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)
Nagisasupittsu
Released in 1996, this smash hit by Spitz topped the Oricon charts.
There’s even an anecdote that its working title was “Tanabata,” and along with “Namida ga Kirari☆,” which was released on Tanabata in 1995, it can be seen as a quintessential Spitz-style summer song.
That said, Masamune Kusano’s characteristically dreamy lyrics evoke not a straightforward summer, but a mystical world—just like the “phantom summer” described in the lyrics.
As you can see in the music video, the alternating use of monochrome and color footage further heightens that dreamlike atmosphere.
Unusually for them, the track is built around electronic sounds; the rhythm section handles the essentially looping rhythm pattern with supple finesse, the guitar adds delicate hues, and the band’s superb ensemble shines throughout—truly a classic.
'90s J-Pop to listen to in summer: Classic and hit summer songs (51–60)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.