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

rainbowFukuyama Masaharu

Masaharu Fukuyama – Rainbow (Full ver.)

This is a refreshing pop-rock number by Masaharu Fukuyama that brightens the listener’s mood.

For the first time, he handled the arrangement himself and was meticulous about the performance, channeling the passions of youth and grand dreams for the future into the music.

Feelings he wanted to express but couldn’t put into words, and a strong will to overcome hardships and grasp hope, come through clearly in his soaring vocals and the lively sound.

The song was included on a single released in August 2003 and was loved by many as the theme song for the drama “WATER BOYS.” It’s truly one of the signature masterpieces that symbolize that summer.

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!

Summer MadnessSandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu

Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS from EXILE TRIBE / Summer Madness feat. Afrojack

It’s a song that perfectly suits the sun, as if announcing the arrival of summer.

The EDM sound crafted by world-renowned DJ Afrojack delivers an exhilarating rush that makes your body move the moment you hear it.

STY’s catchy, lyrical melody seems to sing of summer’s sense of freedom and the thrill in your chest—before you know it, you’ll be humming along.

Released in July 2015 as the 18th single, it was also featured in ANA’s “2015 Summer Tabiwari” commercial.

Included on the acclaimed album THE JSB LEGACY, it became a hit, selling 195,000 copies in its first week on the Oricon Weekly Chart.

Put it on when you want to get the crowd going at karaoke or as the perfect BGM for a summer drive!

Bluebirdikimonogakari

Ikimonogakari "Blue Bird" Music Video

A powerful number that sings of a strong will for freedom under the theme of “longing for the blue sky and the resolve to take flight.” Written and composed by Yoshiki Mizuno and delivered through Kiyoe Yoshioka’s transparent vocals, it brilliantly captures the determination to break through the status quo and head toward a new world.

Released in July 2008, it was featured as the opening theme for the anime Naruto Shippuden.

Debuting at No.

3 on the Oricon Weekly Chart, it became Ikimono-gakari’s first Top 3 entry—a milestone release.

It’s an energizing track recommended for those striving toward their dreams or about to take a new step in life.

lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE “Lilac” Official Music Video

This song packs a sense of exhilarating, fast-paced guitar rock with the bittersweetness of youth.

It was selected as the opening theme for the TV Tokyo anime “Oblivion Battery” in April 2024, marking Mrs.

GREEN APPLE’s first anime tie-in in about five years.

Created by Motoki Ohmori with the feeling of an answer song to “Ao to Natsu,” the track features striking, technically intricate guitar riffs that signal a return to the band’s roots.

The lyrics explore the finiteness of life, the struggles of adolescence, and the importance of loving one’s imperfect self.

It’s a refreshingly uplifting song, perfect for those who want to get fired up at summer festivals or reminisce about their youth.

summer festivalWhiteberry

Whiteberry “Summer Festival” MUSIC VIDEO

This is a famous song that portrays the feelings of a protagonist who, on a festival night spent with their lover in a yukata, can’t quite find the courage to hold hands in the crowd and, even while watching sparklers burn, can’t put their feelings into words.

Released in August 2000, it’s Whiteberry’s signature track—a cover of a JITTERIN’JINN song—that reached No.

3 on the Oricon charts.

It also served as the theme song for the TBS drama “Fushigi na Hanashi” and became the catalyst for their appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

It’s the perfect song for anyone who wants to feel the sweet-and-sour ache of youthful love and nostalgia for summers gone by.

Glaring Summernaniwa danshi

Naniwa Danshi – Gira Gira Summer [Official Music Video]

A dazzling, sun-bright summer anthem has arrived! This track was pre-released as a digital single in June 2025.

Its choreography, which blends summery vibes with disco, is a major highlight, showcasing high-energy dance perfectly suited for midsummer in both the intro and the chorus.

The song has also been featured in a ROUND1 commercial and is slated to be included on the album “BON BON VOYAGE,” set for release in July.

It’s perfect for hyping things up at the beach with friends or as the soundtrack to your summer memories!