Tear-jerking summer classics: recommended popular songs

sparklerInoue Sonoko

Sonoko Inoue / Sparklers -Music Video- (Full Ver.)

A signature song by Sonoko Inoue that sings of the bittersweet moment when summer comes to a fleeting end.

Released in July 2014 as the lead track from her first mini-album “Senkou Hanabi,” this youth anthem encapsulates the genuine feelings of Inoue, who was a high school student at the time.

Its charm lies in the gentle, heart-soothing melody woven from warm acoustic tones and her clear, transparent voice.

The lyrics, which express longing and loneliness for the summer that has passed, resonate deeply with listeners.

If you sing it toward the end of a karaoke session when you want a calm, reflective mood, everyone there will find themselves listening intently.

Magic of a Summer Nightindigo la End

indigo la End “Summer Night Magic”

A beautiful ballad by indigo la End that sings of those magical moments unique to summer nights.

Its lyrics gently depict the fleeting feelings of love within time that slips away, and the one-night-only, dreamlike experience—seeping tenderly into the heart.

Released in June 2015 as the B-side to the single “Before It Gets Sad,” this song paints a special moment shared with a loved one against a backdrop of summer scenes like festival sounds and fireworks.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to quietly under the starry sky, especially if you’re in a long-distance relationship or carrying feelings for someone you can’t see often.

ENDLESS SUMMER NUDEMagokoro Burazāzu

Magokoro Brothers 'ENDLESS SUMMER NUDE'

The beloved masterpiece by Magokoro Brothers, vividly capturing the summer of youth, was released in July 1997.

Its beautiful melody and lyrics, portraying the bittersweet end of summer and memories with a lover, moved countless listeners.

The song is included on the album “I will Survive” and was also used as an insert song in the Tokyo Theatres–distributed film “Osaka Monogatari.” The arrangement, which blends programming and live performance by CHOKKAKU, features accomplished musicians such as Toshio Araki and Yoichi Murata, with additional color added by Yoko Utsumi’s chorus.

It’s a heartwarming track we especially recommend to those who want to bask in summer memories or soothe a heart swayed by love.

Liar MoonYorushika

Liar

It is a ballad marked by the quiet melody of the piano and Suis’s gentle vocals.

Through vivid depictions of scenes in the rain and the symbolic image of drinking down moonlight, it delicately portrays the protagonist’s emotions as they face loss and loneliness.

Produced in June 2020 as the ending song for the Netflix feature-length animated film A Whisker Away, the piece was composed by Yorushika’s n-buna to reflect the film’s worldview while capturing the atmosphere from spring to early summer.

It is a song that will deeply resonate with those who wish to relive a fragile yet beautiful page of youth, as well as those who have experienced parting with someone dear.

Evening Fireworksban banzai

[MV] Evening Fireworks / Banbanzai

Banbanzai is a YouTuber group formed by three members: Miyu, Gishi, and Runa.

While they post videos on YouTube such as eating challenges and pranks, they also upload “singing” videos, showcasing their strong potential as musicians.

Among them, “Yoihanabi” is especially moving—the trio’s powerful, emotional vocals poignantly and beautifully capture the memory of watching fireworks with someone special, and it really hits you in the heart.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Yuuki

Report a problem

Lovers’ Fireworks feat. enumatsu

Koinaka Fireworks feat. enu / Matsuri (Love Spark feat. enu / Matsuri) [Official Music Video]

Gokko Club produces vertical short dramas.

Based on the script for their original short drama “Blooming in Yawatahama,” the song “Koinaka Hanabi” is irresistibly poignant and beautiful.

Released in 2022 by singer-songwriter Matsuri from Yamanashi Prefecture, the track features fellow singer-songwriter enu.

Their voices blend seamlessly, naturally conjuring the bittersweet image of fireworks and bringing you to the verge of tears.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Yuuki

Report a problem

Stars swimmakaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Enpitsu “Hoshi ga Oyogu” MV

A gem of a ballad themed around the restlessness and transience of summer.

Released by Macaroni Empitsu in April 2022, it was written as the opening theme for the TV anime “Summer Time Rendering.” Its bittersweet lyrics and exhilarating sound leave a strong impression, depicting the sense of loss after losing someone precious and the struggle against fate.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to on a summer night—perfect for times of heartbreak or parting from someone important.

As you listen, you’ll likely find yourself relating it to your own experiences.

Savor this masterpiece packed with everything that makes Macaroni Empitsu so compelling—you’re sure to be moved.