On TikTok, which is especially popular among Gen Z, it’s not just the latest hits—songs from the Heisei era have been drawing attention too.
In this article, we’ll round up Heisei-era tracks that have enjoyed a revival thanks to TikTok.
You can enjoy them while indulging in nostalgia, or listen while recalling the commercials and dramas of the time—highly recommended.
From videos that use the original tracks to singing covers and dance clips, enjoy the wide range of creative takes.
Why not give these Heisei-era songs—beloved across generations—another listen?
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- A revival hit driven by social media! Heisei-era masterpieces that are resonating with Gen Z today
- A Must-See for the Heisei Generation: Nostalgic Songs That Were Popular in the Heisei Era
- Popular songs on TikTok
- Popular Heisei-era songs you can use on Instagram Stories
- When you want to hype it up with your peers! Karaoke songs recommended for Gen Z
- Cool songs of the Heisei era. Hit tracks that energized the times.
- Nostalgic even though it’s recent? Iconic 2010s songs that went viral on TikTok
- Revival hits driven by social media! Classic Showa-era songs popular with Gen Z
- Trendy dance tracks that make you want to move & popular songs gaining buzz on TikTok
Heisei-era hit songs gaining popularity on TikTok (1–10)
tropical nightRIP SLYME
As a song that vividly colors midsummer nights, this track by RIP SLYME has captivated many listeners.
Its exotic rhythms and passionate lyrics invite the listener into an extraordinary world.
Released in July 2007, the song is included on the album “FUNFAIR.” It depicts a love that flares up with the heat of hot nights, bringing club and party scenes to life.
Energetic and danceable, it’s perfect for livening up summer evenings.
It’s also gaining attention on TikTok, where people enjoy it through dance videos and cover versions.
Why not feel the night breeze while taking in RIP SLYME’s sleek rap?
SaudadePorunogurafiti
Released in September 2000 as Porno Graffitti’s fourth single, this song is one of the band’s signature tracks.
It features a Latin-tinged sound and a nostalgic melody, depicting feelings of parting and longing from a woman’s perspective.
It was also used in a commercial for Pocari Sweat, earning broad support across different audiences.
In the music video, the members appear as elderly men through special makeup, expressing the relentlessness of time.
Filled with the emotions of heartbreak and the indelible memories of love, the song has inspired a wave of rediscovery and creativity, with numerous covers and dance videos posted on TikTok.
Timing ~Timing~Burakku Bisukettsu
Black Biscuits is a music unit formed by Kiyotaka Nanbara, Hiroyuki Amano, and Vivian Hsu, brought together by a TV show.
In 1998, they released Timing, which became a big hit thanks to its addictive melody and catchy phrases.
Starting around 2022, the song began gaining renewed attention on TikTok, leading to a resurgence of interest and even a reunion of Black Biscuits.
It’s a timeless classic loved across generations.
KissORIGINAL LOVE
@ami_sakagt Longing for the Showa eraI'm hooked on looking at the tags: “Kiss -kissing-”#ORIGINALLOVEAmo Sakaguchi#japansongHeisei
♬ original sound – Ami Sakaguchi – Ami Sakaguchi
The song released in 1993 by ORIGINAL LOVE, an artist emblematic of the Shibuya-kei sound, is characterized by melodies and arrangements influenced by jazz and soul.
Takao Tajima’s distinctive vocals and lyrics that portray deep affection and bittersweet emotion are especially captivating.
Also used as the theme song for the drama “Otona no Kiss,” the track beautifully captures the complexity and poignancy of adult romance.
It has gained renewed attention among younger generations on TikTok, particularly through dance videos, and has become a timeless classic loved across eras.
How about adding this moody, mature gem to your nighttime drive playlist?
cherry (sweet cherry; cherry fruit)Otsuka Ai
A classic song that captures the bittersweet feelings of first love.
Loved by listeners across generations since its release, it still shines with timeless charm.
