[Heisei-Era Summer Songs] A curated selection of timeless summer tunes loved across generations!
A summer when you hung out with friends and made tons of memories, a summer of passionate love, a summer when you poured your sweat into club activities and studying.
What kind of memories do you have of summer?
In this article, we’ll introduce summer songs released during the Heisei era.
We’ve gathered a variety of Heisei summer tracks, including songs by artists strongly associated with summer and timeless summer classics loved across generations.
You might even find a song that colored your own Heisei summers!
If you spent the Heisei years with the songs we introduce, take a trip down memory lane.
And if you’re discovering them for the first time, find your favorites and be sure to give them a listen this summer!
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[Heisei Summer Songs] A curated selection of timeless summer tunes loved across generations! (71–80)
I love it!Hirosue Ryōko
Ryoko Hirosue enjoyed overwhelming popularity in the late 1990s—so much so that it sparked the “Hirosue Boom”—and she continues to be active as an actress today.
Her second single, “Daisuki!” written by singer-songwriter Mayo Okamoto, was used as the commercial song for Asahi Soft Drinks’ Mitsuya Cider.
With lyrics themed around a drive, it’s a perfect summer BGM for fun outings.
A refreshing pop tune, its cute vocals and catchy melody will stick in your head.
A Midsummer Night’s DreamMatsutōya Yumi
Matsutoya Yumi’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” features a striking, Oriental-tinged bassline in the intro.
Released in 1993, it served as the theme song for the TBS drama “Dare ni mo Ienai” (“I Can’t Tell Anyone”) and became a million-selling hit, making it a very well-known track.
The rhetorical lyrics that evoke a fiercely passionate romance between a man and a woman are also captivating.
And don’t miss the emotional guitar solo that comes in partway through! Put this song on and head out to find a wonderful summer encounter.
Surfing JohnnyKuwata Keisuke
Keisuke Kuwata is a singer-songwriter who has released countless masterpieces, both as a member of Southern All Stars and as a solo artist.
His sixth single, Naminori Johnny—chosen as the campaign song for Coca-Cola’s “No Reason”—amps you up right from the opening with its catchy piano phrase.
The lyrics depict a romance that flares up in the heat of summer, something many people will likely relate to their own youth.
It’s a pop yet sentimental number that’s become a staple at summer karaoke.
The End of SummerMoriyama Naotaro
Singer-songwriter Naotaro Moriyama, known not only for his overwhelming vocal prowess but also for his distinctive personality on variety shows.
His third single, “Natsu no Owari” (The End of Summer), which was chosen as the ending theme for the digest documentary program Netsu-to Koshien, is especially memorable for its distinctive falsetto.
The melody evokes the melancholy of summer drawing to a close, and just listening to it can make you feel wistful.
It’s a lyrical summer song, perfect for wrapping up the season.
Summer DayMoritaka Chisato
Chisato Moritaka remains forever youthful.
Her song “Natsu no Hi” is a natural, unpretentious track that sings about an ordinary day.
The lyrics are by Chisato Moritaka, the music by Hideo Saito—a golden duo behind many of her consecutive hits.
With lyrics so vivid—“A summer when love ended and I was left alone; the beach, dusk, stars, waves… all I can think of is you”—many listeners likely wondered, “Is this based on Moritaka’s real experience?” It’s a summer song from Moritaka that sets aside the Japanese-style Eurobeat for a gentle, heartfelt delivery.
If you haven’t heard it yet, please do!
Summer NudeMagokoro Burazāzu
With the motto “No matter how the world changes, as long as we’re healthy and still think it’s fun, we’ll keep doing it,” the steadfast two-piece rock band Magokoro Brothers has continued to make music without wavering.
Their 12th single, “Summer Nude,” which was featured in a Nissin Foods Cup Noodles commercial, is also known for being covered by numerous artists.
Its sprightly piano phrases and lyrics that evoke quintessential summer scenes create a vibe perfectly suited to the open, liberating season.
It’s a funky, uptempo tune that colors summer nights.
WingChinen Rina
Rina Chinen is a singer who debuted in 1996 both as an actress and as a vocalist, and continues to shine with her exotic yet translucent looks.
Her fifth single, “Wing,” which was featured in Shiseido’s T’Issera Frozen Blue commercial, is also known as one of her signature songs.
Its distinctive synth sound and piercing high notes bring a refreshing feel that colors the hot summer.
It’s a breezy pop tune I’d recommend as summer BGM both to those of that generation and to those who aren’t.