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!
- [Oldies] Summer Songs Recommended for People in Their 50s [2026]
- Perfect for driving BGM and karaoke! Recommended summer songs for people in their 40s [2026]
- Classic “summer songs” you’ll want to listen to in summer. Timeless J-pop summertime anthems perfect for summer guys and summer girls.
- [Summer Classics] When it comes to summer, it’s got to be this song! A roundup from timeless staples to the latest hit tracks.
- Iconic ballads of 90s J-pop: nostalgic mega-hits and fan favorites
- Songs to Enjoy in Summer! Classic Hits Special (Showa & Heisei)
- [Summer Songs Recommended for Your 30s] A Selection of Nostalgic Hit Tunes!
- A summer song sung by a male vocalist. Summer songs that are also useful for karaoke selection.
- Summer songs with great lyrics. Tracks that make your summer memories even more wonderful.
- Summer Songs That Hit in the 2000s | A Look Back at Nostalgic Summer Tunes!
- [Heisei-Era Summer Songs] A curated selection of timeless summer tunes loved across generations!
- Emotional songs you’ll want to listen to in summer: classic tracks by rock bands and singer-songwriters.
- [Nostalgic Hits] Popular Japanese dance music songs that were hits in the 1990s
90s J‑Pop to listen to in summer: classic and hit summer songs (61–70)
Like when we first metEvery Little Thing
Every Little Thing is a duo that has gained popularity with pop tunes featuring a cute vocal style and a hint of rock.
Their 5th single, “Deatta Koro no You ni,” used as the theme for Morinaga’s ICE BOX commercial, starts with a crystalline chorus that instantly lifts your spirits.
The lyrics, which depict a romance blossoming in the heat of the season, are something many people can relate to in any era.
It’s one of Every Little Thing’s signature songs, with a refreshing ensemble that perfectly matches summer scenery.
suddenlyFIELD OF VIEW
Looking back, the so-called Being-kei bands and artists have a lot of famous summer songs.
One of them is FIELD OF VIEW’s “Totsuzen,” featuring Yuya Asaoka’s charming vocals—refreshing and cool, with a trace of boyishness.
Used in a Pocari Sweat commercial in the 1990s, it became a huge hit, selling a total of 1.224 million copies.
Alongside ZARD’s “Yureru Omoi,” also famous as a song for the same commercial, it’s practically synonymous with the summer songs born from the Being scene.
The lyrics by ZARD’s Izumi Sakai brim with hope for a new future, and the way the song unfolds makes you sense the beginning of a wonderful summer.
Even the choice of the word “Totsuzen” (suddenly) is catchy and lovely.
By all means, enjoy this track while driving along the summer coastline, just like in the lyrics!
A Midsummer Night’s DreamMatsutōya Yumi
When it comes to Yuming’s summer songs brimming with passion and a bewitching vibe, it has to be Midsummer Night’s Dream! The moment you hear that striking intro phrase, it feels like an invitation straight into a “midsummer night.” Beyond the Latin-scented rhythms and lyrics packed with keywords that evoke a Caribbean summer, the sultry guitar by Shigeru Suzuki—renowned for his work with legendary bands like Happy End and Tin Pan Alley—is unbelievably cool.
At the same time, many people probably also recall Shiro Sano’s overwhelming, chilling performance in the unconventional 1993 drama Dare ni mo Ienai, which used this song as its theme.
Personally, the drama’s imagery looms large for me, so this track also carries a strong impression of a dangerous summer…
Kujira No. 12JUDY AND MARY
Since their breakup in 2001, there has been a constant clamor for the reunion of the four-piece rock band JUDY AND MARY.
Their 11th single “Kujira 12-gou,” released ahead of their fourth album THE POWER SOURCE, was used in a commercial for Honda’s Live Dio.
The lyrics, themed as a cheer song for Japan’s national soccer team, carry a refreshing feel that evokes summer adventures.
With JUDY AND MARY’s signature catchy melody woven through a cute vocal delivery, it’s a pop tune you’ll want to keep listening to.
Swaying FeelingsZARD
This is ZARD’s signature song, featured in a Pocari Sweat commercial and certified a million-seller.
Even among the tracks that drove the Being boom, this one stands out for its refreshing feel.
The moment the intro starts, you can almost see the dazzling summer sunshine.
Izumi Sakai’s straight, crystalline vocals beautifully capture the thrill of a budding romance, winning the hearts of many.
The wavering emotions of longing for someone—sweet, a little frustrating—make the pure lyrics deeply relatable.
As a timeless classic, it continues to color the youth of countless listeners even today.
Jet Coaster RomanceKinKi Kids
Among Johnny’s groups, the ones who carry on the spirit of classic kayōkyoku are KinKi Kids.
Since their 1997 debut with “Glass no Shōnen,” they’ve kept releasing masterpieces built around a Showa-style sound, racking up explosive hits.
Their ultimate summer song, released in 1998, is “Jetcoaster Romance.” The duo’s sweet, impeccable vocals; the rock-solid songwriting team of lyricist Takashi Matsumoto and composer Tatsuro Yamashita—who also crafted “Glass no Shōnen”; and the superb sound arrangement by Motoki Funayama together produced an all-time classic.
Precisely because the sound is untouched by trends, it continues to shine with an unfading brilliance even decades later.
FlowerKinKi Kids
KinKi Kids is an idol duo whose members each have a strong individual presence, not only as a group but also in music, on stage, and in TV dramas.
Their 7th single, “Flower,” which was chosen as the campaign song for ANA’s ’99 Paradise Okinawa, became a massive hit, marking their fourth million-selling release.
Its positive message and upbeat, off-beat rhythm with a hint of reggae bring a refreshing breeze to the heat of summer.
With fresh, lingering vocals, it’s a pop tune that makes you want to sway along.
Sunny Day SundaySENTIMENTAL:BUS
Despite disbanding just two years after their major debut, the male-female duo SENTIMENTAL:BUS left a mark on the J-pop scene.
This is their fourth major-label single, a track chosen for Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s Pocari Sweat commercial.
From the opening, the energetic arrangement instantly boosts your mood.
With baseball-themed lyrics and a buoyant shuffle beat, it’s a perfect BGM choice for summer sports.
A pop melody that colors the freshness of summer—this is a classic 1990s summer song.
Let’s dance in a circle (Wasshoi)V6
Formed as image characters for the Volleyball World Cup and known for their dynamic live acrobatics, V6 is a six-member idol group.
Their 7th single, “WA ni Natte Odorou,” a cover of a song broadcast on NHK’s music program Minna no Uta, is also known as one of V6’s signature tracks.
Its catchy, poppy melody and ensemble are perfect for enhancing summertime fun with a crowd.
It’s a timeless number that everyone can sing together at karaoke and get hyped up to, loved across generations.
Sweet EmotionAikawa Nanase
Nanase Aikawa looks amazing with red hair, and her glamorous, powerful vocals are so cool.
“Sweet Emotion” is a 1997 single, a feel-good tune whose lyrics drop in little phrases here and there that are perfect for coming out of the radio! Hearing it makes you feel like you’ve been transported back to the ’90s.
Composed by Tetsuro Oda, a top-tier melody maker, the sound is packed with what Oda himself considers “free rock ’n’ roll.” There aren’t any explicit summer scenes in the lyrics, but the depiction of a blazing romance and the heated vibe are sure to boost that summer let-loose feeling! Above all, it’s a cool, fun, and endlessly exciting number.
The best!
