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 (31–40)
blue carsupittsu
Give it a listen first thing on a sunny summer morning.
It’s a song by Spitz, the popular band known for signature tracks like “Sora no Tobikata” and “Robinson.” Released in March 2006 as their 25th single, its lyrics, which capture the dynamics of a romantic relationship, leave a strong impression and express a leap into a new future.
Blending Masamune Kusano’s distinctive worldview with a beautiful melody, it’s a track that fuses pop and rock.
Be sure to experience this wonderful music for yourself.
Easy★RiderOkuda Tamio
A classic song with a refreshing vibe that evokes the liberating feeling of summer.
It’s a track by singer-songwriter Tamio Okuda, released in June 1996 as his sixth single.
It was also featured in a Nissan ‘Wingroad’ commercial.
The lyrics, which celebrate a free-spirited journey unconstrained by calendars or destinations, leave a strong impression.
For this reason, it’s often used as background music in variety travel shows.
It’s a perfect song for a weekend drive.
Cold KissICE BOX
As the group’s name suggests, ICE BOX is a music unit formed for a limited time as part of a collaboration with the frozen treats manufactured and sold by Morinaga & Co.
Their debut single, “Tsumetai Kiss” (Cold Kiss), also drew attention for its Reiwa Year One version released when they resumed activities in 2019.
Opening straight from the chorus, the refreshing arrangement—enhanced by emotional choral work—adds color to the heat of summer.
It’s a clear, luminous pop tune marked by a catchy melody and sentimental lyrics.
Midsummer FruitSazan Ōrusutāzu
When you think of Southern [All Stars], you probably picture a band with a string of summer hits.
It’s hard to pick just one song, but this time I’d like to highlight the beloved classic Manatsu no Kajitsu (Mid-summer Fruit).
Released in 1990, it not only became a massive hit but also won three awards at the 32nd Japan Record Awards, and has continued to be covered by many artists—truly a gem of a song.
It also served as the theme song for the film Inamura Jane, directed by the band’s frontman, Keisuke Kuwata, so many listeners may be reminded of the movie when they hear it.
It’s a heart-wrenching ballad that feels like recalling the unforgettable scenes of a distant summer day.
Be sure to take your time with the lyrics as well—Kuwata’s delicate choice of words is superb.
fireworksaiko
This is the third single released in 1999 by aiko, an artist who has a devoted following for her distinctive turns of phrase and unique way of framing the world.
“Hanabi” is a fleeting summer love song that overlays feelings for someone special onto fireworks, and its one-of-a-kind, chorus-first opening line instantly draws you in.
Love offers no absolutes and brings many twists and turns, and the song captures the ache of doubts and inner conflicts.
While it can be heard as a heartbreak song, its lyrics carry a depth that’s quintessentially aiko—allowing for a more positive reading too.
With its graceful yet buoyant melody line, it feels nostalgic and comforting, stirring memories of the past—a top-pick J-POP track for summer.
Summer Colorsyuzu
This is the landmark major-label debut single by Yuzu, one of Japan’s most popular male duos.
Since its release in June 1998, it has continued to be loved as a classic summer song even well into the 2020s.
The light acoustic guitar backing in the intro and the approachable Japanese lyrics—eschewing showy, convoluted expressions—evoke vivid scenes of summer in Japan.
The exquisite contrast created by the two singers, Yujin Kitagawa and Koji Iwasawa, whose vocal timbres differ, is also superb.
The music video, filmed in Kamakura City with the two members joyfully romping around, radiates peak-summer vibes.
It’s undeniably a refreshing, bright song that makes you feel happy, yet the faint trace of bittersweet nostalgia it leaves in your chest is, in its own way, part of the distinctive charm of Japanese summer songs.
Midsummer MiracleTHE BOOM
A song distinguished by its unique sound that fuses Okinawan music with ska rhythms.
THE BOOM released it in 1993 as their 12th single.
Its beautiful melody and poetic lyrics are captivating, depicting a story of lovers whose strong love helps them overcome hardships.
It’s striking how it juxtaposes contrasting images—while the city bustles with festivity, there are also people in mourning clothes and children.
With its borderless, cosmopolitan vibe, this track is perfect for listening by the seaside on a hot summer day.
Barefoot GoddessB’z
B’z is a solitary rock unit that has had an enormous impact on Japan’s rock scene, setting countless milestones.
Their 13th single, “Hadashi no Megami” (“Barefoot Goddess”), used in a Toyota Corolla Levin commercial, is a track that, despite not appearing on an original studio album, is frequently performed live.
The contrast between its transparent synth tones and edgy guitar sound aligns perfectly with the hot, refreshing vibe of summer.
It’s a crisp rock tune whose powerful vocals will lift your spirits.
OverDriveJUDY AND MARY
Known by the abbreviations JudyMari and JAM, this is the seventh single by the four-piece rock band JUDY AND MARY, who released numerous hits including Sobakasu (Freckles).
In addition to being used in a commercial for the Toyota Corolla Touring Wagon, it’s a refreshing rock tune with multiple tie-ins.
The arrangement—featuring a cute vocal tone and melody, and an ensemble that weaves distinctive phrasing into its pop sensibility—captures the essence of early JUDY AND MARY and really lifts your spirits.
It’s a song that evokes cloudless blue skies—perfect for listening to on a summer trip.
Summer NudeMagokoro Burazāzu
This is the 12th single by Makoto Brothers, a two-piece rock band that has been active energetically since announcing their return in 2005.
In addition to being used as a commercial song for Nissin Foods’ Cup Noodles, it was also featured in 2010 as an insert song in the TV drama Moteki.
Its lively piano sound and funky arrangement with a wah-infused guitar capture the buoyant atmosphere of summer.
With a perfect balance of exhilaration and weightlessness that lifts your spirits, it’s an upbeat tune that’s made for the summer seaside.