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 (41–50)
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!
Those summer fireworksDREAMS COME TRUE
DREAMS COME TRUE broke out in the ’90s and are still going strong today, and they have many iconic summer songs—“Ano Natsu no Hanabi” is definitely one of them! It’s a track that beautifully captures both the beauty and the fleeting nature of summer.
Originally included on their 1992 album The Swinging Star, it was also re-recorded as the “-SENKOU-HANABI-VERSION-” for the best-of album DREAMS COME TRUE THE BEST! Watashi no Dorikamu.
Some listeners may also strongly associate it with memories of DWL (DREAMS COME TRUE WONDERLAND)! The vivid imagery and Miwa Yoshida’s soaring vocals stir up memories of those nostalgic summer days.
It’s a truly wonderful song.
Open your heartZARD
Released in 1996 as ZARD’s 18th single.
Used in a Pocari Sweat commercial, the song features lyrics by Izumi Sakai and music by Tetsurō Oda.
It topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and is one of ZARD’s most popular summer songs, exuding a refreshing summertime vibe.
SEASON of the SunAmuro Namie
A song by Namie Amuro, the Okinawa-born singer who became so popular she sparked a social phenomenon as the “diva of the Heisei era,” yet retired in 2018.
It’s a cover of VERONICA SALES’s “SEASON,” and since it was her first single released under her solo name, it’s widely regarded as her de facto solo debut.
The fusion of Eurobeat’s signature synth sound with her emotional vocals is guaranteed to bring a fresh burst of summer energy.
An uptempo track that, across generations, reintroduces the enduring appeal of Namie Amuro.
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.
Swaying feelingsZARD
Released in 1993, it’s one of ZARD’s biggest hits and signature songs.
Izumi Sakai’s clear, azure-like voice and her superb long tones are truly her hallmark.
Crafted by top-tier creators—composer Tetsurō Oda and arranger Masao Akashi, both behind many Being-associated hits—it’s a gem that stands among the finest in J-pop history.
It’s also notable that Maki Ohguro, a contemporary peer and close ally of Sakai, participated on chorus.
Sakai, highly regarded as a lyricist, wrote lyrics that, despite their simple wording, vividly conjure up the scenes they depict.
Personally, even now, well past the 2020s, the melody of this song starts playing in my head whenever I pick up a bottle of Pocari Sweat…
HIGH PRESSURET.M.Revolution
Now widely known as a stoic, muscular persona and active as both a voice actor and an actor, Takanori Nishikawa’s solo project T.M.Revolution is a household name.
Speaking of T.M.Revolution’s summer songs, you can’t leave out “HIGH PRESSURE,” released in 1997.
With playful lyrics, the dazzling sound characteristic of Daisuke Asakura, and a catchy melody delivered by Nishikawa’s powerful vocals, it’s an undeniable classic.
The music video—shot on an elaborate set with an unforgettable impact—also became a hot topic at the time.
Incidentally, the winter anthem “WHITE BREATH” was released the same year.
It really drives home just how unstoppable T.M.Revolution was during that period.
July 7, sunnyDREAMS COME TRUE
This song was created as the theme for the 1996 film “July 7th, Clear Skies,” starring Masato Hagiwara and Alisa Mizuki.
July 7th is Tanabata, the day when Hikoboshi and Orihime are said to be able to meet only once a year.
The lyrics, which echo that story, convey the aching, painful longing to see the one you love.
It’s a track that people in long-distance relationships or those with unrequited feelings will surely relate to—and perhaps even be moved to tears.
That kind of love that hurts because it’s so strong is something people of any generation can understand, even if they aren’t in love right now.
Yes, SummerdaysGLAY
GLAY is a four-piece band that dominated the J-POP scene in the 1990s with a musical concept that was neither pop nor rock.
Their sixth single, “Yes, Summerdays,” used in a Camelia Diamond commercial, opens with a lyrical guitar riff that really sticks in your ears.
The melody, tinged with a certain wistfulness, seems to evoke the sentimental atmosphere of summer—something more than just heat.
With an acoustic guitar solo and a strings interlude, the dramatic arrangement makes it an emotional number.
Eternal, unchanging loveOda Tetsurō
This is a song known for its use in a Pocari Sweat commercial.
Tetsurō Oda released it in March 1992 as his 12th single.
It sings of unwavering love for someone special, while evoking the image of a radiant smile shining in the summer sun.
The refreshing sound and heartfelt lyrics—hallmarks of Tetsurō Oda—are truly captivating.
Listening to it will likely bring back nostalgic memories and a sense of connection with your partner.
It’s the perfect track to start a summer morning with a fresh, uplifting mood.