Get fired up for the hot season! Summer songs recommended for Gen Z
When you think of summer, there are all kinds of events—like the beach, fireworks, and festivals.
As exciting as it is, summer also has a way of leaving you with a bittersweet feeling when the season comes to an end.
The J-pop scene is full of songs that capture those moments.
This time, we’ve focused on Gen Z and put together a selection of summer songs released around 2011 to 2024—the years that generation likely spent their youth.
Whether you’re part of that generation or not, this is a must-see!
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Songs to Heat Up the Season! Summer Tracks Recommended for Gen Z (61–70)
Bluebirdikimonogakari
A powerful number that sings of a strong will for freedom under the theme of “longing for the blue sky and the resolve to take flight.” Written and composed by Yoshiki Mizuno and delivered through Kiyoe Yoshioka’s transparent vocals, it brilliantly captures the determination to break through the status quo and head toward a new world.
Released in July 2008, it was featured as the opening theme for the anime Naruto Shippuden.
Debuting at No.
3 on the Oricon Weekly Chart, it became Ikimono-gakari’s first Top 3 entry—a milestone release.
It’s an energizing track recommended for those striving toward their dreams or about to take a new step in life.
Full driveKANA-BOON
This track features a four-on-the-floor beat around 180 BPM and a melody full of exhilarating drive.
Released in May 2014, it’s also included on KANA-BOON’s second album, TIME.
Created with the idea of crafting a song with a powerful first impact that would be embraced by more listeners, as envisioned by Maguro Taniguchi, it reached as high as No.
6 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
Bursting with energetic rock sound, it’s perfect for drives or anyone looking to amp up their summer.
The high-speed melody delivers a rush like stepping on the accelerator, so give it a listen whenever you want to boost your mood!
lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE
This song packs a sense of exhilarating, fast-paced guitar rock with the bittersweetness of youth.
It was selected as the opening theme for the TV Tokyo anime “Oblivion Battery” in April 2024, marking Mrs.
GREEN APPLE’s first anime tie-in in about five years.
Created by Motoki Ohmori with the feeling of an answer song to “Ao to Natsu,” the track features striking, technically intricate guitar riffs that signal a return to the band’s roots.
The lyrics explore the finiteness of life, the struggles of adolescence, and the importance of loving one’s imperfect self.
It’s a refreshingly uplifting song, perfect for those who want to get fired up at summer festivals or reminisce about their youth.
Sugar Song and Bitter StepUNISON SQUARE GARDEN
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.
summer festivalWhiteberry
This is a famous song that portrays the feelings of a protagonist who, on a festival night spent with their lover in a yukata, can’t quite find the courage to hold hands in the crowd and, even while watching sparklers burn, can’t put their feelings into words.
Released in August 2000, it’s Whiteberry’s signature track—a cover of a JITTERIN’JINN song—that reached No.
3 on the Oricon charts.
It also served as the theme song for the TBS drama “Fushigi na Hanashi” and became the catalyst for their appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
It’s the perfect song for anyone who wants to feel the sweet-and-sour ache of youthful love and nostalgia for summers gone by.
Glaring Summernaniwa danshi
A dazzling, sun-bright summer anthem has arrived! This track was pre-released as a digital single in June 2025.
Its choreography, which blends summery vibes with disco, is a major highlight, showcasing high-energy dance perfectly suited for midsummer in both the intro and the chorus.
The song has also been featured in a ROUND1 commercial and is slated to be included on the album “BON BON VOYAGE,” set for release in July.
It’s perfect for hyping things up at the beach with friends or as the soundtrack to your summer memories!
We’ve gotta do what seems impossible.Sambomasutā
This song is packed with a fiery message that ignites the spirit to take on challenges.
It celebrates the courage to face any hardship head-on with positivity and the strength to keep believing in your own potential.
Characterized by a powerful rock sound that stirs the listener’s heart, it became familiar as the theme for Nissan’s Serena commercial in 2010 and was later chosen as an image song for the 2022 film “Cheer☆Dance.” Beloved by fans as a surefire crowd-pleaser at summer festivals, it has continued to be cherished by many as an anthem that gives you a push—when you hit a wall in club activities or exam studies, when you’re trying something new, or when you feel like giving up.