Get fired up for the hot season! Summer songs recommended for Gen Z

Star-mineBegrazia

Hatsuboshi Academy “Star-mine” Official Music Video (Hatsuboshi Gakuen – Star-mine)

This is a song released as a single in August 2025 by Begrazia, a three-member unit born from the game “Gakuen Idolmaster.” The lyrics and composition are by Jin, a popular Vocaloid producer.

The track sings of the resolve and passion of girls who stake everything on a fleeting moment of brilliance, like rapid-fire fireworks vividly coloring the night sky.

Its exhilarating, fast-paced sound grabs the listener’s heart and won’t let go.

Whether you’re determined to take on a new challenge or want to boost your mood to the max, their voices, aiming for their dreams, are sure to give you a push forward.

Immoral SummerNogizaka 46

Nogizaka46 “Immoral Summer” Music Video

This is a Nogizaka46 track whose passionate sound evokes the blistering heat of summer, layered with a hint of illicit romantic impulse.

It’s included on their 39th single, “Same numbers,” released in July 2025.

The lyrics, where curiosity about a more mature world intersects with a dangerous pull that seems ready to cross the line of common sense, embody a bold worldview that only an Under track can express.

It’s guaranteed to lift your spirits when you want to break free from the everyday!

sun-fadedHatsuboshi Gakuen

Hatsuboshi Academy “Sunfaded” Official Music Video (Hatsuboshi Gakuen – Sunfaded)

This piece is sung by Hiro Shinozawa of Hatsuboshi Academy from the mobile game “Gakuen Idolmaster.” Following the previous song “Koukei” (“Scenery”), it was also produced by Hakushi Hasegawa.

Many listeners will likely feel nostalgic at the lyrics that capture the glitter and fragility of youth—the defenselessness of a summer day when you forgot to put on sunscreen, or a fleeting moment when the light looked like a shining ring.

The edgy alternative rock sound paired with her clear, translucent voice is a contrast that really hits home.

Give it a listen as the seasons change, and let your thoughts wander.

Mahoro in SummerHarukamirai

Harukamirai – Summer Mahoro (Official Music Video)

This is a heart-thumping track by Harukamirai that vividly captures the blazing summer sun and the days of youth gone by.

The song leaves a strong impression with its protagonist looking back, amid the encroaching heat, on the self who once acted tough and the past when they couldn’t be a little more honest.

Alongside motifs like sunflowers and white baseballs, the nostalgia for those burning days and the resolve to step into the future ride on an energetic rock sound that’s sure to move listeners.

The track is included on the album “THE BAND STAR,” released in July 2020, and was also selected as a J-pop recommendation on MUSIC ON! TV that same month.

It’s perfect for summer drives or outings with friends, and if you want to rekindle that fiery feeling from back then, be sure to give it a listen!

Naughty SunORANGE RANGE

ORANGE RANGE – Naughty Sun (Reiwa ver. Music Video)

This is a track by ORANGE RANGE, a rock band from Okinawa, which served as the opening theme for the drama “Hana-Kimi: Ikemen Paradise.” Released in July 2007, it’s also included on the album “PANIC FANCY.” The song centers on the impulse of a dangerous love that can’t be stopped even when you know you shouldn’t—like a blazing sun.

It portrays “two people drawn to each other, forgetting reason,” through the passionate vocals of the group’s three singers and a retro-pop sound.

It’s guaranteed to boost your mood when you listen during summer drives or events! Even after its release, it’s continued to be loved as a cross-generational summer classic, with related videos on TikTok reaching the tens of millions.

Season in the SunTUBE

Tube Season in the sun

It’s an iconic TUBE song that sings about sparkling summer love and the bittersweet feeling as it nears its end.

The moment you hear it, the refreshing melody brings to mind blue seas and bright sunshine, and you can’t help but feel your heart leap.

Released in April 1986 as their third single, it topped the weekly rankings on the music show “The Best Ten” and became the track that changed the band’s destiny.

It has also long been beloved as a commercial song for Kirin Beer and Suntory.

Play it on a summer drive or at the beach with friends, and you’re sure to make unforgettable memories! It’s the perfect number to color a page of your youth, don’t you think?

SUMMER SONGYUI

YUI「SUMMER SONG」

YUI’s summer anthem—so vivid you can almost see the dazzling sun and blue skies—is lighting up TikTok this season.

In summer, you can feel just a bit bolder than usual, like you’re able to get closer to the one you like.

This song captures that sweet-and-sour feeling of first love and the determination to move toward the future on your own, all set to a refreshing melody.

Released as a single in July 2008, it debuted at No.

1 on the Oricon weekly chart.

Even without a tie-in, it garnered overwhelming support and later became a signature track included on the album “HOLIDAYS IN THE SUN.” Whether you want to fill your heart with anticipation for the summer ahead or reminisce about carefree, youthful days with friends, listening to it will bring those sparkling memories vividly back to life.