[Heisei Era] Songs That Hype Up Intro Quizzes: A Collection of Unforgettable Tunes You Can’t Help but Hum

Tomorrow never knowsMr.Children

Mr.Children 「Tomorrow never knows」 MUSIC VIDEO

The moment that piano intro starts, many of you probably have vivid memories of that time come rushing back.

Released as a single in November 1994 and used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Wakamono no Subete,” this signature Mr.Children track became a massive hit that could fairly be called a social phenomenon.

Even while grappling with the truth that no one knows what tomorrow holds, its message of pressing forward wherever your heart leads continues to encourage countless listeners today.

The beautiful contrast between the synth’s crisp timbre and Kazutoshi Sakurai’s warm melody draws you into its dramatic progression.

At a gathering or karaoke with people of the same generation, if you pick this as the first song for an intro quiz, it’s guaranteed to have everyone humming along and bursting into a sing-along.

astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN

BUMP OF CHICKEN “Stargazing”

Just hearing the guitar in the intro is enough to make many people’s hearts swell.

It’s a masterpiece that portrays a protagonist gazing up at the night sky, facing hope and anxiety about the future in a world without clear answers.

Released in March 2001 as BUMP OF CHICKEN’s third single, it became a major hit after being featured as a TV drama insert song.

It’s also included on the album “jupiter.” The song reflects the inner conflicts carried by vocalist Motoo Fujiwara, and the katakana words born from his handwritten notes also drew attention.

It’s perfect for those who feel uncertain about moving toward their dreams, or when you want to reminisce about youthful memories with friends.

Put it on at a drinking party and it’s guaranteed to liven up the mood.

Hello, Again ~A Place That’s Been Around Since Long Ago~My Little Lover

My Little Lover "Hello, Again ~A Place That’s Been There Since Long Ago~

One of MY LITTLE LOVER’s signature songs that makes your heart swell from the very first notes of the intro, released in August 1995.

It was used as the opening theme for the Nippon TV drama “Owaranai Natsu,” so many people likely listened to it while immersing themselves in the world of the show.

The intro’s guitar phrase is simple, yet it has a certain warmth and speaks straight to the heart just by listening.

The theme—parting with the pain of leaving a familiar place, yet sensing new hope—is especially striking.

The track was also included on the classic album “evergreen,” released that December, which went on to become a million seller.

It’s a timeless masterpiece that, the moment it plays in an intro quiz, makes everyone want to start humming along!

The Door to TomorrowI WiSH

I WiSH “Door to Tomorrow” Official Music Video

This is I WiSH’s debut single, released in February 2003.

It was used as the theme song for Fuji TV’s romance reality show “Ainori,” and became a massive hit, so many people may associate it with memories from that time.

For many, listening to this song brings back the excitement of a new romance and the courage to take a first step forward.

With its warm piano tones and clear, pure vocals, it’s a classic that perfectly suits graduation and farewell seasons.

Even today, it continues to be covered by various artists and has been performed on the YouTube channel “THE FIRST TAKE,” remaining beloved across generations.

Play it at a class reunion or a get-together with friends, and it’s sure to ignite the room from the very first notes.

CHE.R.RYYUI

YUI 『CHE.R.RY-short ver.-』

When it comes to Heisei-era intro quizzes, the song that makes everyone smile the moment the melody starts has to be YUI’s classic.

It’s packed with the pure feelings of a protagonist who rejoices at getting a cell phone email from their crush and thrills at unfamiliar emoji.

It captures the sweet, bittersweet anxiety of timing a reply, set to a breezy acoustic sound.

Released as a single in March 2007, it was featured in the au by KDDI “LISMO!” commercial and as the ending theme for the TV anime ReLIFE: Final Arc, and it’s also included on the masterpiece album CAN’T BUY MY LOVE.

It’s perfect for anyone who wants to relive those pure feelings from back then and get hyped with friends.

New Treasure IslandSakanakushon

Sakanaction / New Treasure Island -Music Video-

As soon as the retro synthesizer tones ring out in the intro, this track makes anyone want to start stepping.

It’s infused with a sincere passion for creation and a spirit of inquiry—carefully continuing to draw one’s own line toward an unknown world.

Released in September 2015 as Sakanaction’s 11th single, it was produced as the theme song for the film Bakuman.

Deeply linked to the movie’s themes, it achieves a superb fusion of music and visuals.

Packed with up-tempo dance music elements, it’s perfect for an intro quiz to heat up a party.

It’s also a song that gently gives a push to anyone trying to take on something new.

Happinessarashi

ARASHI – Happiness [Official Music Video]

This is the 20th single by the national idol group Arashi, released in September 2007.

It was used as the theme song for the drama “Yamada Taro Monogatari,” starring Kazunari Ninomiya and Sho Sakurai.

It carries a positive message of moving forward by imagining a brighter future rather than lamenting the present, and is characterized by a shimmering, guitar-driven sound.

It topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart in 2007 and has become a staple cheer song for high school baseball.

From the intro, it delivers a exhilarating, racing sense of freshness, and its catchy melody makes you want to sing along with everyone.

Be sure to pick it when you want to liven things up with a crowd at reunions or parties!