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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90s J-POP to listen to in summer: Classic and hit summer songs (1–10)
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.
Summertime BluesWatanabe Misato
It’s a classic packed with the bittersweetness and freshness of summer.
Released as a single in May 1990, it’s also included on the album “tokyo.” It gained attention when it was featured in the Meiji Yasuda Life “Super Life” commercial.
Misato Watanabe’s firm, resonant vocals leave a strong impression.
The song weaves in the pain of heartbreak and complex emotions.
Why not give it a listen when you feel like looking back on summer memories and feelings of love? As one of Misato Watanabe’s signature songs, it has been loved for many years.
If I ever meet you somedayNakae Yuri
A song with a gently wistful melody and Yuriko Nakae’s clear, translucent voice at its heart.
It’s the B-side to the 1992 single “Kaze no Sugata.” The lyrics softly express the bittersweet feelings for a love that has passed, along with a faint hope that they might meet again someday.
The blend of a retro mood reminiscent of 1970s idol pop and a refined arrangement is wonderful.
It’s a piece I’d love you to listen to on a summer evening when you want to sink into a slightly sentimental mood.
1990s J-Pop to listen to in summer: Classic and hit summer songs (11–20)
I won’t forget that summerMorikawa Miho
A beautiful pop song sung by Miho Morikawa that vividly evokes scenes of a summer slipping away.
With a clear, translucent voice, she delicately conveys a nostalgic longing for the end of a brilliant season and the irreplaceable moments it held.
Included on the 1991 album “POP THE TOP!”.
It may resonate even more if you listen to it on a summer evening, when you’re feeling a touch sentimental.
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.
EveOkui Masami
It’s a song that, when you listen to it at summer’s end, evokes a bittersweet resonance deep in your chest.
Sung by Masami Okui, the track takes Adam and Eve as its theme, portraying loneliness and the weight of a love that’s anything but straightforward.
Included on the album “Do-can,” released in September 1998, this piece is written and composed by Okui herself.
It’s one I’d especially recommend for quiet summer nights when you want to get lost in thought or immerse yourself in the song’s profound lyrical world.
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?