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Love Hit Song Collection for Gals [A Must-Listen for Heisei-Era Gals]
The concept of “gyaru,” which emerged in the 1980s, has continued to develop as a part of Japanese street culture.
Gyaru culture has created a wide range of fashion styles in step with the times, and it has also sparked many trends beyond fashion.
In this article, we’ll introduce love songs that are popular among gyaru.
We’ve especially highlighted tracks from artists like Ayumi Hamasaki and Kumi Koda, who were hugely popular among gyaru in the 2000s to early 2010s.
Take this opportunity to give them another listen.
Collection of Love Hit Songs Gals Listen To [A Must-Listen for Heisei Gals] (1–10)
EsperanzaKana Nishino
Kana Nishino’s popular single features a passionate, Latin-inspired sound that evokes hope even amid sadness.
Centered on the theme of an unrequited love where the person you like already has a partner, the lyrics convey a heartfelt, unrelenting longing alongside a forward-looking resolve that resonates deeply.
It was selected as the May 2011 theme song for Nippon TV’s information program “Sukkiri!!” and won an Excellence Award at the 53rd Japan Record Awards.
The up-tempo rhythm woven by Spanish guitar and handclaps, together with the determination to keep looking ahead, strikes right at the heart.
Baby, I love youTEE
A sweet and heartrending love song that expresses the feelings of a man in love, sung with a voice that blends kindness and a touch of bitterness.
The protagonist’s struggle to honestly convey his feelings to the one he loves is striking.
Released in October 2010, the song was featured as the ending theme for TBS’s music program “COUNT DOWN TV” and Yomiuri TV’s “Gachi Kame.” The music video, starring model Mikiko Yano, also drew attention, and the track became a major hit, reaching No.
2 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to on nights when your feelings for someone deepen or on special anniversaries with a loved one, and it continues to be cherished as a wedding standard.
MAyumi Hamasaki
Ayumi Hamasaki, a divine figure to the gals who survived the Heisei era.
Since her debut in 1998, she captured the hearts of junior high and high school girls, influencing fashion and the gal mindset.
Her 2000 release “M” was long thought to reference the initial of “Maria,” as sung in the chorus.
However, in the 2019 novel M: A Beloved Person, it was revealed that the “M” actually stood for the initial of her producer, which became a major topic of conversation.
Knowing this and revisiting the lyrics, you can truly feel the depth of the love expressed in the song.
Because it makes me want to see youKana Nishino
A poignant love song by Kana Nishino that skillfully portrays the emotional landscape of a woman who acts strong on the outside yet quietly holds on to her loneliness and longing to see someone.
The lyrics, written in relatable, everyday language about growing feelings for an ex-lover, resonated with many and immediately captured the hearts of young women upon release.
Released in June 2009, the song appeared as a lead single from her first album, “LOVE one.” It was also chosen as a POWER PLAY on NTV’s “Music Fighter,” becoming a signature track that brought Kana Nishino’s name to wider recognition.
It’s a song that offers comfort to those unable to recover from the pain of heartbreak or to sever lingering feelings for a former partner.
youKumi Koda
Showcasing Kumi Koda’s standout ballad-style vocals, this work, paired with a snow-themed jacket design, richly portrays deep affection for a lover living far away.
Released as the first installment of the 12-weeks-in-a-row single project that began in December 2005, it impressively reached No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
It was also featured as the TV commercial song for the ringtone site music.
jp and the jewelry brand GemCEREY.
It’s a song to listen to on nights when you’re thinking about someone precious on your own, or in moments when you miss someone you can’t see.
LISTEN TO MY HEARTBoA
Since her debut in Japan in 2001, BoA has released songs across a variety of genres, including J-POP and dance-pop.
“LISTEN TO MY HEART,” released in 2002, is one of her signature tracks.
Centered on the importance of unwavering determination and pursuing one’s dreams, the song conveys the courage to look inward and move toward the future.
Its profound lyrics resonate with everyone chasing their dreams—especially young people just beginning their journey of self-discovery—striking a chord with many Heisei-era gals.
Her vibrant vocals and dynamic dance performance still feel fresh even in the Reiwa era.
Blue BirdAyumi Hamasaki
A summer hit that captures everyone’s heart, featuring Ayumi Hamasaki singing with a fresh, radiant smile on a sun-drenched tropical beach.
It’s a simple, heartwarming love song about the joy of spending time with someone you love under a blue sky.
Released in June 2006, the track was also used in a Zespri Gold Kiwi commercial and debuted at No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
Included on the album “Secret,” it has continued to be cherished by many listeners.
It’s a must-listen for anyone who cherishes spending precious time with their significant other.