Cool songs to listen to in summer: a roundup of music to help you cool down
What kind of songs do you feel like listening to when summer comes?
When we think of summer songs, the usual image is bright, heated themes like the blazing sun, the sea, and romance.
But since summer brings a string of hot days, some of you might be thinking, “I want to listen to songs that make me feel even a little cooler…”
So in this article, I’ll introduce songs—based on their sound, lyrics, and overall vibe—that feel refreshing and can cool you down a bit!
I’ve selected a wide range of tracks, so please try listening to a variety of them.
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- Classic “summer songs” you’ll want to listen to in summer. Timeless J-pop summertime anthems perfect for summer guys and summer girls.
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- Youthful songs to listen to in summer. Classic summer hits and recommended popular tracks.
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Cool songs to listen to in summer: a collection of music to cool down (61–70)
to youMONGOL800
Summer is the perfect season to accomplish something.
In summer, your feelings burst forth along with the heat.
You—the one who makes me want to hurl those feelings straight at that special someone.
This song, which speaks for the feelings you keep hidden, gives courage to those who listen.
Super SummerNiziU
NiziU, a hugely popular girl group in Japan, released their first digital single, “Super Summer,” in 2021.
The title is perfect for summer, and the lyrics overflowing with summer vibes will lift your spirits! It makes you want to do fun things that make you smile—like getting into something you love or spending time with someone you’re crazy about during the hot summer.
It really puts you in a positive mood.
The song was featured in a cola commercial, and it makes you want to dance to it while sipping a cola!
A bit emotionally unstable? …SummerOCHA NORMA
OCHA NORMA is a 10-member idol group whose name comes from the concept of “becoming a new-generation standard that brings joy to living rooms across the nation.” Their song “A Bit Emotionally Unstable? …Summer,” included on their 3rd single, is a track written by singer-songwriter Kōmi Hirose.
The lyrics, brimming with anticipation for the hot season, are sure to make drives and vacations even more exciting.
It’s a cute, up-tempo tune with Latin-tinged arrangements that’s perfect for summer.
Fragments of Summernobobyknows̟+
From the intro alone—acoustic guitar, a poppy piano melody, and the sound of waves—this track screams “summer.” A slightly mature bossa nova touch sets off the light, breezy Japanese rap.
It’s perfect not only as BGM for enjoying summer in real time, but also for reminiscing about those youth-filled summers you had a blast with friends.
Let yourself sink into the lyrics and sounds that bring back those sparkling summer days, and spend an unforgettable summer.
Summer BreezeGosuperāzu
A song that The Gospellers sing out with resounding power, evoking bright summer scenery and a refreshing atmosphere.
It’s included on the EP HERE & NOW, which is made up of songs provided by artists connected to The Gospellers.
Written by Shintaro Namioka and Maho Oshima of Penthouse, it features a gentle rhythm that resonates to your core and a bright melodic line that really stands out.
Precisely because of the calm sound, the vocals are strongly highlighted, delivering the freshness of summer through beautiful harmonies.
SummerHisaishi Joe
A piano-centered instrumental that reflects the refreshing light of summer and the growth of the heart.
It is a masterpiece by Joe Hisaishi, born from meticulous discussions with director Takeshi Kitano to closely accompany the story of the film “Kikujiro.” Its simple, approachable melody conveys a poignant yet warm feeling that resonates deeply.
Released as a soundtrack in May 1999, the work won a film music award.
It was later featured in a Toyota Corolla commercial, etching itself into the memories of many.
Its clear, purifying resonance will guide you to a sense of calm.
Scorching midsummerShonan no Kaze
When it comes to reggae-inspired summer songs in Japanese music, you can’t leave out Shonan no Kaze.
Their 2006 hit love song “Junrenka” set the tone, and they took that crystal-clear vibe to the next level with “Entenka,” released in 2012.
Though it’s a summer anthem, the song has an irresistibly bittersweet atmosphere that evokes a sense of youth.
It’s not just pop for pop’s sake—their signature style shines through, delivering not only an uplifting boost but also a poignant, heart-tugging feeling.
