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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!

1990s J-Pop to listen to in summer: Classic and hit summer songs (71–80)

The Summer When You Were ThereMr.Children

Mr.Children “The Summer You Were Here” MUSIC VIDEO
The Summer When You Were ThereMr.Children

Mr.Children is a four-piece rock band whose name everyone in the J-pop scene knows, having earned numerous million-selling singles and albums.

Their debut single, “Kimi ga Ita Natsu” (“The Summer You Were There”), was released as a single cut from their debut album, EVERYTHING.

The slide-guitar-driven sound, paired with its heartrending lyrics, evokes images of the summer seaside.

It’s a track that showcases the band’s exceptional sensibility—one you’ll want to listen to in the summertime.

Hoshino Takashi
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Summer ResolutionŌe Senri

Senri Oe “Summer Resolution” MUSIC VIDEO
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.

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For the momentEvery Little Thing

Every Little Thing is a two-member music unit with numerous cross-generational hit songs like “Time goes by” and “fragile.” Their fourth single, “For the moment,” which became their first single to top the Oricon chart, was used in a Morinaga Seika ICE BOX commercial and as the ending theme for the music program COUNT DOWN TV.

Its lyrics, which straightforwardly depict the feelings of love, especially evoke vivid summer scenes.

It’s a gem of a pop tune, marked by the striking contrast between hard-edged guitar sounds and crystal-clear synths.

Hoshino Takashi
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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.

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Love in AugustMoritaka Chisato

Chisato Moritaka “Love in August” (PV)
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.

Hoshino Takashi
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