It’s quite common for older songs to become hits again on social media and YouTube.
So this time, we’re introducing a selection of Heisei-era songs that are hugely popular on YouTube Shorts!
Thanks in part to channels like THE FIRST TAKE on YouTube, Heisei hits are reaching younger generations and finding new success.
Many artists who were active in the Heisei period have also resumed their activities, leading to numerous revival hits for various reasons.
I hope this helps you discover new tracks or brings back some nostalgic memories.
Let’s get started!
- Emotional songs from the Heisei era. Nostalgic tracks that really hit you.
- A Showa-era song that had a revival hit on YouTube Shorts
- Popular anime songs you often hear on YouTube Shorts
- Cool songs of the Heisei era. Hit tracks that energized the times.
- Resonates across generations! Hit songs that colored the Heisei era, perfect as BGM
- Old songs from the Showa to Heisei eras: a collection of timeless classics loved across generations
- A collection of nostalgic hits from the Heisei era: Let’s look back at iconic songs from the 1990s and 2000s.
- Catchy Commercial Jingles and Ad Songs Featured on YouTube Shorts
- Heisei-era hit songs gaining popularity on TikTok
- Popular Showa-era songs you can use in Instagram Stories
- Nostalgic yet new! Songs that made a comeback and became revival hits on TikTok
- Hits that resonate across generations! Popular 1990s songs on TikTok
- Nostalgic even though it’s recent? Iconic 2010s songs that went viral on TikTok
Heisei-era songs popular on YouTube Shorts (1–10)
SaudadePorunogurafiti
A Latin-style song about a bittersweet farewell and longing, it’s one of Porno Graffitti’s popular tracks.
Written from a woman’s perspective, the lyrics carry a faint hope for reunion even as she accepts the breakup.
Released in September 2000, it reached No.
1 on the Oricon chart.
It was also featured in a commercial for Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s Pocari Sweat, which drew even more attention.
Recommended for those who want to etch the pain of heartbreak and memories of someone special into their hearts.
This song, packed with the charms of Porno Graffitti, continues to enjoy popularity on YouTube Shorts even in the Reiwa era.
Beyond a thousand nightsAqua Timez
This song, which is also the BGM for a hugely popular anime, is highly popular on YouTube Shorts as well.
Released by Aqua Timez in November 2006, it is known as the theme song for the Toho-distributed anime film “BLEACH: MEMORIES OF NOBODY.” The lyrics center on the courage to convey feelings to a loved one, paired with a melody that resonates deeply.
The work conveys the importance of expressing emotions by overcoming inner conflict and fear, resonating with many listeners.
It peaked at No.
5 on the Oricon chart and stayed on the rankings for 22 weeks, remaining beloved over a long period.
Although the band announced their breakup in 2018, they have become a hot topic again for resuming activities through the end of 2025 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their debut on August 24, 2025.
tropical nightRIP SLYME
This song vividly portrays the frenzy of a hot summer night.
Released in July 2007 by RIP SLYME, it centers on a love theme set on a midsummer night.
It features distinctive rhythms and melodies, creating an energetic, sexy atmosphere.
The initial CD pressing came with a clear red case and a color pin-up jacket.
The track depicts passionate romance and party scenes on sweltering nights, with driving rhythms and beats that excite listeners.
It’s a song gaining renewed attention through YouTube Shorts dance videos and similar trends.
fireworks (launched into the sky)DAOKO × Yonezu Kenshi
This song portrays a fleeting yet beautiful feeling of love.
Released in August 2017, it’s a collaboration between DAOKO and Kenshi Yonezu, created as the theme song for an animated film.
It has surpassed 500 million views on YouTube and enjoys widespread popularity both in Japan and abroad.
Using fireworks—an emblem of summer’s end—it delicately expresses the fading emotions of love, with lyrics that are moving and poignant.
It’s recommended for those who want to reminisce about the bittersweet memories of youth or who feel the loneliness that comes with the end of summer.
The track is also very popular on YouTube Shorts.
Its touching vocals and beautiful melody are sure to soothe your heart.
Until the world endsWANDS
It’s a classic that captured many hearts with its moving lyrics and memorable melody.
It’s one of WANDS’s signature songs and was also used as the ending theme for the anime SLAM DUNK.
Released in 1992, it became a major talking point.
The song expresses a heartfelt desire to believe in eternal love amid a lonely life in the big city.
It’s perfect for moments when you want to reaffirm your bond with someone important or listen to music that stays close to your heart.
It’s also very popular on YouTube Shorts and beloved by younger generations.
Be sure to give this captivating track a listen—where nostalgia and freshness beautifully coexist.
First LoveUtada Hikaru
This song delicately portrays the bittersweetness of first love.
Released in April 1999 as Hikaru Utada’s third single, it is included on her debut album of the same name.
Written and composed by Utada herself at the age of 16, it vividly expresses the pain of heartbreak and unforgettable memories of a first love.
The song reached No.
2 on the Oricon Singles Chart and became a massive hit, topping the karaoke chart for 15 consecutive weeks.
Its gentle piano melody and Utada’s delicate vocals blend together to convey a profound sense of yearning.
The Netflix drama “First Love” was inspired by this song and premiered in 2022, bringing renewed attention to the track.
ChankapanaNEWS
NEWS’s song is characterized by its exotic sound and catchy chorus.
Released in July 2012, the coined word “Chankapāna” carries the meaning of “beloved person.” It sold about 245,000 copies in its first week on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart, debuting at No.
1.
Praised as an Asian-flavored love-disco kayō tune perfect for summer, the track expresses deep affection for fans.
It’s recommended not only for NEWS fans but also for those who enjoy up-tempo songs.
The music video was uploaded to YouTube in October 2024, bringing the song back into the spotlight.
Its uplifting vibe makes it popular in short videos, too.