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 (21–30)
Atsuatsu Boogie BackSuzuki Suzuki
This irresistibly upbeat boogie track heralds the arrival of summer.
Released in July 2023 by the brother duo Suzuki Suzuki, it’s a Reiwa-era summer anthem that fuses a hip-hop-flavored, snappy beat with a catchy melody.
The lyrics are bursting with the giddy excitement of summer heat and the spark of a budding romance—just listening makes your body start to move.
The music video, featuring over 50 influencers, also became a hot topic, and dance videos took off on TikTok.
Put it on during a drive with friends or at a beach party, and you’re guaranteed to make the best summer memories!
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.
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.
mermaidSuiyōbi no Campanella
A mermaid from the sea takes a prince from the land by the hand and leads him to a summer festival! Wednesday Campanella captured this cute story with genre-defying dance music.
The track shifts from a laid-back, reggae-style beat to a thrilling section where fierce jungle rhythms and dazzling brass burst forth—sure to set your heart racing.
Released digitally in July 2023, it was also featured as a campaign song for Coca-Cola’s “Coke STUDIO.” Just imagining the mermaid dancing her heart out, forgetting the pain in her feet, swells our excitement for summer events! Put it on during a drive or a barbecue, and it’ll herald the perfect start to summer.
I am the strongest.Uta from ONE PIECE FILM RED
This song, a featured track from the blockbuster animated film ONE PIECE FILM RED, is very popular even among elementary school students.
Its powerful message—believing that you are the strongest—will surely stir your heart.
The exhilarating, powerful sound that blows away anxiety is incredibly appealing.
Released in June 2022 provided by Mrs.
GREEN APPLE, it was included in the album “Uta’s Songs ONE PIECE FILM RED” as one of Uta’s signature tracks sung by Ado.
It’s perfect for trying something new during summer vacation or when you want to give it your all, making it a highly recommended song for anyone looking to boost their summer vibes to the max.
Midsummer day!Nogizaka 46
This is a song by the idol group Nogizaka46.
It was released in 2025 as a track on their 39th single.
Chosen as the “Nogizaka46 Meiji Jingu Stadium Performance 10th Memorial Song,” it’s an up-tempo summer tune.
Its bouncy rhythm and liberating melody line feel great, making you want to take off running as soon as you hear it.
The lyrics express feelings for a loved one encountered by chance on a midsummer day, and that sweet-and-sour worldview is part of its charm.
It’s a bright piece that also spotlights the expressive performance of center member Haruka Kaki.
Star-mineBegrazia
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.