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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Heats up the hot season! Summer songs recommended for Gen Z (31–40)
Full driveKANA-BOON
This track features a four-on-the-floor beat around 180 BPM and a melody full of exhilarating drive.
Released in May 2014, it’s also included on KANA-BOON’s second album, TIME.
Created with the idea of crafting a song with a powerful first impact that would be embraced by more listeners, as envisioned by Maguro Taniguchi, it reached as high as No.
6 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
Bursting with energetic rock sound, it’s perfect for drives or anyone looking to amp up their summer.
The high-speed melody delivers a rush like stepping on the accelerator, so give it a listen whenever you want to boost your mood!
lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE
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.
We’ve gotta do what seems impossible.Sambomasutā
This song is packed with a fiery message that ignites the spirit to take on challenges.
It celebrates the courage to face any hardship head-on with positivity and the strength to keep believing in your own potential.
Characterized by a powerful rock sound that stirs the listener’s heart, it became familiar as the theme for Nissan’s Serena commercial in 2010 and was later chosen as an image song for the 2022 film “Cheer☆Dance.” Beloved by fans as a surefire crowd-pleaser at summer festivals, it has continued to be cherished by many as an anthem that gives you a push—when you hit a wall in club activities or exam studies, when you’re trying something new, or when you feel like giving up.
Burning FlowerHANA
An energetic summer dance track that ignites a passion like roaring flames! Released in June 2025 by HANA, a girl group born from an audition program, this song follows the success of their debut hit “ROSE.” It’s as if the track captures the very image of the members blooming through adversity, carried by a blazing beat.
The member-crafted synchronized choreography and addictive chorus are sure to make anyone want to start dancing.
Its surprise premiere at a major festival in May 2025 instantly sent the crowd into a frenzy, a testament to the song’s raw energy.
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call it the perfect anthem for beach parties in summer and late-night drives alike!
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.
Turn up the heat of the season! Summer songs recommended for Gen Z (41–50)
Somewhere in the summerWANIMA
A sky so blue it pierces through, and the heady scent of lush greenery.
Energizing Japan’s summer with just that vibe is a classic by WANIMA, the rock band from Kumamoto.
Riding on their signature, fast-paced sound, the song delivers a straightforward message that hits home: blow away past sorrows and future doubts, and live out your best summer as yourself.
Included on the single “Summer Trap!!” released in July 2019, it’s also well-known as the theme song for the Mitsuya Cider commercial featuring Suzu Hirose.
It’s a refreshingly fizzy track perfect not only as background music to hype up kids’ summer vacations, but also to give a push to anyone taking on a challenge.
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.