[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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[Summer Songs of the Heisei Era] A curated selection of timeless summer tunes loved across generations! (31–40)
GuaranaSukima Suichi
Sukima Switch is a musical duo that has influenced many artists at the forefront of the J-POP scene and continues to be highly active today.
Their 8th single, Garana, which was used as the theme song for the film Rough, is memorable for its catchy melody carried by a high-energy, fast-paced ensemble.
The lyrics tell a story about taking a step forward even when you’re scared, and will likely give a supportive push to listeners who relate.
It’s a refreshing pop tune perfect for singing at karaoke in the hot summer season.
Blue and SummerMrs. GREEN APPLE
A song by Mrs.
GREEN APPLE that conveys the anticipation of summer’s arrival and the excitement of facing summer head-on.
Written as the theme for the film “Aoi Natsu: 30 Days of Loving You,” its energetic momentum—like sprinting through youth—perfectly matches the movie’s atmosphere.
The straightforward, driving band sound and the resounding, soaring guitar tones seem to express a positive mindset pushing forward.
Throughout the lyrics, summer scenery and emotions are depicted, and the determination to make the most of a limited time is conveyed with unwavering clarity.
summer festivalWhiteberry
This is Whiteberry’s biggest hit single, released in 2000.
It drew attention when it was chosen as the theme song for the drama “Fushigina Hanashi,” and it went on to become a fixture as a song that symbolizes summer.
Although it’s a cover of a track originally released by JITTERIN’JINN, many people may have discovered the original through Whiteberry’s hit version.
The powerful rhythm that evokes festivals and bon-odori, along with the forward-leaning band sound that captures the momentum of youth, leaves a strong impression.
The lyrics, which reflect the emotional stirrings and bittersweetness associated with summer festivals, vividly convey the sweet-and-sour essence and headlong energy of youth.
Summer Colorsyuzu
This is the debut single from the street-born folk duo Yuzu, and it can be considered one of their signature songs.
Not only as a hallmark of Yuzu’s work, but also as a song that evokes refreshing summer scenery and youthful days, it has been loved for a long time.
Centered around gentle acoustic guitar, the tambourine’s tone also stands out, conjuring a vivid sense of summer exhilaration and lively scenes of youth.
The lyrics, which seem to depict the casual summer moments of adolescence, are another highlight, giving the song a nostalgic feel that brings back memories of summers past.
Feel Fine!Kuraki Mai
Mai Kuraki’s song released in April 2002 features a dynamic sound that fuses pop and rock.
The lyrics carry an uplifting message that has given courage and hope to many listeners.
It was also used in Shiseido’s “Sea Breeze” commercial and gained widespread popularity.
The lyrics are memorable for depicting sweet memories with a lover against the backdrop of scorching asphalt, the blazing sun, and a blue sea and sky.
It’s a fast-paced track that makes you want to start dancing under the summer sun.
It’ll put you in the mood to roll down the car windows and drive along the midsummer coastline.
[Heisei-Era Summer Songs] A curated selection of timeless summer tunes loved across generations! (41–50)
tropical nightRIP SLYME
Let me introduce a track with an irresistible, passionate vibe that evokes the push-and-pull between a man and a woman on a hot, humid summer night.
The lyrics reportedly center on being “erodassai” (a cheeky blend of sexy and tacky), showcasing the group’s signature mix of humor and allure to the fullest.
Released in July 2007, the song also became well-known as a Coca-Cola commercial tune, and as the first single after DJ FUMIYA’s return, it must have felt especially meaningful for fans.
It’s included on the album FUNFAIR.
Put it on during a drive with someone you’re into, and it’ll dial the mood up to the max—a true killer tune.
Hello, my friendMatsutōya Yumi
When asked to name a classic song that captures the bittersweetness of a passing summer, many people would likely think of this one first.
Released in July 1994 as Yumi Matsutoya’s 25th single—an artist who has long led Japan’s music scene—it became a massive hit as the theme song for Fuji TV’s Monday 9 p.m.
drama “A Summer with You.” While it’s often seen as a heartbreak song, a closer look at the lyrics reveals it’s not simply about parting.
The protagonist’s dignified yet aching wish to keep caring for the other person as a friend, even after the romance ends, is deeply moving.
It’s the kind of song you’ll want to listen to at summer’s end, when you’re in the mood for a touch of sentimentality.