Medley of Nostalgic Japanese Pop Hits from the 1990s
We’ve put together a wide-ranging collection of iconic hits from the 1990s!
I’m sure these songs—many you once had on heavy rotation—will bring back memories.
Music has a way of conjuring up scenes from the time you first heard it.
Take a moment to look back on those memories.
And if you were born in the 1990s, why not try finding the hits from your birth year?
1990s Nostalgic Japanese Pop Hit Medley (1–10)
POWER OF LOVEJUDY AND MARY
This is JUDY AND MARY’s major-label debut single, released in September 1993, where YUKI’s airy vocals and the deliberately sparse arrangement create a unique sonic world.
Its experimental structure, markedly different from their later hits, likely left many listeners puzzled at the time.
The unadorned lyrics sing of the impatience and loneliness felt in a corner of the city, yet quietly affirm the latent energy within the listener.
Although it debuted modestly at No.
95 on the Oricon chart, it stands as the band’s origin, later included on their first album, “J•A•M.” When you’re hesitating to take a step forward or want to trust your authentic self, this work is sure to gently nudge you from behind.
for a long timeKiroro
Kiroro’s debut single overflows with the joy and love of finally being able to express one’s feelings, and with gratitude toward the person who waited.
The harmony woven by Chiharu Tamashiro’s endlessly pure vocals and Ayano Kinjo’s warm piano tones gently wraps around the listener’s heart.
Released in January 1998, the song became a massive hit through word of mouth despite having no tie-ins, ultimately selling over 1.
2 million copies.
In the spring of 1999, it was selected as the entrance march for the National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament.
It’s a song that gives you a gentle push when you find it hard to say “thank you” to someone important.
Man & WomanMy Little Lover
Released in May 1995, this was My Little Lover’s debut single, and despite being newcomers, it became a hit with total sales of about 917,000 copies.
Its light, stylish sound reminiscent of French pop blends beautifully with Akko’s translucent vocals.
The song seems to depict the subtle emotional shifts between men and women—the missed connections, and yet the irresistible pull toward one another.
Later included on the classic album “evergreen,” which went on to sell over two million copies, this track captured many hearts.
It’s a song that gently accompanies that slightly sentimental feeling where hope and anxiety mingle just before love begins.
Rapturous BluePocket Biscuits
This is the landmark debut single from Pocket Biscuits, a group that tore through the music scene with a passion that’s hard to believe came from a TV show concept.
Released in April 1996, the single sold over 500,000 copies in total.
Its synth-driven sound, reminiscent of ’80s Western dance music, sticks in your head after just one listen.
The color blue becomes a vessel for youthful impulse and slightly grown-up infatuation, all conveyed through CHIAKI’s soaring vocals.
There’s a famous story that she was so determined to write the lyrics that she brought along a hundred notebooks to plead her case in person—an anecdote that seems to speak to the pure energy poured into this track.
It’s the kind of song that will surely stir your heart when you’re ready to take on a challenge or just want a little spark in your everyday life.
STEADYSPEED
Accompanied by a music video memorable for its sepia-toned seaside scenes, SPEED’s second single was released in November 1996.
It sold 1.
5 million copies, earning a spot at No.
5 on the 1997 annual singles sales ranking.
While its bittersweet lyrics speak of love, the song conveys a forward-looking spirit.
Chosen as the theme song for the TV Asahi drama “Itazura na Kiss,” it captured the hearts of many viewers.
Beyond the allure of their vocals and dance, the track lets listeners feel the group’s growth through its melodic lines.
Filled with feelings for a cherished person swayed by love, it remains beloved by many listeners even today.
HONEYL’Arc〜en〜Ciel
This track is memorable for its bittersweet melody and powerful sound.
The lyrics, which portray both the sweetness and the peril of love, are sure to resonate with many listeners.
Released in 1998, it is widely known as one of L’Arc〜en〜Ciel’s signature songs and became a major hit, including the band’s first appearance at the 49th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen that same year.
It’s recommended for those nursing the pain of a breakup or seeking the courage to fall in love.
Drawn in by the honeyed allure of romance while sensing its fragility, this song truly feels like a page from youth itself.
I can't stay a daydreaming girlNanae Aikawa
Her famous debut single! In contrast to upbeat girl-pop, this track boldly puts a dark rock sound front and center.
Aikawa’s flashy live performances—hoisting, swinging, and even kicking over the mic stand, actions not typically associated with female artists—also drew a lot of attention.