accompanying life’s milestones—like graduation ceremonies and the start of new chapters.
Popular Nostalgic Songs / J-Pop Ranking [1990s Japanese Music Ranking] (61–70)
YAH YAH YAHCHAGE and ASKA61rank/position
It is an aggressive track emblematic of the ’90s, infused with power and passion for the future.
Even when faced with difficult circumstances, its message of unwavering resolve to stay true to oneself and keep moving forward, along with hope for the future, continues to resonate across generations.
The song channels the passion of chasing dreams and an unyielding stance in the face of trials through a powerful rock sound.
Released by CHAGE and ASKA in March 1993, it was used as the theme song for the drama “If You Turn Around, He’s There,” topped the Oricon Weekly Chart for two consecutive weeks, sold 2.419 million copies, and ranked first on the annual singles chart.
It’s highly recommended for those who want to challenge themselves in pursuit of their dreams without fear of failure, or for anyone standing at a major crossroads in life.
It’s sure to give you courage.
Midsummer FruitSazan Ōrusutāzu62rank/position
A gemlike love ballad that vividly paints an inner landscape at summer’s end, where bittersweet sorrow melts into luscious scenes.
The lyrics strikingly capture the pain of heartbreak and the lingering passion of a memorable love.
Released by Southern All Stars in July 1990, the song was created as the theme for the film Inamura Jane, directed by Keisuke Kuwata.
It reached No.
4 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and earned Platinum certification.
It resonates especially deeply when you’re holding onto feelings of love or melancholy—and it’s a perfect track for the season when summer draws to a close.
Over DriveJUDY AND MARY63rank/position
A classic JUDY AND MARY song that always makes me hum along whenever I hear it.
It feels incredibly good, doesn’t it? Perfect for playing on a drive or listening to while taking a walk.
It gives you that feeling like it could ride the wind and reach anywhere.
I can’t quite put it into words, but doesn’t it feel like the music itself is singing? YUKI’s striking vocals leave a strong impression, and this track, released in June 1995, became a huge hit, selling over 600,000 copies.
It’s also included on the album MIRACLE DIVING.
This work, which helped the band break through, is still so beloved that many artists continue to cover it today.