Ai Otsuka’s clear, airy vocals and the catchy melody leave a strong impression.
The lyrics evoke fun, carefree days with a lover and gently resonate with the listener’s heart.
Released in December 2003, this track is also included on the album LOVE PUNCH.
It has even been used as a cheer song for high school baseball, making it familiar to many.
A perfect pop tune for spring—the season of new romance.
Recommended for when you want to feel uplifted or reminisce about time spent with someone special.
A Little Love SongMONGOL800
@tetu2323 A Little Love Song#Dance#danceCultural FestivalA Little Love SongRecommended to rideHigh school student#hiphop
♪ Original song – tetu.dance – tetu.dance
This song, included on the album “MESSAGE” released in September 2001 by the Okinawan rock band MONGOL800, has captured many hearts as a classic that sings of the bittersweetness of long-distance love and the joy of first love.
Its simple lyrics and melody are captivating, conveying a pure sense of affection.
In 2019, it was also used as the theme song for a film of the same name, gaining support across generations.
Thanks in part to its tie-ins with dramas and films, it has remained a beloved track for many years.
It’s a recommended number not only for couples but also for anyone with someone special in mind.
Why not listen to this song and try expressing your honest feelings?
Winter SongKiroro
A gentle ballad that quietly warms the heart in a season of deepening cold, its tender notes floating in the chill air.
This was the third single by Kiroro, a duo from Okinawa, released in November 1998, and it has long been loved as a winter classic.
The delicate piano tones and harmonies are especially memorable.
Many people may remember it as the CM song for Meiji Seika’s “Meltykiss” and “Porte.” While conveying the loneliness of being apart and the sense of distance, the song portrays pure feelings for a precious person.
On TikTok, it’s often used as BGM for videos capturing winter scenery and everyday moments, making it perfect when you want to create seasonally rich posts.
Its enduring popularity has even led to reissues, and it’s a must-sing track for winter karaoke.
Heart Throbsnobobyknows̟+
A signature track by nobodyknows+ featuring a lively beat and catchy melody.
Released in 2004, the song enjoyed a revival hit thanks to YouTube’s THE FIRST TAKE.
The lyrics, which capture the joy of hearts dancing through music, resonate with listeners.
While depicting everyday moments, it celebrates the freedom and sense of liberation that music brings.
The song became a cross-generational favorite, including an appearance at the 2004 NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Experience this energetic number that conjures up a vibrant, pulse-pounding dance floor.
I’ll be by your side.Aoyama Teruma ft. SoulJa
Singer Thelma Aoyama delivers R&B-style songs that depict bittersweet romance.
Her signature track, released in January 2008, is one you’ll want to hear if you’re in a long-distance relationship.
Crafted with a deep, night-evoking track, it matches perfectly with lyrics that portray a sentimental heart.
The superb chorus work with hip-hop musician SoulJa envelops the loneliness of unrequited love.
The song became so popular that it was recognized by Guinness as the best-selling full ringtone (“chaku-uta full”) in Japan.
Give it a listen when you want to calm your mind or wish someone were by your side.
God of RomanceHirose Kōmi
@mii3148 Could this person be the god of romance?Goddess of RomanceMisa ShimizuA song I once sang on TV#Music Champ
♬ Original Song – Miisha Shimizu – Miisha Shimizu
It’s not uncommon for nostalgic songs to trend on TikTok.
Released in December 1993, this track is known as the theme song for Alpen’s ski equipment commercials.
It’s a quintessential winter song that you’ll want to listen to in the cold season.
A love-pop tune that expresses a woman’s desire to meet her ideal man at a group date, it’s memorable for its soaring high notes in the chorus.
As one of the signature songs of Kōmi Hirose, known as the “Queen of Winter,” it has been beloved for many years.
On TikTok, it even won the 2022 First-Half Trend Award, earning support from a new generation.
With lyrics set around an office-lady lifestyle that feel true-to-life, it’s recommended for those who can relate to women striving in love.