Summer Songs That Hit in the 2000s | A Look Back at Nostalgic Summer Tunes!
Summer might just be the most exciting season of the year! When you think of summer, you think of outdoor fun like music festivals, the beach, fireworks, barbecues, and road trips.
For students, there’s also the long summer break—there’s no shortage of fun.
And no summer memories are complete without music to lift your spirits even higher.
In this article, we’re focusing on summer songs released in the 2000s and introducing a selection of hit tracks.
Whether you remember those days or aren’t very familiar with music from the 2000s, we hope you enjoy these sparkling summer tunes.
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Summer songs that hit in the 2000s | Introducing nostalgic summer tunes! (71–80)
The Maiden with Flaxen HairShimatani Hitomi
When you listen to this song, it makes you imagine a couple everyone envies and fills you with the desire to stay beautiful forever and to remain someone wonderful and loved.
It sings about lovers, but you could also call it a song for girls in love.
ELECTRIC SUMMERBase Ball Bear
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!
I can see you againKetsumeishi
Ketsumeishi is a four-member hip-hop group that made their major debut in 2001 with Familia.
Their 2007 release Mata Kimi ni Aeru is a bright track that pairs a summery, upbeat sound with emotional rap.
The song was also used in a Shiseido ANESSA commercial featuring model Yuri Ebihara—nicknamed “Ebi-chan,” who was immensely popular at the time.
Ebihara also appears in the music video, which, including her makeup and fashion, exudes a nostalgic 2000s vibe—so if you’re interested, be sure to check it out.
Summer songs that were hits in the 2000s | A look back at nostalgic summer tunes! (81–90)
NatsumiFUNKY MONKEY BABYS
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
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 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.
The End of SummerMoriyama Naotaro
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.