The 1990s are often said to be the era when CDs sold the most in J-POP history.
Even as times change, the atmosphere of that decade is cherished almost like its own genre, with a distinct popularity different from other eras.
Its appeal likely reaches today’s younger generation through streaming services and social media.
This time, we’re introducing songs from the 1990s that went viral on TikTok.
They’re sure to be enjoyable not only for the younger generation but also for their parents’ generation!
- Revival hits driven by social media! Classic Showa-era songs popular with Gen Z
- Including global hits! 80s songs popular on TikTok
- Nothing but iconic hits that defined an era! 2000s classics popular on TikTok
- Nostalgic yet new! Songs that made a comeback and became revival hits on TikTok
- Showa-era songs that went viral on TikTok / revival hit songs
- Japanese dance hits from the 2000s. Songs that make you want to dance on TikTok.
- Nostalgic even though it’s recent? Iconic 2010s songs that went viral on TikTok
- A coming-of-age song that was a hit in the ’90s. A classic and popular track in Japanese music.
- Classic and hit J-pop songs from the nostalgic ’90s
- Ride the trend! Songs released in the 2020s that went viral on TikTok
- [Heisei Retro] Hit Japanese songs that defined the 1990s. Recommended J-POP classics.
- An addictive song used on TikTok
- [Hit Songs of the 1990s] The Best Uplifting J-Pop Hits!
Resonates across generations! Popular 1990s hit songs on TikTok (1–10)
TimingBurakku Bisukettsu
Black Biscuits is a three-member music unit that emerged from a late-1990s variety show.
This work is their signature song, a million-selling hit that reached No.
2 on the Oricon charts and shipped about two million copies.
The lyrics, themed around the importance of “timing” in everyday life, portray the challenges of communication and the disconnects in human relationships, while conveying a positive, forward-looking attitude toward them.
Coupled with its catchy melody, it became a beloved classic that resonated with many.
Released in 1998, the song has remained popular for years and experienced a resurgence on TikTok in 2022.
It’s the perfect track for moments when you want to soothe a tired heart or when you’re struggling with relationships.
promiseHirose Kōmi
Known as the Queen of Winter, Kohmi Hirose’s songs are characterized by her clear, translucent vocals and intricate melodies.
This work is a moving piece themed around the promises of lovers who vow eternal love.
Released in November 1997, the single reached No.
4 on the Oricon charts and stayed on the rankings for 16 weeks.
It was also used in an Alpen commercial, making it popular across a wide audience.
The lyrics, depicting the love of two people enveloped in winter’s cold, are sure to resonate with anyone in love.
It’s a heartwarming track you’ll want to listen to with someone special.
Surely more than anyone else in the worldNagayama Miho & WANDS
A collaborative song by Miho Nakayama and WANDS that represents the J-pop scene of the 1990s.
Chosen as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Dareka ga Kanojo o Aishiteru” (Someone Loves Her), this track is a memorable love song featuring lyrics about deep love and bonds paired with a catchy melody.
Released in October 1992, it sold over one million copies within 20 days of release.
It became a timeless classic loved across generations, ranking in Oricon’s year-end singles chart Top 50 for two consecutive years.
The lyrics portray both the intensity and delicacy of romantic feelings, offering a universal message that anyone can relate to.
It’s a recommended song when you want to feel the bond with someone special or be moved by heartfelt lyrics.
wandererOkuda Tamio
A folk-rock style song that sings of a lonely journey.
Tamio Okuda’s distinctive vocals and the simple guitar riff really stand out.
Released in February 1998 as his eighth single, it’s also included on the album “Matatabi.” It was used as the theme song for the drama “Days,” and in recent years has also been used as the theme for “Can I Recharge My Batteries? with Tetsurou Degawa.” There’s even an anecdote that the demo recorded at home was used as-is.
It might be the perfect track for those feeling lost in life or ready to take a new step forward.
kissORIGINAL LOVE
A timeless classic from the 1990s woven from a sweet melody and heartrending lyrics.
Known as one of ORIGINAL LOVE’s signature songs, it features Takao Tajima’s delicate vocals and a lyrical world rich in depth.
Released as a single in November 1993, it was also used as the theme song for the Nippon TV drama “Otona no Kisu” (An Adult’s Kiss).
The lyrics, which depict mature romance, skillfully express passionate love and the underlying bittersweetness, resonating deeply with listeners.
The arrangement, infused with jazz and soul elements, is another draw, with Tajima’s distinctive timbre further enhancing the atmosphere.
It’s a recommended number for those troubled by love or those who want to savor the nuances of adult romance.
LA LA LA Love SongKubota Toshinobu with Naomi Kyanberu
A single by Toshinobu Kubota, who sparked a true R&B wave in the J-pop scene with his overwhelming groove and soulful vocals.
Released in 1996, the song became a major hit as the theme for the TV drama “Long Vacation.” His collaboration with British top model Naomi Campbell also drew a lot of attention.
This work beautifully fuses vocals imbued with the influence of Black music and the catchy melodies characteristic of J-pop.
The lyrics, depicting deep love for a partner and special moments shared by two people, are sure to resonate with many.
It’s a recommended track both for those who feel nostalgic for their youth and for anyone who wants to experience pure love.
Tonight is Boogie BackOzawa Kenji feat. Suchadarapaa
A classic song that represents 1990s J-pop is finding new popularity on TikTok.
This collaboration between Kenji Ozawa and Scha Dara Parr is a groundbreaking track that fuses hip-hop and J-pop.
The lyrics, which capture the vibe of a nighttime dance floor and the thrill of a party, resonate across generations.
Released on March 9, 1994 by Toshiba EMI, the song was also used as the theme for Fuji TV’s “Tamori no Super Vocabulary Heaven.” With its light, upbeat rhythm, it perfectly conveys the joy of the nighttime party scene, making it an ideal track for anyone looking to energize the dance floor.