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!
- [Summer Songs Recommended for Your 30s] A Selection of Nostalgic Hit Tunes!
- [Make Your Summer Pop] A High-Energy J-POP Playlist to Boost Your Mood! [2026]
- Summer songs that get middle schoolers excited: Popular tracks you’ll want to listen to in your youth
- Youthful songs to listen to in summer. Classic summer hits and recommended popular tracks.
- Classic “summer songs” you’ll want to listen to in summer. Timeless J-pop summertime anthems perfect for summer guys and summer girls.
- Reiwa-era summer songs: A roundup of new staple tracks that color the hot summer
- Recommended Summer Songs for Elementary School Kids | A Pick of Refreshing, Popular Tracks!
- From bittersweet tracks to party anthems: fall songs recommended for Gen Z
- [Classics] Timeless Summer Hits Recommended for All Ages [Summer Songs]
- Packed with everything from friendship to romance! Youth anthems recommended for Gen Z
- Summer Songs That Hit in the 2000s | A Look Back at Nostalgic Summer Tunes!
- Love songs you want to listen to in summer. Love songs that color the summer.
- [Summer Songs] Summer tracks recommended for teens: A roundup of the latest and classic hits
Turn up the heat of the season! Summer songs recommended for Gen Z (71–80)
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!
Mela!Ryokushokushakai
This song celebrates the heart of someone who keeps their inner passion burning.
The lyrics portray the impulse born from the pure wish to “become a hero,” and the courage to act driven by that feeling, stirring the hearts of listeners.
Released digitally in April 2020, it was featured in Darya’s “Palty Coloring” commercial, and later adopted as a JRA commercial song in 2025.
It was also chosen as the theme for a dance project supporting high school dance teams across Japan who lost opportunities to perform during the COVID-19 pandemic, giving courage to many young people.
Its exhilarating, fast-paced feel makes it especially appealing to listen to in the summer.
Let’s Go to the Sea (feat. PES)Lisa Halim
This surf music features a groovy, Latin-tinged rhythm that resonates comfortably alongside the sound of the waves.
Lisa Halim’s husky yet gentle vocals blend seamlessly with PES’s cool rap (formerly of RIP SLYME), vividly expressing a longing for the sea and memories of summer.
Produced by DJ HASEBE, the track was released as a digital-only single in October 2020 and drew attention after being picked up by major Spotify playlists.
It’s the perfect song for a seaside drive or reminiscing about summer.
Paradise BabyRIP SLYME
This is a classic that lightly captures the sense of liberation and free-spirited romance you feel by the beach in summer.
Released in June 2002, the track blends hip-hop with bossa nova and samba rhythms, offering an innovative sound that transcends conventional genre boundaries.
The lyrics brightly depict the unique exhilaration of summer—sun-kissed skin, a longing for the ocean, and the flutter of seeing someone in a bikini.
It’s also featured on the album “TOKYO CLASSIC,” and became the first million-selling record in Japanese hip-hop.
Perfect for seaside drives, summer festivals, or relaxing by the pool.
Samama Festival!Mrs. GREEN APPLE
A refreshing track by Mrs.
GREEN APPLE packed with the lively spirit of summer festivals.
Its uplifting melody and energetic sound feel great, letting you fully savor the excitement of the coming summer.
日本工学院のCMテーマソングおよびテレビ朝日『musicるTV』のオープニングテーマに起用され、夏の定番として多くの人々の心をつかんだ。
This song features a pop arrangement that shines on summer stages and rhythms that heighten the festive mood.
Why not add it to your playlist as a track that will boost your energy in the hot season?
HIGH PRESSURET.M.Revolution
A song with a sparkling sound and an uplifting message.
Its powerful yet soaring vocals blend beautifully with electronic elements.
Recorded in July 1997, this track was featured in a Lotte “Sweetie Ice” commercial and reached No.
4 on the Oricon weekly singles chart.
It was also used as the opening theme for the Taiwan/China versions of the TBS anime B’T-X.
A perfect summer tune for those who want to enjoy the hot season to the fullest or are looking for a spark to start a new romance.