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)
Those summer fireworksDREAMS COME TRUE
DREAMS COME TRUE broke out in the ’90s and are still going strong today, and they have many iconic summer songs—“Ano Natsu no Hanabi” is definitely one of them! It’s a track that beautifully captures both the beauty and the fleeting nature of summer.
Originally included on their 1992 album The Swinging Star, it was also re-recorded as the “-SENKOU-HANABI-VERSION-” for the best-of album DREAMS COME TRUE THE BEST! Watashi no Dorikamu.
Some listeners may also strongly associate it with memories of DWL (DREAMS COME TRUE WONDERLAND)! The vivid imagery and Miwa Yoshida’s soaring vocals stir up memories of those nostalgic summer days.
It’s a truly wonderful song.
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!
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!
For the momentEvery Little Thing
Every Little Thing is a two-member music unit with numerous cross-generational hit songs like “Time goes by” and “fragile.” Their fourth single, “For the moment,” which became their first single to top the Oricon chart, was used in a Morinaga Seika ICE BOX commercial and as the ending theme for the music program COUNT DOWN TV.
Its lyrics, which straightforwardly depict the feelings of love, especially evoke vivid summer scenes.
It’s a gem of a pop tune, marked by the striking contrast between hard-edged guitar sounds and crystal-clear synths.