1990s J-Pop to listen to in summer: classic and hit summer songs

Shiny Daykawashima daria

Daria Kawashima – Shiny Day

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.

Embracing SummerTUBE

Embrace the Summer by TUBE

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.

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utatane

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survival dAnce 〜no no cry more〜TRF

TRF / survival dAnce ～no no cry more～

The 1990s J-POP scene and Tetsuya Komuro’s music are virtually synonymous, aren’t they? TRF was the spark that set off Komuro’s phenomenal run in the ’90s, during which he launched many iconic groups and artists.

In the early days they went by the lowercase name trf, right? “survival dAnce ~no no cry more~,” released in 1994 and a million seller, was one of their massive hits from the trf era.

With a melody line and keyboard phrases that instantly mark it as a Komuro composition, and a rhythm that makes you want to get up and dance just by listening, it’s the perfect track for a hot summer day.

I bet plenty of people use it to practice dance, or listen to it as a companion for their workouts.

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KOH-1

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Like tonight’s moonElefanto Kashimashi

Like the Moon Tonight / Elephant 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.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Sparkling right in the middle, ChuPokemon Kizzu, Okido Hakase (+ Pikachu)

Pikachu’s Summer Vacation (1998) Ending – Full Version

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.