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)
Barefoot GoddessB’z
B’z is a solitary rock unit that has had an enormous impact on Japan’s rock scene, setting countless milestones.
Their 13th single, “Hadashi no Megami” (“Barefoot Goddess”), used in a Toyota Corolla Levin commercial, is a track that, despite not appearing on an original studio album, is frequently performed live.
The contrast between its transparent synth tones and edgy guitar sound aligns perfectly with the hot, refreshing vibe of summer.
It’s a crisp rock tune whose powerful vocals will lift your spirits.
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.
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.
Summer Colorsyuzu
This is the landmark major-label debut single by Yuzu, one of Japan’s most popular male duos.
Since its release in June 1998, it has continued to be loved as a classic summer song even well into the 2020s.
The light acoustic guitar backing in the intro and the approachable Japanese lyrics—eschewing showy, convoluted expressions—evoke vivid scenes of summer in Japan.
The exquisite contrast created by the two singers, Yujin Kitagawa and Koji Iwasawa, whose vocal timbres differ, is also superb.
The music video, filmed in Kamakura City with the two members joyfully romping around, radiates peak-summer vibes.
It’s undeniably a refreshing, bright song that makes you feel happy, yet the faint trace of bittersweet nostalgia it leaves in your chest is, in its own way, part of the distinctive charm of Japanese summer songs.
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.