Summer Songs That Hit in the 2000s | A Look Back at Nostalgic Summer Tunes!

Summer Sky Graffitiikimonogakari

Ikimonogakari – Summer Sky Graffiti [Short Ver. / Verse 2]

It’s a song with an invigorating melody and the charmingly clear, transparent vocals of Kiyoe Yoshioka.

It paints sparkling summer memories, tender first love, and a touch of bittersweet emotion that tickles the listener’s heart.

Released in August 2007 as one of the tracks on a double A-side single, it also became well known as a soft drink commercial song.

When summer’s heat feels overwhelming, listening to this track might bring back those glittering days of youth and give you a boost of energy.

ELECTRIC SUMMERBase Ball Bear

Base Ball Bear – ELECTRIC SUMMER

When it comes to Base Ball Bear’s summer songs, this one is unmissable.

It’s a refreshing rock number well known as a summer festival staple.

The poetic lyrics, which capture a fleeting moment of youth between the city and nature, leave a strong impression.

Released in June 2006, it was also used as the opening theme for TV Tokyo’s JAPAN COUNTDOWN.

The music video was filmed at the Science Museum and was selected as “BEST NEW ARTIST VIDEO” at the 2007 SPACE SHOWER MUSIC VIDEO AWARDS.

It’s an energetic and breezy track you’ll want to listen to along with your summer memories!

NatsumiFUNKY MONKEY BABYS

Natsumi – FUNKY MONKEY BABYS [Cover Song]

It’s an upbeat, catchy track that’s quintessentially FUNKY MONKEY BABYS.

The song is included on the album “FUNKY MONKEY BABYS 3.” With a touch of bittersweetness, it’s a sentimental piece themed around a past summer romance that never blossomed—one that brings back memories of an old love.

Seaside DriveKobukuro

Youth Wind Festival · Shiosai Drive · Kobukuro

Kobukuro’s song “Shiosai Drive” was included as a coupling track on their eighth single, “blue blue.” It’s a very upbeat, energizing tune, and just as the title suggests, it’s perfect for a drive.

It really amps up the mood and makes you feel like you could keep on driving forever!

Tears Flowing EndlesslyNatsukawa Rimi

Rimi Natsukawa - Nada Sōsō (Tears Flowing)

Rimi Natsukawa is a singer-songwriter who debuted in 1999.

Her 2001 release “Nada Sou Sou” is a poignant ballad with the feel of Okinawan folk music.

In fact, the lyrics were written by Ryoko Moriyama, a singer known for folk songs, and the track was included on her 1988 album “TIME IS LONELY.” Later, the Okinawan band BEGIN released it as a single in 2000, and Natsukawa ultimately covered it.

Looking back on that history, it’s clear this is a song loved by many people.

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The End of SummerMoriyama Naotaro

Naotaro Moriyama – Natsuno Owari

A track released as a single from the second album “Words Born After Crossing Many Rivers.” Pay attention to its content as well—Moriyama has confessed, “With time having passed, this song is now an anti-war song.” On the page, the lyrics recall a love that has ended: “Whenever I feel the wind that blows at summer’s end, I always remember you.” The arrangement by Taichi Nakamura—whom Moriyama trusts implicitly—brings out Moriyama’s vocals to the fullest and is superb.

A nostalgic song that’s perfect for the latter half of summer.

Mileage of LoveRAG FAIR

RAG FAIR – Love Mileage

A smash hit for RAG FAIR, and one of their biggest, which debuted at No.

1 on the Oricon charts.

The lyrics—“I want to confess my feelings to my crush, but I just can’t… and yet, that’s okay with me”—have a bittersweetness that perfectly suits a summer romance.

The members’ joyful expressions when they sing this song are so delightful to watch.

By the way, when this song was No.

1, No.

2 was ‘She Side Story,’ a single released simultaneously by the same group.

Looking back, the summer of 2002 really was RAG FAIR’s summer!