Get fired up for the hot season! Summer songs recommended for Gen Z

Summer has come.≠ME

≠ME (Not Equal Me) / 9th Single 'Because Summer Has Come' [MV full]

Isn’t this the one ≠ME track whose sound seems to symbolize a Japanese summer, perfectly suited to dazzling sunshine and blue skies? Showcasing producer Rino Sashihara’s deft touch, the song beautifully captures the flutter of summer crushes, the bittersweetness of youth, and a soaring sense of excitement.

The smiles from center Nanaka Tomita and the others at Cape Ashizuri are truly captivating! The phrase “Natsu ga natsu ga natsu ga kita kara” is incredibly catchy, too.

Released in August 2024 as their ninth single, it was first unveiled as a surprise at the Yokohama Arena tour finale in July of the same year, sending fans into a frenzy.

Ideal for summer drives, lively times with friends, or those sentimental twilight moments, this track sets the perfect mood.

It’s a must-have burst of summer energy that’s sure to lift anyone’s spirits!

Stars swimmakaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Enpitsu “Hoshi ga Oyogu” MV

This song, created by Macaroni Enpitsu, serves as the opening theme for the TV anime “Summer Time Rendering.” Its exhilarating yet solid rock sound leaves a strong impression, capturing themes of summer’s restless impatience and a fate that vanishes as fleetingly as fireworks.

The lyrics convey a fierce resolve to confront an unavoidable destiny, the sorrow of losing someone dear, and a determination to keep looking forward nonetheless.

Released digitally in April 2022, the track is also included on the EP “Tamáshii no Ibasho” (“Where the Soul Belongs”).

Mirroring the anime’s edge-of-your-seat developments, this piece is perfect for summer nights when you want to steep yourself in a touch of melancholy or relive the story’s emotional impact.

NatsuneYuuri

“Natsune” acoustic ver.

This is Yuuri’s rock ballad that captures that heart-tightening sense of longing you suddenly feel at summer’s end.

The pure wish to “stay together forever” flows through his emotive vocals and the beautiful melody, resonating deeply with listeners.

Released as a single in September 2021, the song was created for the Hulu original drama “Dry Flower – Room 707 -.” It reached No.

23 on the Billboard JAPAN Hot 100 for the week and is included on the album Ichi.

It’s the kind of song that might really hit home when you’re soaking in a slightly sentimental summer twilight or quietly reminiscing about an old romance.

Summertime CinderellaRyokushokushakai

Ryokuoushoku Shakai 'Summer Time Cinderella' Official Video / Ryokuoushoku Shakai – Summer Time Cinderella

It’s a song packed tight with a love that shines like the midsummer sun—dazzling, yet a little bittersweet.

Like Cinderella’s magic, it captures the thrill of a love that sparkles in a fleeting moment, along with the urgency to confess those feelings before summer ends.

The protagonist’s emotions—drawn in despite confusion by a romance sparked by an unexpected encounter—will deeply resonate with anyone who’s experienced unrequited love.

Released first digitally in July 2023 and later as a CD single in September of the same year, the track colored Fuji TV’s Monday 9 p.m.

drama, “Midsummer Cinderella.” It also won an Excellence Award at the 65th Japan Record Awards.

Why not listen to it with someone special as you make summer memories?

Hi-FiveME:I

ME:I (Mei) ⊹ “Hi-Five” Official MV

The title track of ME:I’s second single, released in August 2024, leaves a vivid impression with sweat gleaming under the sun and the refreshing zing of lemonade.

The lyrics, which depict the fun of summer festivals and time spent with someone special, sparkle in the heart like diamonds.

Topping the Billboard Japan Hot 100, the song channels the rising tides of friendship and budding romance—expressed through the simple act of a high-five—into an energetic sound.

Its world conjures moments by the sea and emotions wavering like summer heat haze, making it perfect for getting hyped at karaoke.

It’s a song that makes you want to high-five with everyone and create summer memories.

Roco LotionORANGE RANGE

ORANGE RANGE Locolotion VC HD

A feel-good party tune from Okinawa-born ORANGE RANGE! Just listening to it conjures up scenes of goofing around with friends under the blazing sun, and you can’t help but start moving your body.

This track is ORANGE RANGE’s sixth single, released in June 2004, and it became widely known as the song for Otsuka Beverage’s “MATCH” commercial.

It’s actually a cover of Little Eva’s “The Loco-Motion.” Put it on at the beach or while driving in the summer with friends or someone you like, and you’re sure to make the best memories! It’s the perfect song for anyone whose heart is fluttering at the start of a romance or who wants to make the most of summer.

Sugar Song and Bitter StepUNISON SQUARE GARDEN

UNISON SQUARE GARDEN “Sugar Song and Bitter Step” MV

This is a compelling track featuring a breezy pop-rock sound and abstract lyrics.

The song’s words portray the chaos of modern society and depict the complexity of life through a contrast between sweetness and bitterness.

Released in May 2015, it gained popularity as the ending theme for the TV anime Blood Blockade Battlefront.

It debuted at No.

5 on the Oricon Weekly Chart and has become one of UNISON SQUARE GARDEN’s signature songs.

Recommended for those who want to get hyped at summer festivals or seek deep messages in catchy melodies.

Its uptempo rhythm perfectly matches the liberating feel of summer, making it an ideal song for summer drives or outdoor BGM.