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)
summer festivalJITTERIN’JINN
Summer festivals are filled with faint hopes and an indescribably wistful nostalgia, aren’t they? The older we get, the stronger that latter feeling seems to become.
JITTERIN’ JINN’s 1990 release Natsu Matsuri distills those memories of distant summer days into a truly brilliant classic.
Its poignant melody and lyrics rich with skillful imagery never lose their luster.
The unique two-beat rhythm also gives it a distinctive character that’s quintessentially JITTERIN’ JINN.
A decade after its release, Whiteberry covered the song and achieved an even bigger hit, so depending on your generation, the cover version might be the one that first comes to mind.
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.
1990s J-Pop to Listen to in Summer: Classic and Hit Summer Songs (31–40)
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.
Et cetera related to the seashorePUFFY
Puffy is a female duo born in the ’90s whose unpretentious, natural vibe and laid-back atmosphere make them uniquely distinctive.
Top-tier creators have written and produced songs for them, resulting in a string of major hits, and in 2004 they even achieved the remarkable feat of inspiring the animated series Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi, which became a smash hit across the U.S.
Speaking of their quintessential summer track, it has to be Nagisa ni Matsuwaru Et Cetera.
Released in 1997, it topped the Oricon chart and went on to sell 1.1 million copies.
The lyrics, penned by Yosui Inoue, are strikingly memorable—just hearing the chorus, which somehow makes you crave crab, is enough to put you in a summer mood anytime!
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.
Sun’s Komachi AngelB’z
A hit released in 1990 that kicked off B’z’s streak of consecutive No.
1 singles on the Oricon charts, with a rhythm infused with Latin elements that evokes a passionate summer! There’s also the well-known anecdote that guitarist Takahiro Matsumoto was surprised by the distinctive song title born from vocalist Koshi Inaba’s unique feel for language.
Indeed, not only does the title make little sense, but even Inaba himself apparently isn’t quite sure why it ended up being called that.
Whatever the truth, the impactfully bold title hitting right in the chorus, the synth line that traces the chorus melody, and Matsumoto’s guitar—effortlessly commanding both lead and rhythm—all add up to a sound that could only be B’z, guaranteed to ignite any summer in any era!
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.