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 J-Pop Hit Medley (31–40)
Dango Three BrothersKentaro Hayami, Ayumi Shigemori
In the end, a pop song means nothing if it isn’t embraced by the masses.
And the one that taught us this so starkly was the ultimate consumer song, “Dango San Kyodai.” You could say this track outperformed any celebrated song by artist bands released in the ’90s.
It came out in ’99 and sold 2.
91 million copies.
I can’t say it.Hiromi Go
A signature song by Hiromi Go that portrays a heartrending love so moving you might find yourself tearing up.
Released in May 1994, it became a hot topic as the theme song for the TBS drama “The Master of Matchmaking.” The protagonist’s struggle—unable to honestly express their feelings to the one they love—is conveyed through a clear, transparent vocal performance.
For anyone troubled by that “more than friends, not quite lovers” relationship, this track gives voice to the unspoken emotions in your heart.
It became a long-selling hit with over 350,000 copies sold, staying on the Oricon charts for 39 weeks—a new personal best for Hiromi Go.
A gem of a ballad that will surely resonate with you.
TimingBlack Biscuits
This is a signature song by Black Biscuits, a music unit born from a late-1990s variety show.
The track sings about everyday misunderstandings and the challenges of communication.
Centered on the theme of “timing,” it highlights the importance of perfect timing in life.
Released in April 1998, it reached No.
2 on the Oricon chart and became a million-selling hit with around two million copies shipped.
It is also included on the album LIFE.
Listening to it after a breakup or when you’re struggling with relationships might lighten your heart a little.
With its pop sound and slightly unusual member lineup, it’s a tune you’ll find yourself humming along to.
I want to take only you away just like this.DEEN
This is DEEN’s debut single, released in 1993, which was used as the theme song for NTT DoCoMo’s pager commercial.
With lyrics that sing of a bittersweet love and a melody that resonates deeply, it struck a chord with many listeners and became a million-selling hit.
The desire to make a loved one one’s own and the determination of two people trying to make their dreams come true leave a strong impression.
DEEN’s expressively rich vocals further enhance the emotional nuance of the lyrics.
It’s a recommended song for healing the pain of heartbreak or reaffirming your feelings for someone special.
Even today, it remains an unwaveringly popular song cherished by many fans.
Glass BoyKinKi Kids
Koichi Domoto, a member of the idol duo KinKi Kids, is from Ashiya City in Hyogo Prefecture.
Their debut single, Glass no Shonen (Glass Boy), was selected as the entrance march for the 70th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament.
It ranked second on Oricon’s 1997 annual chart.
Nostalgic 1990s Japanese Pop Hits Medley (41–50)
Rose of PassionTHE BLUE HEARTS
Released in 1990.
It’s one of The Blue Hearts’ signature songs from the early ’90s, at a time when they were already well established.
The catchy, straightforward lyrics characteristic of Hiroto Kōmoto are as appealing as ever.
In particular, the phrase repeated many times—“way deep inside the heart”—is especially memorable, don’t you think?
Goodbye, Humanitytama
This song was released in May 1990.
It was the major-label debut of Tama, who became the 14th “Ika-ten King” on the TBS music program Heisei Meibutsu TV: Yuji Miyake’s Ikasu Band Tengoku, a gateway to success for young bands.
It debuted at number one on the Oricon singles chart.