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)
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.
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…
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.
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.