[The Last Fireworks] An Emotive Song to Listen to at Summer’s End [2026]

From SHINSEKAIano × ikuta rira

From SHINSEKAI / ano × Rira Ikuta [Official Audio]

This track, a collaboration between two talents who represent the contemporary music scene—ano and Rira Ikuta—strongly reflects the world of the anime “Dededede.” Remarkably, the original creator, Inio Asano, handled both the lyrics and composition himself.

The harmony woven by ano’s slightly precarious, edgy vocals and Rira Ikuta’s crystal-clear, beautiful voice evokes a heart-wrenching sense of sorrow along with a faint hope for the future.

With lyrics that reference the end of summer, the sound—like capturing the chaotic atmosphere of the exact moment when the extraordinary begins—seems to match perfectly with the peculiar melancholy unique to late summer.

It’s the kind of song you’ll want to listen to carefully on a night spent reflecting on the season that has passed while turning your thoughts to the new world that’s about to begin.

Love DrizzleShonan no Kaze

Shonan no Kaze “Koi Shigure” MUSIC VIDEO

When you think of Shonan no Kaze, the image of party tunes that heat up under the blazing sun is strong, and it’s easy to find tracks that are perfect for summer.

Yet their discography also includes gems best heard at the melancholic end of the season.

Koi-shigure is one such song, released as a love ballad following Junrenka.

Its wistful melody over a reggae beat seems to portray a fleeting summer romance in a way that’s both beautiful and bittersweet.

Put it on when you want to sink into a sentimental mood while feeling the night breeze after the heat has settled, and you’re guaranteed a perfect time.

Even while focusing on heartbreak, their uniquely expressive style leaves a subtly forward-looking afterglow—that, too, is part of their appeal.

Xia XiaoWANIMA

WANIMA “Summer Dawn” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

Popular for their high-energy live shows, WANIMA released “Natsugyō” as the theme song for the Netflix anime GAMERA -Rebirth-.

The band’s signature, fast-paced rock sound is alive and well, but the melody also carries a certain wistfulness—like the moments before a summer dawn—blended with hope for the day ahead, and it really hits home.

Written to resonate with the world of the series, its message conveys the strength to push forward through anguish and inner conflict, turning the bittersweet feelings of a fading summer into energy for a new season.

Coupled with KENTA’s emotional vocals, it’s a track that feels like a gentle push on your back—especially fitting to listen to at summer’s end.

A Long, Short FestivalShiina Ringo

Ringo Sheena – Long and Short Festival

This song delicately portrays the bittersweet feelings at summer’s end.

The fleeting nature of young love and the frenzy of festival nights intersect, expressed through Shiina Ringo’s characteristically literary lyrics.

While conscious of the briefness of a woman’s prime, the image of a woman determined to live each moment to the fullest is striking.

Released in July 2015 and used as Coca-Cola’s summer campaign song, this piece is perfect for reminiscing about summer memories or taking a step into a new season.

Goodbye, Summer DaysYamashita Tatsuro

Tatsuro Yamashita “Goodbye Summer Days”

This is a song by Tatsuro Yamashita that beautifully depicts the bittersweet scenery at summer’s end.

Through memories of spending time at an amusement park pool during a sudden evening shower, it expresses the fleeting nature of youth and the beauty of growing up.

The feeling of wishing “if only time could stop” is surely something everyone can relate to.

Released in May 1991, the song was also used in a corporate image commercial for Dai-ichi Life.

Thirty years later, in 2021, its first music video was produced.

It’s a perfect track for those who tend to get sentimental at the end of summer.

Try listening with someone special and reminiscing about this summer’s memories.

Summer GhostI Don’t Like Mondays.

Summer Ghost (Lyric Video)

Formed in Omotesando, Tokyo and affectionately known as “Aidora,” I Don’t Like Mondays.

is a rare band that self-produces not only their music but also their visuals.

Their 2023 release “Summer Ghost” is truly a masterpiece you’ll want to listen to at summer’s end.

Its light, groovy band sound delivers a refreshing feeling that’s perfect for a midsummer drive.

Yet, in contrast to its bright tone, the song depicts a somewhat bittersweet story of chasing the illusion of a past love.

It’s precisely this blend of cheerfulness and melancholy that vividly revives the happy memories of summer—tinged with just a touch of sentimentality.

It might be the perfect soundtrack for looking back on your summer memories.

JELLYNumber_i

JELLY

“JELLY,” included on Number_i’s debut album, is a track produced by member Yuta Jinguji.

Its mellow groove infused with R&B and hip-hop vibes, paired with the members’ sweet yet wistful vocals, makes for an irresistibly soothing number.

The world evoked by the “jelly” motif captures both the sweetness of love and its fragile, melt-away-in-an-instant danger—perfect for the tail end of summer.

It carries that unique mood where a fleeting sense of loneliness meets glittering memories as the season slips away.

If you’re in a mellow frame of mind and want to look back on this summer, put this song on as your BGM and savor a slightly bittersweet moment.