1990s J-Pop to listen to in summer: classic and hit summer songs
The 1990s were a time when million-selling hit songs kept coming one after another, and music clearly served as a common topic across generations.
Naturally, there were plenty of summer-themed hits as well.
In this article, we’ve picked out 90s summer songs that have continued to be loved across eras—not only by those who listened to them in real time back then, but also to the extent that people of all ages have probably heard them at least once.
Younger music fans might even discover, “So this song was sung by this artist?” Be sure to check them out!
90s J-POP to listen to in summer: Classic and hit summer songs (1–10)
ONLY YOUYoshikawa Koji
It’s a track by Koji Kikkawa that vividly colored the summers of the ’90s.
The energetic rock sound paired with a slightly wistful melody leaves a strong impression.
The hidden loneliness and yearning for love resonate directly with listeners through his powerful vocals.
This piece is included on the 1991 album “LUNATIC LUNACY.” Passionate yet tinged with sadness, it’s a song that will surely sink into your heart when you listen to it on a summer drive or at twilight.
The Sun Made Me Do It ~Misty Lady~Gō Hiromi
A passionate and romantic number perfect for the season of dazzling sunshine.
It sings of a summer romance sparked by an instant infatuation with a mysterious woman, set to an uptempo yet slightly wistful melody.
The sophisticated sound, tinged with R&B and soul, enhances its grown-up allure.
This track is included on Hiromi Go’s 1995 album “I miss you—Aitakute Shikatanai.” Put it on when you want to indulge in a slightly more mature mood for love, and your heart is sure to race.
MARIAMiyamoto Eiji
Sung by Eiji Miyamoto, this track perfectly bottles the essence of a 1990s summer.
Released as a single in August 1993, it’s a refreshing pop-rock number with sparkling melodies and an invigorating sound.
The lyrics evoke a sense of freedom under the dazzling sun and paint lively scenes of resort getaways.
Give it a listen as a driving soundtrack or whenever you want to relive those summers of the past—you’re sure to feel uplifted.
SUN SUN SUN ’95Urufuruzu
This song features a bright melody reminiscent of the summer sun and uplifting lyrics.
It was released in July 1995 as Ulfuls’ eighth single.
It briskly portrays romance in the scorching heat and the passion of summer, making it even more enjoyable to listen to on hot days.
The super high-energy, rock ’n’ roll vibe is fantastic! I think it’s perfect for getting pumped up with friends at the beach or by the pool.
Summertime BluesWatanabe Misato
It’s a classic packed with the bittersweetness and freshness of summer.
Released as a single in May 1990, it’s also included on the album “tokyo.” It gained attention when it was featured in the Meiji Yasuda Life “Super Life” commercial.
Misato Watanabe’s firm, resonant vocals leave a strong impression.
The song weaves in the pain of heartbreak and complex emotions.
Why not give it a listen when you feel like looking back on summer memories and feelings of love? As one of Misato Watanabe’s signature songs, it has been loved for many years.
EveOkui Masami
It’s a song that, when you listen to it at summer’s end, evokes a bittersweet resonance deep in your chest.
Sung by Masami Okui, the track takes Adam and Eve as its theme, portraying loneliness and the weight of a love that’s anything but straightforward.
Included on the album “Do-can,” released in September 1998, this piece is written and composed by Okui herself.
It’s one I’d especially recommend for quiet summer nights when you want to get lost in thought or immerse yourself in the song’s profound lyrical world.
An Uncompromising SummerTUBE
It’s a refreshing track from TUBE, a band synonymous with Japanese summers.
The song paints shimmering summertime scenes and a sweet, bittersweet romance that sets listeners’ hearts ablaze.
Its appeal lies in an up-tempo beat and a catchy melody you’ll find yourself humming after just one listen.
Released in April 1995 as their 21st single, it was used as the ending theme for TBS’s music program COUNT DOWN TV.
It peaked at No.
2 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart, and an album bearing the same title was released in June of that year.
It’s the perfect number for summer drives or lively times with friends.