[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! (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.
Slow & EasyHirai Dai
This track features a tropical vibe, evoking a pleasant sea breeze and warm sunlight.
The warm tone of the acoustic guitar blends beautifully with Dai Hirai’s gentle vocals.
The lyrics advocate the importance of living slowly in today’s society, soothing the hearts of those who lead busy lives.
Released in May 2015 as the title track of the album “Slow & Easy,” it was also used in the Sumitomo Forestry commercial for the “Sakimachi Arai-Minami Sustaina Town.” It’s a perfect song for summer drives, trips to and from the beach, or for unwinding when you want to step away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
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.
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.
Summer Splash!arashi
This song by the nationally beloved idol group Arashi was included on their ninth album, “Boku no Miteiru Fukei,” released in 2010.
Chosen as the CM song for JAL’s “JAL Wakuwaku Aloha Plan 2010,” it became a hot topic.
With music that evokes an endless blue sky and lyrics carrying a refreshing message of “Let’s enjoy summer to the fullest!”, it’s a pop tune that leaves you feeling clear and uplifted.
It’s got the power to blow away the summer heat!
BLUE BIRDHamasaki Ayumi
Ayumi Hamasaki, a singer who has produced numerous summer hits, released “BLUE BIRD” in 2006—a bright pop tune that evokes a glittering summer sea.
Her clear, crystalline vocals and catchy melody alone are enough to lift your spirits.
The music video is also a must-see, letting you enjoy her stunning visuals—she was a charismatic trendsetter in fashion and makeup at the time.
[Summer Songs of the Heisei Era] A curated selection of timeless summer tunes loved across generations! (91–100)
BoyhoodInoue Yosui
This song, powerfully sung by Yosui Inoue, paints a nostalgic summer landscape.
It’s widely known—partly because it was featured in music textbooks—and is recognized as Inoue’s biggest hit.
Centered on the piano, with strings and acoustic guitar layered in, the sound is gentle and spacious, conveying warmth.
Through both the lyrics and the arrangement, the song clearly evokes the slow act of looking back on summer scenes and the many memories they hold, carrying a tender sense of nostalgia that invites you to surrender your heart to it.