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)
HANABIMr.Children
This is the song used as the theme for the TV drama “Code Blue: Doctor Heli Kinkyuu Kyumei” since its first season, and it’s such an impactful number that just hearing it brings images from the show to mind.
While it has a pop, exhilarating melody, the uniquely Mr.
Children-esque word choices serve as a hook, making it a catchy track you won’t forget after a single listen.
It’s a quintessential summer song of the 2000s—one you’ll want to play while gazing up at the summer night sky.
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.
rough runroodo obu mejyaa
“Zassou” by the four-piece rock band Road of Major.
It’s an up-tempo, high-energy track that will boost your mood on a drive.
It’s a wonderful song that makes you feel like tackling your dreams for the future with the toughness of a weed—let’s give it our all!
ultra soulB’z
Since their 1988 debut, B’z has remained at the forefront of J-pop, winning fans across generations.
This is their 31st single.
As it was selected as the official theme song for the World Aquatics Championships broadcasts, just hearing it instantly evokes the feeling of summer.
The sound blends a pop-oriented approach rich in programmed elements with decidedly rock-style guitar, pumping up your energy.
It’s also a live staple—a track that lets you feel the heat of summer.
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.
FIREWORKSEXILE
A dance tune that ignites listeners’ passion to a boiling point, like grand fireworks scorching the night sky! The shamisen’s timbre adds a touch of Japanese elegance, while the relentless rap-fused sound overflows with the energetic appeal unique to EXILE’s early 14-member era.
Released in July 2009, this track was EXILE’s 31st single and topped the Oricon Weekly Chart.
It also gained wide recognition as the CM song for “Sky PerfecTV! EXILE TV,” and was included on the acclaimed million-selling album “Ai Subeki Mirai e” that same year.
It’s a must-recommend song for anyone who wants to enjoy the hot season to the fullest.
marbleOtsuka Ai
A message song overflowing with self-affirmation that helps you regain the confidence and sparkle you’re prone to losing! Ai Otsuka’s gentle vocals and the comfortable mid-tempo melody quietly nestle close to your heart.
The unique Japanese phrases that appear in the instrumental break are addictively charming, too.
Released as a double A-side single in May 2005, this track also drew attention as the CM song for Lion’s “Shokubutsu Monogatari Herb Blend,” in which Ai Otsuka herself appeared.
When you’re feeling a bit down or want to take a fresh look at yourself, listening to it will surely lift your spirits.
Summer Sky Graffitiikimonogakari
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
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
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.