Songs to Enjoy in Summer! Classic Hits Special (Showa & Heisei)
In this article, we’re featuring nostalgic songs perfect for summer.
As summer approaches we all start to feel more carefree, and music really helps lift that summer mood!
We’re mainly introducing summer tracks from the Showa and Heisei eras, focusing on songs from the 1980s through the 2000s.
Some of you might remember hearing these tunes on car stereos back then, even if you’d only just become aware of things.
Listening to summer songs may also bring back memories from those days.
How about spending a fun summer with these wonderful tracks that capture the season?
Every song will boost your summer vibes—and they’re great for road trips, too!
- Classic nostalgic summer hits from the ’80s. A roundup of summer songs.
- 1990s J-Pop to listen to in summer: classic and hit summer songs
- Songs of Summer from the Showa Era: A comprehensive introduction, from nostalgic Japanese hits to timeless favorites still popular today
- Masterpieces that color the hot season! Summer songs recommended for the Yutori generation
- [Summer Songs Recommended for Your 30s] A Selection of Nostalgic Hit Tunes!
- [Classics] Timeless Summer Hits Recommended for All Ages [Summer Songs]
- Recommended Summer Songs for People in Their 60s: Classic and Popular J-Pop Hits [2026]
- [Make Your Summer Pop] A High-Energy J-POP Playlist to Boost Your Mood! [2026]
- [Oldies] Summer Songs Recommended for People in Their 50s [2026]
- [August Songs] Carefully selected masterpieces, classics, and the latest hits you’ll want to listen to in midsummer!
- [Heisei-Era Summer Songs] A curated selection of timeless summer tunes loved across generations!
- [July Songs] A selection of Japanese summer tunes perfect for the start of the season!
- [Heart-throbbing] Cute summer classics. The charm of adorable summer songs [2026]
Songs you’ll want to listen to in summer! A special feature on nostalgic hits (Showa & Heisei) (31–40)
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.
I love it!Hirosue Ryōko
Singer Ryoko Hirosue, who enjoyed enormous popularity in the late 1990s—enough to spark the “Hirosue boom”—and continues to thrive as an actor today.
Her second single, “Daisuki!” provided by singer-songwriter Mayo Okamoto, was used as the theme song for Asahi Soft Drinks’ Mitsuya Cider commercial.
With lyrics themed around driving, it makes a perfect summer soundtrack for fun outings.
It’s a refreshing pop tune whose cute vocals and catchy melody will stick in your head.
You’re 1000%1986OMEGATRIBE
Omega Tribe is a music project produced by Koichi Fujita.
Even as the vocalist changed—from Kiyotaka Sugiyama to Carlos Toshiki to Masato Arai—the group left behind hits that defined their era.
This song, “Kimi wa 1000%,” is a track from the 1986 period when Carlos Toshiki was the lead vocalist.
With Brazilian roots, Carlos’s clear voice is the very pinnacle of purity; you could almost say that without Toshiki’s voice, the song’s charm might never have fully reached listeners.
The lyrics, built around the motif of “you at 1000%,” surpassing 100%, also conjure up a refreshing summer vibe.
If you haven’t heard it yet, please do!
I want to become the wind.THE BOOM
This is a song by THE BOOM, notable for its invigorating sound that evokes the summer breeze.
Born from Kazufumi Miyazawa’s desire to create a “Japanese samba,” it features the alluring tones of various instruments.
The lyrics convey a strong will to seek freedom and the joy of walking together with a loved one.
Released in March 1995, it peaked at No.
19 on the Oricon chart.
It has remained beloved by many, with a cover version becoming a hit in 2009, reflecting its lasting popularity.
It’s the perfect track for moments when you want to feel liberated, or for a summer drive with someone special.
Surfing JohnnyKuwata Keisuke
The sixth single released under the name of Keisuke Kuwata, apart from Southern All Stars.
The analog edition even comes with a special swimsuit as a bonus—a delightfully mischievous touch that’s so typical of Kuwata.
The intro, with a driving piano solo intertwined with a nostalgic guitar tone, evokes the sound of Southern All Stars and perfectly suits a summer tale—of course, the piano is by Yuko Hara.
The breezy lyrics carry a vibe like, “A wonderful romance is part of summer—and the memories are beautiful too.” A special summer song that’s also been covered by artists like May J.
and Ikusaburo Yamazaki.
Songs to Enjoy in Summer! Classic Hits Special (Showa & Heisei) (41–50)
Summertime BluesWatanabe Misato
This song delicately portrays summer scenery, the radiance of youth, and the feelings of a lost love.
It is one of Misato Watanabe’s signature tracks and can be considered a work that symbolizes her musical career.
It was also used in a Meiji Life Insurance commercial and resonated with many people.
Included on the album “tokyo,” it was released as a single in May 1990.
The lyrics, which convey the beauty and poignancy of late summer, are sure to leave a deep impression on listeners.
It’s a perfect companion for a drive and is also recommended when you want to look back on summer memories.
ultra soulB’z
B’z’s ‘ultra soul’ was selected as the official theme song for the 2001 FINA World Championships in Fukuoka and has often been used at professional baseball games and other events.
Released as a single in 2001, it topped the Oricon singles chart for two consecutive weeks and became one of B’z’s signature songs.
It’s a rock tune that incorporates techno beats and Latin sounds, making it a perfect number for summer.
The title call at the end of the chorus always gets you hyped up, no questions asked.
