[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)
love the islandSuzuki Ami
Ami Suzuki is a singer counted among the artists who defined the J-pop scene of the 1990s.
Her debut single, “love the island,” produced by Tetsuya Komuro, was featured as the commercial song for the Guam Visitors Bureau’s “Guam Great Summer Festival ’98” campaign.
Its tropical-flavored ensemble and crystalline sound perfectly match a sun-and-sea summer landscape.
It’s a refreshing number whose cute vocals add color to the hot season.
Rising SunEXILE
Released in September 2011 as a charity song to support recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake, this powerful track carries a message of hope and renewal.
Its defining features are lyrics that affirm dawn will surely come no matter how dark the situation, and a melody that resonates deeply.
EXILE member ATSUSHI wrote the lyrics, while a Swedish music producer composed the music.
It was also used in an NTT Communications commercial, becoming a song that offered comfort to many.
This piece is recommended when you need the courage to face hardship or want to encourage someone.
Why not listen to this heartwarming encouragement song filled with EXILE’s sentiments and draw strength to keep moving forward?
SUMMER SONGYUI
This is a summer-themed song performed by singer-songwriter YUI, who is also active as the vocalist of FLOWER FLOWER.
Its light sound, centered on the tones of acoustic guitar, evokes a refreshing breeze that sweeps through the summer.
YUI’s straightforward vocals convey a bittersweet feeling of youthful days racing by, alongside vivid summer scenery.
The lyrics, themed around summer vacation and capturing ordinary moments, are highly relatable and give the impression of portraying people making the most of a limited time.
[Heisei Summer Songs] A curated selection of timeless summer tunes loved across generations! (81–90)
planetariumOtsuka Ai
A song performed by singer-songwriter Ai Otsuka that seems to express the movements of the heart tied to summer scenery.
It drew attention for being used as an insert song in the drama Boys Over Flowers and is one of Otsuka’s signature tracks, alongside Sakuranbo.
Centered on the sound of the piano while incorporating Japanese elements, it resonates with a calm, layered depth.
Looking back on summer memories, it overflows with a sense of poignancy—a piece that conveys someone cherishing their memories even as they carry their sadness.
Midsummer FruitSazan Ōrusutāzu
When you think of Southern [All Stars], you probably picture a band with a string of summer hits.
It’s hard to pick just one song, but this time I’d like to highlight the beloved classic Manatsu no Kajitsu (Mid-summer Fruit).
Released in 1990, it not only became a massive hit but also won three awards at the 32nd Japan Record Awards, and has continued to be covered by many artists—truly a gem of a song.
It also served as the theme song for the film Inamura Jane, directed by the band’s frontman, Keisuke Kuwata, so many listeners may be reminded of the movie when they hear it.
It’s a heart-wrenching ballad that feels like recalling the unforgettable scenes of a distant summer day.
Be sure to take your time with the lyrics as well—Kuwata’s delicate choice of words is superb.
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.
SUMMER TIME LOVEEXILE
EXILE made their debut in 2001 with the single “Your eyes only ~Aimai na boku no rinka ku~.” Released in 2007, “SUMMER TIME LOVE” is a dance-pop track highlighted by EXILE TAKAHIRO’s cool vocals—he had just joined the group in 2006.
Its irresistibly sing-along, catchy melody pairs perfectly with the crystal-clear synthesizer arrangements characteristic of early EXILE, making it a great fit for summer drives and more!
