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 (51–60)
I can’t wait for summerTUBE
When asked to name the quintessential summer artist, many people first picture the four-piece rock band TUBE.
Their 16th single, “Natsu wo Machikirenakute” (“Can’t Wait for Summer”), used as the ending theme for TBS’s weekday variety block ‘Move,’ is memorable for its dramatic ensemble and bittersweet melody.
The lyrics, depicting a sentimental romance, resonate with the uniquely wistful atmosphere of summer and are bound to stir the heart.
With passionate vocals that color the season, it’s a classic summer anthem in J-pop.
ForeverSorimachi Takashi with Ricchī Sanbora
This song is striking for its somewhat nostalgic tone.
Co-written by Takashi Sorimachi and guitarist Richie Sambora, it was released in July 1997 as Sorimachi’s debut single.
Used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Beach Boys,” it proved popular, peaking at No.
3 on the Oricon charts.
It’s also included on the album “Message.” The lyrics, themed around love and eternity, depict past joys and anxieties about the future, conveying a sense of wistfulness about the passage of time.
It’s perfect to listen to at the end of summer.
Summer is comingDaikoku Maki
Maki Ohguro is a renowned singer-songwriter who scored a string of major hits, especially in the ’90s, armed with her sexy, husky, and powerful vocals and lyrics that feel almost too real.
Her classic Natsu ga Kuru, whose passionate Latin-tinged rhythm and explosive, raw confessions from a woman’s perspective can only be described as quintessential “Ohguro style,” was a hit released in 1994.
Not limited to this song, even when her themes are conflicted or seething with messy emotions, she sings them with a breezy clarity—that’s precisely why her music resonated with so many women back then and continues to do so today.
And that ultra-high note she hits at the end—be prepared when you listen to it.
Don’t avert your eyes.DEEN
Among the many summer songs produced by so-called Being-affiliated artists and bands, DEEN’s “Hitomi Sorasanaide” is one of the first summer classics that comes to mind.
Released in 1994, it became the group’s first number-one on the Oricon chart and a hit summer song of the ’90s.
The keyboard phrase in the intro alone sets a full-on summer vibe, and while the overall sound and arrangement sparkle, it’s interesting that the lyrics by ZARD’s Izumi Sakai are anything but happy.
Just imagining the reality that will likely befall the protagonist in the not-too-distant future leaves you with an indescribable feeling…
White kiteMy Little Lover
Just from the intro—light, choppy guitar, a bouncy rhythm, and a somewhat sentimental keyboard tone—you can’t help but picture scenes from a distant summer day.
It’s an absolute classic! This is a song released as the second single by “Mylaba,” a.k.a.
My Little Lover, in 1995.
At this point, the renowned producer Takeshi Kobayashi, who worked on the music, had not yet officially joined as a member; the group was active as a duo consisting of vocalist akko and guitarist Kenji Fujii, who now plays in The Birthday.
With akko’s natural vocal timbre delivering the nostalgic lyrics, the song is a perfectly exhilarating pop tune that somehow leaves a lingering, bittersweet aftertaste.
I love it!Hirosue Ryōko
Singer Ryoko Hirosue, who enjoyed enormous popularity in the late 1990s—enough to spark the “Hirosue boom”—and continues to thrive as an actor today.
Her second single, “Daisuki!” provided by singer-songwriter Mayo Okamoto, was used as the theme song for Asahi Soft Drinks’ Mitsuya Cider commercial.
With lyrics themed around driving, it makes a perfect summer soundtrack for fun outings.
It’s a refreshing pop tune whose cute vocals and catchy melody will stick in your head.
Can’t Say Anything… SummerTHE JAYWALK
Among the countless smash hits that emerged in the 1990s, one of the quintessential summer songs is “Nanimoiienakute… Natsu” (“Speechless… Summer”).
In fact, this track was a rearranged summer version of the original song “Nanimoiienakute,” with revised lyrics, re-released as a single in 1991.
It actually became a hit starting in the summer of 1992.
The memorable lyrics and the understated yet deeply moving melody are truly remarkable.
If you’ve experienced something similar to the song’s protagonist, you may find yourself in tears just listening to it.
Although the band later faced an unfortunate incident involving a member, the song’s universal value has become timeless.
Seesaw Game: A Brave Love SongMr.Children
When it comes to Mr.
Children’s summer songs, many people probably think of “Kimi ga Ita Natsu” first.
But I’d like to introduce this track that’s perfect for summer listening, while recalling that memorable commercial with Kazutoshi Sakurai singing by the sea with a Rickenbacker in hand.
Released in 1995, it became a massive hit, selling a total of 1.812 million copies.
With lyrics that showcase Sakurai’s signature style, an irresistibly catchy melody, and an indisputably pop feel that just makes you happy to listen, it’s a classic.
Interestingly, from the melodic structure to the music video, it’s also a full-on homage to Elvis Costello, whom Sakurai deeply admires.
It’s the kind of song that makes you want to blast it and drive along the seaside.
Body & SoulSPEED
SPEED is a four-member idol-style dance and vocal group that shocked the public at their debut because all the members were still in elementary or junior high school.
Their debut single, “Body & Soul,” which was used in Nissin Cisco’s “Ciscorn” commercial, was recorded multiple times before its release.
Its catchy melodies, born from their fresh, youthful voices, make the hot summer even more exciting.
It’s a powerful pop tune that gets everyone fired up singing together at karaoke.
Ah, summer vacation.TUBE
When you think of TUBE, you think of summer—there’s probably no one who’d argue with that.
The moment you hear the soulful vocals of their frontman, Nobutoki Maeda, you can’t help but feel that summer has arrived.
Their discography itself reads like a history of Japanese summer songs, but this time let’s look at “Aa Natsuyasumi,” released in 1990—a track whose Japanese title made a huge impact.
Up until this song, TUBE had been releasing singles with English titles, so the members reportedly had mixed feelings about putting this one out.
Yet it has since become a beloved, nationally recognized summer anthem in Japan.
The word choices sprinkled throughout the lyrics capture the quintessential vibe of a Japanese summer—absolutely perfect!