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 (11–20)
motion sickness from proximitywanuka
This song is striking for its uniquely Japanese-flavored melody set over a shuffle beat.
It quickly became a hot topic, especially on TikTok, and sparked huge reactions across many platforms, even reaching No.
1 on Spotify’s charts.
Its coined-title—symbolizing emotions heightened by alcohol—is distinctive, and it deftly portrays the inner conflict between feelings usually kept in check and the boldness that comes with being tipsy.
It’s a track that fully showcases Wanuka’s musical style, fusing nostalgia and freshness.
The lyrics, conveying the frustration of being in love and a strong yearning for the other person, resonated with many listeners.
It’s a sweet and bittersweet love song you’ll want to hear on a summer night with a pleasant buzz.
ASOBONiziU
With a playful spirit, every day becomes more fun—that’s the feeling this NiziU track gives you.
Featuring house music and a Motown-style upbeat rhythm, it’s the kind of song that makes many listeners start moving without even realizing it.
Released in April 2022, it was also used in a Fanta commercial.
Its message, “Let’s enjoy everyday life no matter what,” amplifies that excited summer vacation mood.
It’s perfect for hanging out with friends or as background music for outings, so give it a listen when you want everyone to get hyped!
HOT LIMITT.M.Revolution
This is a song by T.M.Revolution that was featured as the commercial theme for Asahi Soft Drinks’ Mitsuya Cider.
Its energetic sound and bold lyrics are captivating, evoking the thrill of summer’s arrival.
Released in June 1998, the track conjures vivid images of one’s rational limits slipping away amid the excitement and heat of romantic push-and-pull.
It’s a song that blows away the everyday and gives a boost to anyone who wants to cut loose under the sun.
Sea Breeze and SelfishnessHinatazaka46
A Hinatazaka46 track that portrays a bittersweet romance unfolding by the summer seaside.
It delicately depicts the protagonist’s feelings as they’re swept around by a carefree partner, yet can’t look away from their perilous charm.
Even knowing it’s one-sided, the growing emotions ride on an acoustic sound and ring out refreshingly.
The song is included on the single “Love yourself!” released in May 2025.
Listen to it on a beach at sunset and you might sink into a sentimental mood.
It’s a summer tune that stays close to the aching first loves of youth.
Love♡Scream!AiScReam
An irresistibly cute summer tune that compares the feeling of being in love to ice cream! It’s the title track of AiScReam’s debut single “Ai♡Scream!”, a special unit born from the Love Live! series, released in January 2025.
Overflowing feelings for a crush—so sweet and tangy they might just melt—are sung over an electronic dance sound.
Fans are hooked, saying, “It’s so cute I keep replaying it!” The dance video went viral mainly on social media, drawing huge attention.
It’s also perfect as BGM to hype up summer drives and BBQs! Its irresistibly catchy melody might just help create your best summer memories.
A Long, Short FestivalShiina Ringo
It’s a cool dance tune suffused with the sultry heat of a summer night and a fleeting, ephemeral vibe.
The track is a duet featuring Ukigumo, the guitarist from the band Tokyo Jihen, on vocals.
The rhythm incorporates elements of Brazilian music, and the interplay of the two Auto-Tuned voices is irresistibly captivating.
The lyrics portray a man and woman’s cat-and-mouse game set during a festival night, along with a sense of urgency toward a season that slips away in an instant—evoking Shiina Ringo’s distinctly mature worldview to the fullest.
Released in August 2015 as part of a double A-side single, it was used in Coca-Cola’s summer campaign commercial, making it a familiar tune in many households.
It’s a number you’ll want to listen to on a slightly muggy summer night, soaking in a sentimental mood.
Turn up the heat of the season! Summer songs recommended for Gen Z (21–30)
Shadows of SummerMrs. GREEN APPLE
As the end of summer draws near, a sudden mix of loneliness and a racing heart wells up inside.
Mrs.
GREEN APPLE’s song gently scoops up those hard-to-put-into-words feelings.
The bittersweetness toward a passing season and the faint summer-infused crush that you almost want to blame on the heat resonate in your chest atop a crystal-clear melody.
This track was selected as the CM song for Kirin’s Gogo-no-Kocha, featuring Ren Meguro from Snow Man.
Released in August 2025 as their 20th digital single, it’s packed with both the sparkle and the wistfulness of summers spent with friends.
Use it as the BGM for a short video compiling your fun summer memories, and it’s sure to instantly heighten the emotional vibe.