Ranking of Popular Nostalgic Songs and Classics [2026]

ROSIERLUNA SEA1rank/position

LUNA SEA – 「ROSIER」MV

In the 1990s, when visual kei bands were coming to the forefront, LUNA SEA stood out for their solid musicianship.

Their 1994 release “ROSIER” is a rock number brimming with drive and speed.

Despite its rock sound, its catchy, accessible melody sticks in your ears.

The powerful yet precise drumming and guitars that color the space are also highlights.

Visually, the PV is compelling as well, showcasing each member’s individuality.

While they’re also known for their ballads, this track—with its straightforward rock sound that really hits—comes highly recommended!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

mutō

Report a problem

First LoveUtada Hikaru2rank/position

Hikaru Utada – First Love

A song that expresses the pain of heartbreak and the feelings of a first love through poignant lyrics and melody.

Released in April 1999 as the theme song for the TV drama “Majo no Jōken,” it reached No.

2 on the Oricon Singles Chart.

With expressive power hard to believe from a teenager, this work captured the hearts of many listeners.

Included on the album “First Love,” it also held the No.

1 spot on the karaoke chart for 15 consecutive weeks.

Celebrated as a timeless classic, it is beloved by a wide range of generations.

Highly recommended for those who have experienced heartbreak or have unforgettable memories of their first love.

Robinsonsupittsu3rank/position

Spitz / Robinson

Known as a classic song about spring, this is one of Spitz’s signature tracks.

The bittersweetness and anxiety that arrive with the start of a new season are universal emotions everyone has felt at least once.

Lyrics depicting the protagonist’s longing love and a special world for just the two of them seep into the heart, carried by a clear, translucent melody.

Released in April 1995, it sold over 1.62 million copies.

It was also included on the album “Honey” (Hachimitsu) and won the Excellence Award at the 37th Japan Record Awards.

It’s a recommended song when you want to look back on memories of your youth or reflect on relationships with those dear to you.

HOWEVERGLAY4rank/position

GLAY / HOWEVER

GLAY, known for their legendary concert that drew 200,000 people in 1999, released their 12th single in August 1997—a gem of a ballad that became the band’s first million seller.

Written and composed by TAKURO, the song sets a grand melody to lyrics about the preciousness of meeting a loved one and the resolve to move forward beyond past wounds.

It topped the Oricon Weekly Chart for five consecutive weeks and became a social phenomenon, selling a cumulative total of about 1.34 million copies.

Chosen as the ending theme for the TBS drama “Ryodatsuei: Abunai Onna” (Stolen Love: Dangerous Woman), it captured even more listeners’ hearts.

TERU’s emotionally rich vocals blend beautifully with the band’s dramatic sound, making this a masterpiece that feels like it gently stays by your side when you want to reaffirm your feelings for someone special.

DEPARTURESglobe5rank/position

globe / 'DEPARTURES' (Starring: Ayaka Miyoshi)

A love song that defined the ’90s, where a heart-stirringly beautiful melody and gentle vocals resonate deep in your chest.

Through the faint hopes and anxieties born from sharing the same days, and the eventual parting and new beginnings, this single—released in February 1996—lovingly captures the memories the two protagonists walked together.

Its familiar dance tune and bittersweet romantic feelings lead you into a breathtakingly dramatic progression.

Featured in JR East’s ski campaign “JR ski ski,” it was etched into many people’s hearts alongside the striking visuals of Yutaka Takenouchi and Makiko Esumi.

An eternal classic from globe, dedicated to everyone setting out on a new path.

The Last RainYasushi Nakanishi6rank/position

The Last Rain – Yasushi Nakanishi

A sorrowful love song in which Yasushi Nakanishi’s straight, high-toned voice pierces the heart.

After a long run, it sold 900,000 copies in 1998—six years after its release—becoming his biggest hit.

It has been covered by major artists such as Kumi Koda, Anri, and Hiroshi Itsuki, and Nakanishi himself re-recorded it as a bonus track for his 2007 cover album.

A painful farewell to someone loved so deeply that forgetting seems utterly impossible.

Many listeners may find themselves empathizing with that uncontainable sorrow.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

yuri

Report a problem

Winter,againGLAY7rank/position

GLAY / Winter, again

A winter ballad from GLAY, it’s a masterpiece that warmly embraces the listener’s heart.

TERU’s clear, soaring vocals are captivating, and the song evokes the arrival of winter.

The lyrics, filled with TAKURO’s wish to show the snowy scenery of his hometown Hokkaido to someone special, are sure to move you.

Released in January 1999, this track was also used as the campaign song for JR East’s “JR SKI SKI.” Listening to it alongside the beautiful Hokkaido landscapes of the snow-dusted season will surely make you feel like you’re under winter’s spell.