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?
- Karaoke songs that were hits in the ’90s. Classic and popular tracks from Japanese music.
- [2025 Edition] A compilation of Japanese songs I want men in their 50s to sing
- Popular 80s hits for karaoke. Sing kayōkyoku and pop songs!
- Anime songs that were hits in the 1990s. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks.
- Nostalgic song medley. Classic Japanese hits and recommended popular songs.
- [Nostalgic Songs] A compilation of classic anime themes that hit home for those born in the Showa and Heisei eras
- A roundup of songs for men in their 30s to sing [’90s–’00s tracks]
- Songs for Women in Their 30s to Sing: A Collection from the 90s to 00s
- A medley of crowd-pleasing classics. Iconic Japanese songs and recommended popular tracks.
- For seniors: Recommended youthful songs for people in their 90s. A collection of classic Showa-era hits.
- Parody song medley. Classic Japanese hits and recommended popular songs.
- A collection of moving, tear-jerking songs recommended for women in their 90s—heartfelt tunes that resonate with the soul.
- A collection of nostalgic hits from the ’70s to 2000s that are perfect for livening up karaoke
1990s Nostalgic Japanese Pop Hit Medley (1–10)
I'm only gazing at you.Maki Ohguro
It was a song that seemed poised to be popular at the time, and in addition to its excellent melody, I was struck when I first heard it.
Maki Ohguro’s voice suits it perfectly—no one else could sing it the same way.
This is also a staple in Slam Dunk, and the song immediately comes to mind.
Another OrionFumiya Fujii
A massive hit by Fumiya Fujii that begins in silence and gradually unfolds a deeply moving worldview.
Released in August 1996, it reached No.
1 on the Oricon charts and sparked a huge response, remaining on the charts for 22 weeks.
It also gained attention as the theme song for the TBS drama “Shards of Glass.” Centered on themes of parting, reunion, and growth, the lyrics—imbued with gratitude and resolve toward a loved one—resonate with many listeners.
The grand yet gentle, wistful melody feels like spending a night beneath a starry sky.
When you stand at a crossroads in life, listening to this song will surely give you the courage to look ahead.
Just by you being hereKome Kome Club
Kome Kome Club is a nine-member band that has captivated fans with a diverse range of songs and glamorous live performances.
Their 13th single, Kimi ga Iru Dake de, released as a double A-side with Aishiteru, was used as the theme song for the TV drama Sugao no Mama de.
Its lyrics, which convey a straightforward message of love, warm the heart alongside an emotional melody.
This hit track, which sold over two million copies, transformed listeners’ image of Kome Kome Club.
1990s Nostalgic Japanese Pop Hits Medley (11–20)
Barefoot GoddessB’z
It was released in 1993 as B’z’s 13th single.
It topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart for two consecutive weeks and became their sixth consecutive million-selling hit.
The song was used in a commercial for the Toyota Corolla Levin late-model AE100/AE101.
Eiichi OhtakiHappy ending
One of Eiichi Ohtaki’s signature songs, which drew huge attention as the theme for the massively popular “Getsuku” Monday 9 p.
m.
drama Love Generation starring Takuya Kimura and Takako Matsu.
If you watched the show, hearing this track might bring back, as if it were yesterday, the heart‑pounding push-and-pull of their romance.
The lyrics, which exquisitely portray the ever-shifting feelings of a grown woman in love, are superb.
You could even interpret them to suggest that the two met for the sake of a happy ending—how did you hear it? Ohtaki’s song “Let’s Begin with a Happy End” was also used as an insert song in the drama and became a hit.
Highly recommended as well!
Time goes byEvery Little Thing
This is a ballad distinguished by poignant lyrics and a beautiful melody.
It carefully portrays the subtle emotions of two people who have gone through a breakup, and its hope for the day they can say “thank you” leaves a strong impression.
Released in February 1998, it was used as the theme song for the drama “Sweet Marriage.” It resonated with many listeners, reaching No.
2 on the Oricon chart.
It’s recommended for those trying to move on from heartbreak or reassess their relationships with loved ones.
If you surrender yourself to Every Little Thing’s vocals, your heart is sure to be soothed.
Kiss me right nowLINDBERG
A quintessential LINDBERG song that captures the heartbeat of falling in love.
Chosen as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “The One I Love Most in the World!” and released in February 1990, it became a huge hit, ranking third in Oricon’s annual single sales that year.
The memorable “Woo” in the chorus stands out, giving it an instantly familiar feel that makes you want to sing along.
The lyrics, which express the earnest feelings of someone in love and the complex emotions about the distance between two people, have resonated with many and have been covered by numerous artists.
It’s a perfect song for reminiscing about your first love or reaffirming your feelings for someone special.