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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Cool songs to listen to in summer: a roundup of music to help you cool down (21–30)
graceFuji Kaze
A grand and beautiful ballad perfect for listening under the dazzling summer sun.
This piece was released in October 2022 by Fujii Kaze, a singer-songwriter also known for his exceptional piano performances.
Many of you may recognize it as it was featured in an NTT Docomo project commercial.
As evidenced by the instrumental version sometimes performed at dome shows as “summer grace,” its sound matches summer scenery perfectly.
When worries and anxieties keep you from taking a step forward, it will gently embrace your heart and give you a supportive push.
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.
Your refreshing feelingsZARD
This is one of ZARD’s songs that evokes summer, and they were consistently active from the 1990s through the 2000s.
It was also used in the “8×4” commercial featuring Aya Ueto, so many people have probably heard it.
As the title suggests, the song has a fresh, breezy feel.
Pineapple JuiceINI
A languid yet comfortable groove invites you on a never-ending tropical vacation—this is city pop at its finest.
Featured on the album “THE ORIGIN,” releasing in June 2025.
Member Yufeng Fan contributes to the lyrics for the first time, crafting a theme of a “sweet-and-sour summer,” capturing those moments whole—like sipping a juice—brimming with fresh, vivid feelings.
Perfect for summer drives or for lifting your mood on a hot day! Put this track on and turn everyday life into a refreshing vacation.
summer shelterŌgami Mio
A nostalgic rock number that seems to distill the bittersweetness of summer’s end.
Its subtly ephemeral mood is captivating, inviting you to reflect on days gone by.
This track was released in advance from the second album “My Sparkle,” due out in August 2025, and drew attention for its stellar lineup, including Do As Infinity’s Ryo Owatari on guitar.
It sings of life’s journey of repeated partings and reunions, a quiet resolve to set out again after a brief rest.
Mio Ookami’s gentle yet steadfast vocals deepen the world of the song even further.
Give it a listen when you want to step away from the noise and sink into your thoughts.
Summertime GhostSuiyōbi no Campanella
A beat-driven track intertwined with Shiha’s vocals unfolds into a highly addictive sound.
Released in April 2025, this song was written as the opening theme for the TV anime Kowloon Generic Romance, based on Jun Mayuzuki’s original work.
It wraps you in a slightly mysterious feeling, as if blending the sweltering heat of a midsummer night with a mirage that appears in a fleeting moment.
Items like iced coffee and electric fans that appear in the lyrics vividly color scenes of summer, leaving a nostalgic aftertaste.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to on a summer night when you feel like getting a little lost in thought.
August 888 — This is way too much summerrisaitaruzu
This is a song that instantly amps up the summer vibe.
Created by Recitals, a unit that sprang from the popular YouTuber group Tokai On Air, this track is packed with a catchy melody that makes your heart dance and playful word choices that are pure fun.
It’s like painting a picture of an endless summer—you can almost see the glittering scenes unfold before your eyes.
Released in August 2022, the song was also chosen as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s “Zenryoku! Datsuryoku Times” from August to September 2022.
Whether you’re on a summer drive, hanging out at the beach, or firing up a barbecue, this track will take your excitement to the next level.
Add it to your playlist and soak up the summer!