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!
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90s J‑Pop to listen to in summer: classic and hit summer songs (61–70)
Ah, summer vacation.TUBE
When you think of TUBE, you think of summer—there’s probably no one who’d argue with that.
The moment you hear the soulful vocals of their frontman, Nobutoki Maeda, you can’t help but feel that summer has arrived.
Their discography itself reads like a history of Japanese summer songs, but this time let’s look at “Aa Natsuyasumi,” released in 1990—a track whose Japanese title made a huge impact.
Up until this song, TUBE had been releasing singles with English titles, so the members reportedly had mixed feelings about putting this one out.
Yet it has since become a beloved, nationally recognized summer anthem in Japan.
The word choices sprinkled throughout the lyrics capture the quintessential vibe of a Japanese summer—absolutely perfect!
Summer ResolutionŌe Senri
This song is packed with the heat of summer and the passion of youth.
Released in August 1994 as the 29th single, it was used on Fuji TV’s children’s program Ponkikkies.
Its light, catchy melody and relatable lyrics are part of its charm.
It captures the shortness of summer vacation and the many things you want to do within it, painting moments spent with someone special.
A perfect track for making summer memories.
Especially for those who were in elementary school at the time, it may evoke a deeply nostalgic, lingering feeling.
Like when we first metEvery Little Thing
Every Little Thing is a duo that has gained popularity with pop tunes featuring a cute vocal style and a hint of rock.
Their 5th single, “Deatta Koro no You ni,” used as the theme for Morinaga’s ICE BOX commercial, starts with a crystalline chorus that instantly lifts your spirits.
The lyrics, which depict a romance blossoming in the heat of the season, are something many people can relate to in any era.
It’s one of Every Little Thing’s signature songs, with a refreshing ensemble that perfectly matches summer scenery.
suddenlyFIELD OF VIEW
Looking back, the so-called Being-kei bands and artists have a lot of famous summer songs.
One of them is FIELD OF VIEW’s “Totsuzen,” featuring Yuya Asaoka’s charming vocals—refreshing and cool, with a trace of boyishness.
Used in a Pocari Sweat commercial in the 1990s, it became a huge hit, selling a total of 1.224 million copies.
Alongside ZARD’s “Yureru Omoi,” also famous as a song for the same commercial, it’s practically synonymous with the summer songs born from the Being scene.
The lyrics by ZARD’s Izumi Sakai brim with hope for a new future, and the way the song unfolds makes you sense the beginning of a wonderful summer.
Even the choice of the word “Totsuzen” (suddenly) is catchy and lovely.
By all means, enjoy this track while driving along the summer coastline, just like in the lyrics!
Kujira No. 12JUDY AND MARY
Since their breakup in 2001, there has been a constant clamor for the reunion of the four-piece rock band JUDY AND MARY.
Their 11th single “Kujira 12-gou,” released ahead of their fourth album THE POWER SOURCE, was used in a commercial for Honda’s Live Dio.
The lyrics, themed as a cheer song for Japan’s national soccer team, carry a refreshing feel that evokes summer adventures.
With JUDY AND MARY’s signature catchy melody woven through a cute vocal delivery, it’s a pop tune you’ll want to keep listening to.
Midnight SunKubota Toshinobu
It’s a summer song included on the sixth album, Neptune, released on July 1, 1992.
The programmed beats, horn section, and choppy rhythm guitar are super cool.
It’s a stylish, funky track with an irresistible groove.
Be sure to check out this dance tune that showcases Toshinobu Kubota’s powerhouse vocals—you won’t be able to stop yourself from moving.
FlowerKinKi Kids
KinKi Kids is an idol duo whose members each have a strong individual presence, not only as a group but also in music, on stage, and in TV dramas.
Their 7th single, “Flower,” which was chosen as the campaign song for ANA’s ’99 Paradise Okinawa, became a massive hit, marking their fourth million-selling release.
Its positive message and upbeat, off-beat rhythm with a hint of reggae bring a refreshing breeze to the heat of summer.
With fresh, lingering vocals, it’s a pop tune that makes you want to sway along.