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 (21–30)
Island SongTHE BOOM
Released in 1993, this signature song by THE BOOM became a classic, selling over 1.5 million copies.
In fact, the song exists in several versions; the one known nationwide is the Tokyo-dialect “Original Version.” Moreover, “Shima Uta” originally refers to folk songs sung in the Amami Islands, and at the time there were negative reactions to the fact that THE BOOM—whose core members are from Yamagata Prefecture—had a hit incorporating Okinawan music.
Even so, after Kazufumi Miyazawa, who wrote and composed the song, learned about Okinawa’s painful past and poured his soul into the work, the piece has come to transcend the boundaries of a mere hit and continues to be loved as a Japanese standard.
As you reflect on the profound meaning behind “Shima Uta,” be sure to listen to this masterpiece under the blazing midsummer sun.
Summer Days of 1993class
When it comes to the theme of Japanese summer songs, you can’t leave out this classic, released in 1993 just as the title says! It was the debut single of the male duo class, known for the compelling contrast created by the harmony of their two distinct vocal timbres, and it became a million-seller right out of the gate.
I fondly remember how it seemed to be playing from every in-store broadcast wherever you went around town back then.
The lyrics, which deftly capture a summer moment shared by an urban man and woman, were written by the renowned lyricist Kazuto Matsumoto, who penned many hits.
Even though it’s tied to the specific year 1993, it continues to be loved to this day as the perfect companion for midsummer drives and a karaoke staple—that’s precisely what makes it a timeless masterpiece.
Summer DayMoritaka Chisato
Chisato Moritaka, who never seems to age.
The 54th birthday photos she posted on Instagram even caused a mini buzz with comments like, “She hasn’t changed at all since her younger days!” Her song “Natsu no Hi” (Summer Day) is a natural, true-to-herself track that sings about an ordinary day.
The lyrics are by Chisato Moritaka, the composition by Hideo Saito—the golden duo behind her string of hits.
The lyrics—“A summer after a breakup, alone on the beach at dusk, stars, waves, all I can think about is you…”—feel so real they make you wonder if they’re drawn from her own experience.
It’s a summer song by Moritaka that forgoes the Japanese-style Eurobeat for a gentle, heartfelt listen.
If you haven’t heard it yet, definitely give it a try!
GOING GOING HOMEH Jungle with T
The second single by H Jungle with t, a music unit formed by Masatoshi Hamada of the now-legendary comedy duo Downtown and music producer Tetsuya Komuro.
This track was used as the image song for the music variety show HEY! HEY! HEY! MUSIC CHAMP, and, alongside its predecessor WOW WAR TONIGHT ~Toki ni wa Okose yo Movement~, became a million-selling hit.
With its offbeat, reggae-inspired rhythm and catchy melody, it’s a superb ensemble that perfectly suits the midsummer sun.
A classic summer song that showcased the unit’s potential and depth to J-pop fans.
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.
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.
Summer has come!Watanabe Misato
This is the 20th single by Misato Watanabe, who has continued her energetic activities since becoming a popular singer with the big hit of “My Revolution,” released in 1986.
The crystalline synth sound and passionate guitar riffs evoke a summery vibe.
The powerful vocals and thrilling arrangement with key changes feel like they capture the very energy of the season.
It’s a timeless summer song—from the 1990s to today—that deserves a spot on your playlist for summer drives.