Iconic ballads of 90s J-pop: nostalgic mega-hits and fan favorites
The 1990s J-pop scene saw CDs sell in huge numbers and one million–selling hits being released one after another.
Songs from that era are still loved across generations, and many younger music fans likely listen to those tracks on streaming services.
In this article, we’ll spotlight recommended songs among the countless classics and hits of ’90s J-pop, focusing specifically on its most popular ballads.
From beautiful, stripped-down masterpieces centered on vocals and guitar to rock-tinged ballads, enjoy a selection of wonderful tunes whose choruses will have many people humming along.
Classic J-pop ballads of the ’90s: nostalgic smash hits and fan favorites (1–10)
I don’t want to let go.T-BOLAN
Released on December 18, 1991, T-BOLAN’s “Hanashitaku wa Nai.” The ’90s were full of great ballads, and this is one you absolutely can’t leave out.
Many people still sing it at karaoke; the climactic final chorus and the piano’s tone match the vocals perfectly, delivering a truly moving experience.
HOWEVERGLAY
HOWEVER,” one of the signature songs by GLAY—one of Japan’s most iconic rock bands.
Loved for many years as a wedding standard, this track was a massive hit and went platinum.
About six months after its release, it was chosen as the ending theme for the drama “Ryodatsui – Abunai Onna” (Stolen Love: Dangerous Woman).
With vocalist TERU’s soaring high tones and GLAY’s trademark blend of big-hearted love and gentle melody, it’s a truly comforting number.
If you’re singing GLAY at karaoke, this song is a must—and don’t forget TERU’s signature arms-wide-open pose!
The Last RainYasushi Nakanishi
Yasushi Nakanishi’s signature song “Saigo no Ame” lets you feel an overflowing love amid a sorrowful breakup.
Since its 1992 release, it has enjoyed a long run of success, with sales approaching the million mark.
Sad farewells and former lovers are things we’d rather forget if we could.
And yet, perhaps what we can’t easily forget is what we call true love.
The ability to relate to the unbearably painful breakup that follows a wholehearted romance isn’t limited to those who heard this song in real time.
It’s a number that makes you reflect on what genuine love really is.
TRUE LOVEFujii Fumiya
Fumiya Fujii’s “TRUE LOVE,” whose drama Asunaro Hakusho—where it was used as the main theme—was also a huge hit.
This was the first solo single released under the name Fumiya Fujii after the breakup of The Checkers, the band for which he served as lead vocalist.
The distinctive acoustic guitar at the very beginning of the song is said to have been a mistake he played during the demo recording.
The acoustic guitar’s tone and Fujii’s gentle vocals are truly soothing.
As the title suggests, this song about true love remains cherished today as one of the quintessential love ballads of the 1990s.
First LoveUtada Hikaru
From April 15 to 17, 2022, Hikaru Utada made her debut appearance at Coachella, one of the world’s largest festivals, held in California, USA.
The performance was streamed on YouTube, so some of you may have watched it.
Naturally, she delivered a confident performance of First Love on the main stage—a song that was a phenomenal hit in Japan.
It really shows how First Love hasn’t lost any of its luster even as “Hikki,” who made a sensational debut at the young age of 15, has grown into adulthood.
I hope many people will listen to her one-of-a-kind voice, which conveys both aching poignancy and resolute strength.
single bedSha ran Q
There are probably many people who spent their youth listening almost exclusively to Sharam Q.
Their signature love song “Single Bed” is a ballad with lyrics so heartrending it tightens your chest.
I’m sure some were moved by Tsunku’s vocals at the time and have sung this song over and over at karaoke.
A quintessential tear-jerking ballad of the ’90s!
One more time,One more chanceYamazaki Masayoshi
Masayoshi Yamazaki’s “One more time, One more chance” is a heartwarming ballad performed with just voice and guitar.
Some listeners were so inspired by him after hearing this song that they started playing guitar themselves.
It’s a heartbreaking breakup song, and as you listen, his gentle vocals make you feel as if you’re being tenderly enveloped—truly a classic.