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 (11–20)
I love the you who never gives up.Kanno Miho
This is a song by Miho Kanno that powerfully affirms “you,” who keep chasing your dreams without giving up, no matter what others say.
Released in June 1996 as her third single, it reached a peak position of 56 on the Oricon chart.
Its warm message—believing in and supporting those who keep striving with unwavering effort—resonates deeply.
When you’re taking on a challenge, it’s sure to gently give you a push forward.
anemoneMOON CHILD
This is one of MOON CHILD’s signature songs, offering a refreshing snapshot of summer youth.
Released in November 1997 as their sixth single, it was featured as the opening theme for TBS’s COUNT DOWN TV and used in a Kao commercial, making it popular with a wide audience.
The song paints a summer scene where the wind blows and the scent of vanilla drifts through the air, expressing the hope-filled everyday lives of young people.
It’s the perfect track for when you’re feeling nostalgic about your youth.
It might be nice to listen to on a sunny day while taking a walk outside.
Baby BabyYoshikawa Koji
This is a song by Koji Kikkawa, notable for its lively sound arrangement.
It’s included on the album “FOREVER ROAD,” released in June 1995.
The song’s biggest appeal is, without a doubt, its irresistibly bright sound and lyrics that evoke a sense of savoring freedom.
Just listening to it makes your heart dance and your body naturally fall into the rhythm.
It blows away the haze of everyday life—perfect for when you want to lift your spirits.
Your freedomMurata Kazuhito
This is a song by Kazuhito Murata, captivating for its refreshing vocals and polished sound.
It feels as if the true freedom gained by overcoming a breakup—and the strength that arises from it—flows in alongside dazzling summer scenes.
The track was released as a single in 1993 and was also included on the album HELLO AGAIN released the same year.
Listen to it on a summer drive or by the sea, and it might just give you the courage to take a new step forward.
vacationNORMA JEAN
An energetic Hawaiian pop-rock sound makes this a song you’ll want to hear in the summer.
It’s the second single by the girl band NORMA JEAN, released in July 1990.
Riding on a bright, cheerful melody, the song paints a bittersweet scene of a final journey with a lover.
Dynamite MARI’s sunny vocals skillfully bring out the underlying pathos.
Why not soak up the summer vibe with this track?
Dear My FriendsNagayama Miho
This is a mid-tempo pop number by Miho Nakayama, whose warm message to close friends really resonates.
She wrote the lyrics herself, portraying the gentle way she watches over and cheers on a friend in love.
It has a lovely, letter-like warmth.
The track appears on her June 1993 album “Wagamamana Actress.” It’s the kind of song that can put you in a gentle mood when you’re thinking of a dear friend or driving on a summer day.
Those who feel a sense of nostalgia will surely find it touching as well.
Heart-Pounding Summer DaysHikaru GENJI
This is a number by Hikaru GENJI, memorable for its heart-pounding melody line.
The lyrics vividly capture the thrill of a budding romance under the midsummer sun, sure to make listeners’ hearts flutter.
The vocals, brimming with dreams and hope, together with the exhilarating sound, seem to herald the arrival of summer.
Included on the mini-album “Hito Natsu Hito Yo,” released in July 1991, it was also beloved as an insert song on the children’s program “Hirake! Ponkikki.” It’s perfect for those moments when you want to recall a sparkling page of youth.
POSTMANYoshikawa Koji
It’s a rock number by Koji Kikkawa with a powerful guitar sound that stirs the heart.
Released in October 1996 and included on the album “BEAT∞SPEED,” which reached No.
3 on the Oricon charts, this track grips you with lyrics that convey an earnest longing for unreachable “love” and “dreams,” and the burning, impatient feelings of a protagonist who waits for them.
The passionate vocals riding over the rugged, full-bodied sound still carry a poignant sense of seeking hope.
Listen to it on a summer night when you’re wishing hard for something, or when you feel like you might lose sight of tomorrow—surely it will light a spark in your heart.
SquallMatsumoto Eiko
This is a masterpiece that expresses summer love with poignant beauty.
Eiko Matsumoto’s delicate vocals resonate deeply.
Released in 1999 as her second single, it was written and composed by Masaharu Fukuyama.
Its use as an insert song for the Fuji TV drama “Perfect Love!” became a hot topic.
The song delicately portrays the beauty of the sky after a passing shower and the flutter in your chest when touching a lover’s shirt.
It beautifully fuses the wistfulness of summer’s end with the sweetness of love.
It’s best enjoyed on a hot summer night, with the window open, gazing at the stars—you’re sure to have an experience that sinks into your heart.
ENDLESS SUMMER NUDEMagokoro Burazāzu
The beloved masterpiece by Magokoro Brothers, vividly capturing the summer of youth, was released in July 1997.
Its beautiful melody and lyrics, portraying the bittersweet end of summer and memories with a lover, moved countless listeners.
The song is included on the album “I will Survive” and was also used as an insert song in the Tokyo Theatres–distributed film “Osaka Monogatari.” The arrangement, which blends programming and live performance by CHOKKAKU, features accomplished musicians such as Toshio Araki and Yoichi Murata, with additional color added by Yoko Utsumi’s chorus.
It’s a heartwarming track we especially recommend to those who want to bask in summer memories or soothe a heart swayed by love.