Classic nostalgic summer hits from the ’80s. A roundup of summer songs.

A Second in MidsummerKondō Masahiko

Midsummer One Second - Masahiko Kondo

The single “Midsummer’s One Second,” released in April 1983 by Masahiko Kondo—better known as ‘Matchy’—debuted at number one on the Oricon weekly chart.

It also reached number one on The Top Ten.

The lyrics were written by Ayumu Date, who is also active as a novelist.

Seychelles sunsetMatsuda Seiko

Seiko Matsuda Seychelles Sunset

A summer ballad included on the classic album Utopia, released in June 1983.

Many listeners were surely captivated by its bittersweet yet romantic scene: at dusk in a far-off land, entrusting a letter—written in sunset-colored ink while thinking of a loved one—to the sea.

Masao Ōmura’s luxurious, delicate production blends beautifully with Seiko’s crystal-clear vocals.

The album featuring this song won the Best Album Award at the Japan Record Awards that same year.

And the fact that it continues to be selected for many best-of compilations despite not being a single shows just how beloved it is.

It’s the perfect track for twilight on a journey, or for a quiet night spent thinking of someone dear.

Miami 5 a.m.Matsuda Seiko

Seiko Matsuda Miami 5 A.M.

This is a quintessential city pop track that captures the languor and poignancy of late summer.

Seiko Matsuda’s slightly cool, translucent vocals pair beautifully with the scenes of a city at dawn.

Many listeners can probably picture the protagonist returning to reality after their time together ends, brushing sand from their shoes.

The song appears on the classic album Utopia, released in June 1983, and there’s even a production anecdote that the original lyrics were different.

Perfect for an early-summer-morning drive or when you want to sink into a slightly sentimental mood, this piece wraps you in a refined, grown-up atmosphere—and if you listen when you’re in that headspace, you may find yourself drawn deeply into its story.

MERRY X’MAS IN SUMMERKUWATA BAND

KUWATA BAND MERRY X’MAS IN SUMMER(PV)

This track stunned many music fans with its bold concept of bringing Christmas—a quintessential winter tradition—into a tropical paradise.

Created by the legendary project KUWATA BAND, which centered on Keisuke Kuwata and was active only during the limited span of 1986, the song rides a breezy reggae rhythm to deftly portray a twisted yet tender longing: under the dazzling midsummer sun, the narrator somehow wishes for an early goodbye.

Released as a single in July 1986, its fiery performance can also be heard on the live album masterpiece ROCK CONCERT.

Once featured in a Shiseido commercial and more recently used in a Uniqlo ad, it’s no surprise that the song remains beloved across generations.

Put it on for a midsummer drive—or when you’re in the mood for a slightly unconventional Christmas tune—and you’re sure to feel something refreshingly new.

Nagisa’s ‘…..’ushiroyubi-sasaregumi

Nagisa's '.....'

It’s a quintessentially 80s idol-style song that pours a wavering summer-beach heart into a bright yet somehow bittersweet melody.

The suggestive symbol in the title hints at unspoken feelings or words left to the imagination, giving listeners a sweet, tangy pang.

The harmonies woven by the two members of Ushiroyubi Sasaregumi beautifully capture both the sparkle of summer and the fleeting nature of youth, making your heart tighten before you know it.

Released in August 1986 as their fourth single, it was used as the third opening theme for the Fuji TV anime “High School! Kimengumi,” from episodes 37 to 49, and it remains etched in the memories of many fans along with the show.

If you listen to it when you want to recall a summer from back then, or during a slightly sentimental twilight, the excitement of that time may vividly come rushing back.

Lovers in Marine BlueKojima Misan

Lovers in Marine Blue – Michiru Kojima (Michille; 1986)

It’s a track with a breezy, invigorating sound—light rhythms and interwoven guitars that feel like a sea breeze.

With Mishio Kojima’s fresh, crystalline vocals, the song vividly conjures a bittersweet yet slightly wistful scene: a girl dashing barefoot along a shimmering late-summer beach, reflected in the listener’s heart.

This captivating piece—lyrics by Yoshihiko Ando, music by Kazuhito Murata, and arrangement by Ichizo Seo, all emblematic of city pop—was included on her second album “MICHILLE,” released in September 1986.

The album’s “100 no Heart ga ‘I love you’” also served as a TV program ending theme.

Whether on a summer drive or during a slightly sentimental dusk, it’s sure to set the stage for a wonderful moment.

Ever-Summer GirlKoizumi Kyoko

Ever-Summer Girl

A girl’s shyness in her first swimsuit, and the boy’s gaze fixed on her.

Capturing that flutter of summer—sung, remarkably, from a male perspective with a hint of mysterious allure—is Kyoko Koizumi’s song.

Released as a single in April 1985, it features lyrics by Midori Hifumi, music by Kohei Sai, and an arrangement by Tatsumi Yano that evokes a Beach Boys-like pop sound.

It topped the Oricon Weekly Chart and sold about 267,000 copies, conveying the fervor of the time.

You can enjoy a different arrangement on the album “Flapper,” and it was even used in a commercial in 2021.

Put it on during a summer drive or event, and it’s sure to lift your spirits!