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)
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.
Stay closest to me.Daikoku Maki
It’s a love song that evokes memories of summer.
MakI Ohguro’s powerful vocals leave a strong impression, and the track was released in May 1995 as her 11th single.
It was also used in a Meiji American Chips commercial and reached No.
2 on the Oricon weekly chart, later becoming a hit with nearly 900,000 copies sold.
The song expresses a wish to remain the closest presence in each other’s hearts without being possessive, while respecting each other’s lives.
It’s best enjoyed while imagining a couple spending time together on a summer beach.
1990s J-Pop to Listen to in Summer: Classic and Hit Summer Songs (81–90)
Swaying FeelingsZARD
This is ZARD’s signature song, featured in a Pocari Sweat commercial and certified a million-seller.
Even among the tracks that drove the Being boom, this one stands out for its refreshing feel.
The moment the intro starts, you can almost see the dazzling summer sunshine.
Izumi Sakai’s straight, crystalline vocals beautifully capture the thrill of a budding romance, winning the hearts of many.
The wavering emotions of longing for someone—sweet, a little frustrating—make the pure lyrics deeply relatable.
As a timeless classic, it continues to color the youth of countless listeners even today.
Shiny Daykawashima daria
This is Daria Kawashima’s memorable re-debut single, released in 1991.
Well known as the theme song for Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s Pocari Sweat commercials, many of you will probably recognize its refreshing melody.
As the first release from a new Being-affiliated label, the song marked the beginning of her next challenge.
Its solid, hard rock sound meshes perfectly with an exhilarating pop brightness.
Her high-toned voice in the chorus evokes a vividly blue summer sky.
The hopeful lyrics capture the very essence of youthful radiance.
It’s a classic that shows her talent—later responsible for many hits—already shining at this early stage.
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.
love the islandSuzuki Ami
Singer Ami Suzuki—affectionately known by nicknames like “Ami~go” and regarded as one of the defining artists of the 1990s J-POP scene.
Her debut single, “love the island,” produced by Tetsuya Komuro, was used as the commercial song for the Guam Visitors Bureau’s “Guam Great Summer Festival ’98” campaign.
With its tropical-tinged arrangement and crystal-clear sound, it perfectly matches scenes of summer sun and sea.
Her cute vocals color the hot season, making this a refreshingly cool track that feels just right.