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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1990s J-Pop to listen to in summer: Classic and hit summer songs (71–80)
Love in AugustMoritaka Chisato
The 13th single by Chisato Moritaka, a singer-songwriter who deftly plays multiple instruments and continues to be active across diverse fields, with a focus on live performances.
The song was used as the ending theme for the variety show “Video: You’re the Star,” and the contrast between her cute vocals and the bittersweet melody evokes a summer romance.
The lyrics, which hint at parting, and the somewhat nostalgic tone of the music convey the melancholy of summer drawing to a close.
It’s a wistful number that captures a side of the season that’s not just about excitement.
Mermaid of ReminiscenceTHE YELLOW MONKEY
THE YELLOW MONKEY is a four-piece rock band whose look and songs, influenced by glam rock, have won them popularity.
Their seventh single, “Tsuioku no Mermaid,” which was used as the ending theme for the infotainment program Hanakin Data Land, is notable for its sexy lyrics.
The passionate vocals and straightforward rock ensemble evoke the image of a blazing summer romance.
It’s a recommended rock tune as summer background music, with a fleeting, bittersweet worldview that lifts your spirits.
Embracing SummerTUBE
TUBE is a band so synonymous with summer that it’s no exaggeration to call them its very name.
Their song “Natsu wo Dakishimete” (Embrace the Summer) was released in 1994 as the first single marking the 10th year since TUBE’s debut—a ballad packed with feelings for a beloved person.
True to TUBE’s style, it’s a love song that vividly evokes summertime scenes and portrays lovers in summer, and it became a major hit.
For those who listened back then, it’s sure to stir up nostalgia and bring back memories.
It’s the perfect summer song to listen to while thinking of someone special.
1990s J-Pop to Listen to in Summer: Classic and Hit Summer Songs (81–90)
Like tonight’s moonElefanto Kashimashi
Elephant Kashimashi is a four-piece rock band that has released numerous classics, known for their message-driven lyrics and a vocal style no one can imitate.
Their 15th single, “Koyoi no Tsuki no Yō ni,” written as the theme song for the TV drama “Tsuki no Kagayaku Yoru Dakara,” is widely known across generations as one of the band’s signature songs.
Its lyrics painting a summer night sky and its lyrical melody evoke vivid scenes in your mind just by listening.
It’s a quintessential masterpiece of the 1990s, with a dramatic worldview that resonates deeply.
Sparkling right in the middle, ChuPokemon Kizzu, Okido Hakase (+ Pikachu)
It’s a fun song that sings about summer memories and a spirit of adventure.
Released in July 1998, it was used as the theme song for the short animated film “Pikachu’s Summer Vacation.” Its refreshing melody and energetic vocals are especially striking.
For those who grew up with the first generation of Pokémon, it’s sure to feel nostalgic.
The lyrics capture the joy of summer vacation and are bound to lift your spirits.
It’s also perfect as background music for a drive.
Midsummer SunbeamsMōningu Musume.
A song that makes you feel the blazing summer sun.
This is Morning Musume’s fifth single, released in May 1999.
The bright, catchy melody crafted by Tsunku♂ is especially memorable.
The lyrics, which sing of a summer romance, feel like scenes from a love movie—drives spent just the two of you, dates by the seaside.
The arrangement, rich with live instruments like percussion, trumpet, and saxophone, is another highlight.
It’s the perfect track for making summer memories or for a drive.
Packed with the charm of Morning Musume, it’s a quintessential summer song of the ’90s.
WingChinen Rina
Rina Chinen, a singer who debuted in 1996 both as an actress and as a vocalist and continues to thrive with her exotic yet transparent look, is still active today.
Her 5th single “Wing,” used as the CM song for Shiseido’s T’ESSERA Frozen Blue, is also known as one of her signature tracks.
Its striking synth sound and soaring high notes bring a refreshing coolness that colors the heat of summer.
It’s a breezy pop tune I’d recommend as summer BGM both for those who grew up with it and those who didn’t.