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

I am the strongest.Uta from ONE PIECE FILM RED

[Ado] I’m 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.

Super SummerNiziU

NiziU 「Super Summer」 Dance Performance Video

This is the summer anthem by the nine-member girl group NiziU, featured as the song for Coca-Cola’s summer campaign commercial.

Its exhilarating sound fizzes like sparkling soda, and the liberating melody evokes an endless blue sky.

The lyrics vividly conjure images of cherishing irreplaceable summer moments with friends, enjoyed to the fullest.

Released in July 2021, the track brims with positive energy that instantly paints listeners’ hearts in summer hues.

It’s the perfect number for moments when you want to create the best memories—like drives and barbecues with friends.

Midsummer day!Nogizaka 46

Midsummer day!

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.

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.

Live the summerRyokushokushakai

Ryokuoushoku Shakai “Living the Summer” Music Video / Ryokuoushoku Shakai

This is a song by Ryokuoushoku Shakai that portrays the brilliance of summer and the strength of the people who live within it.

It combines a cider-like freshness with the resilience to stand up even when covered in mud, and it just might give courage to those who listen.

Not only the sparkle of youth, but also the earnest effort and passion behind it, come through on a driving, exhilarating sound.

Released in July 2020, the track is widely known as the theme song for tvk’s “RIDE OF KANAGAWA 2020 High School Baseball.” A special edition centered around this song was also included in the album “SINGALONG,” released in September of the same year.

It’s an uplifting anthem that gives you a strong push forward when you’re taking on a challenge or feeling a bit worn out by the summer heat.

COCONUTNiziU

NiziU(니쥬) 2nd Album「COCONUT」M/V

Perfect for the season when the summer sun is dazzling, this is a summery track from NiziU’s album “COCONUT.” Just listening to it lifts your spirits, evoking a refreshing scene of blue skies and the sea.

Its vibrant sound makes summer memories with friends shine, and the nine members’ vocals convey the openness and positive energy of summer.

The album “COCONUT,” which includes this song, was released in July 2023 and debuted at No.

1 on the Oricon Albums Chart with 142,000 copies sold in its first week.

The album also features the movie theme song “Paradise” and the drama theme song “LOOK AT ME.” It’s a perfect pick to elevate karaoke, road trips, and all your summer outings—highly recommended for anyone looking to enjoy the season.

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!