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 (1–10)
You and the summer music festivalSHISHAMO
This work vividly paints memories of a summer music festival with fresh sensitivity.
Its lyrics, capturing a bittersweet crush and the festival’s feverish energy as a page of youth, truly resonate.
Released in July 2014, it captured the hearts of many listeners, spending five consecutive weeks at No.
1 on FM802’s OSAKAN HOT 100.
It was also selected as the ending theme for TV Tokyo’s JAPAN COUNTDOWN, earning love from a wide audience.
It’s a song you’ll want to play in the car on your way to making summer memories—one that will surely carry a summer breeze into your heart.
Marigoldaimyon
This work, Aimyon’s fifth major single, is a song that paints a bittersweet yet refreshing summer landscape.
The clear, transparent tone of the acoustic guitar and her deeply emotive vocals leave a strong impression.
Released on August 8, 2018, it reached No.
12 on the Oricon Digital Singles chart.
It continued to chart for an extended period, capturing the hearts of many listeners.
The title, inspired by the language of flowers, evokes the loneliness of summer’s end.
With its nostalgic atmosphere, this track is recommended for anyone who wants to reminisce about summer memories.
Ghost of the SeaYonezu Kenshi
A song by Kenshi Yonezu that captures the bittersweet feeling at the end of summer.
Created as the theme song for the film “Children of the Sea,” it was released in June 2019.
Interweaving natural imagery like the sea, wind, and night sky, the lyrics leave an impression as they sing of parting from a loved one and the hope of reunion.
The grand sound and Yonezu’s clear, translucent vocals beautifully color memories of summer.
After its release, the song topped numerous music charts and achieved platinum certification, marking major commercial success.
It’s a gently atmospheric track that makes you want to listen by a quiet seaside on a summer night.
Turn up the heat of the season! Summer songs recommended for Gen Z (11–20)
SummertimeFIVE NEW OLD
This song beautifully captures both the brilliance and the bittersweetness of summer.
It vividly portrays the sweet moments of love and the fleeting sense that they’re drawing to a close.
Featured on the album “MUSIC WARDROBE,” released on April 7, 2021, the track was also used in a commercial for KOSÉ’s SUNCUT® Prodefense.
Its music video, which expresses both confinement and liberation, also drew attention.
It’s a perfect track for making summer memories—ideal as background music for special moments with someone important, like a seaside date or a fireworks festival.
SUMMER TIMERADIO FISH
This song brilliantly fuses the refreshing feel of summer with the exhilaration of romance.
Its light, upbeat rhythm makes you want to play it by the seaside or on a drive, delivering the cheerfulness and freedom of summer to listeners.
Released on June 28, 2015, this track showcases the signature RADIO FISH style that blends dance and music.
Be sure to pay attention to the vocals, which highlight the distinct personalities of Oriental Radio’s members.
It’s an energetic tune that gives a push to young people heading out to make summer memories.
Coco☆NatsuMomoiro Kurōbā Zetto
Momoiro Clover’s songs are characterized by a bright, summery vibe.
They’re light, upbeat pop tracks that strongly evoke images of beaches and summer festivals.
The lyrics sing of fun times spent under the sun and classic summer scenes, expressing youthful energy and a spirit of summer adventure.
This particular song was released as a B-side to the single “Pinky Jones” in November 2010.
It has become a staple in their live performances, with familiar call-and-response moments shared with the audience.
Especially popular at summer events and concerts, it’s loved as a song that unites fans during Momoiro Clover’s live shows.
Ghost in the FlowersYorushika
A new song has been born that interweaves fresh summer scenery with bittersweet memories.
Yorushika’s third digital-only single, which n-buna describes as “a song that simply lines up beautiful melodies and beautiful scenes,” is marked by its transparent vocals and striking piano tones.
Chosen as the theme song for the animated film A Whisker Away, released in June 2020, it captured many hearts and earned a Platinum certification for streaming.
It’s a track that makes you want to listen at summer’s end—a number that evokes a page of youth—and it’s sure to resonate with you.