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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Turn up the heat of the season! Summer songs recommended for Gen Z (71–80)
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.
Fanfaresumika
A refreshing song that carries a powerful message about breaking through the darkness of night to welcome a new morning.
It’s striking how the protagonist, once shut inside their shell, musters the courage to take a step into the outside world.
Many listeners will likely feel encouraged by the resolve to overcome hardship and trials and meet a new self.
Released in August 2018, the track was used as the opening theme for the anime film “I Want to Eat Your Pancreas.” It’s also included on the album “AMUSIC” and is known as one of sumika’s signature works.
A perfect song to listen to before heading out for warm-weather activities, and recommended for those moments when you need courage to try something new.
In the Blueikimonogakari
A brisk, refreshing uptempo tune.
It portrays a coming-of-age story about a young person who, while cherishing encounters and bonds with friends, discovers their true self—imbued with the down-to-earth message characteristic of Ikimonogakari.
From March 2024, it has also been used in commercials as the theme song commemorating the 140th anniversary of Asahi Soft Drinks’ Mitsuya Cider, and it was released as a double A-side single together with Harubaru!, the opening theme for the TV anime Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin.
It’s the perfect track for karaoke with friends under the summer blue sky, or whenever you want a refreshing change of pace.
Blue HabitatKitanitatsuya
This song paints memories of youth that are as refreshing and bittersweet as a summer sky.
Tatsuya Kitani released it in July 2023.
It was chosen as the opening theme for Season 2 of the TV anime Jujutsu Kaisen and received a Special Award at the 65th Japan Record Awards.
The cool, refreshing melody and lyrics that weave together the pure relationships unique to adolescence, along with regret and a sense of loss, vividly awaken memories everyone has experienced.
It’s a perfect song to sing in an air-conditioned karaoke room on a hot summer day while reminiscing about the past.