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 (41–50)
Super SummerNiziU
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
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.
Bitter VacationMrs. GREEN APPLE
A heartwarming song that stands by the modern person living through suffocating days.
Created by Mrs.
GREEN APPLE as the theme song for the film “Saint☆Young Men THE MOVIE: Holy Men VS The Demon Army” in November 2024, this piece gently speaks to the importance of taking a break amid busy days.
Much like Jesus and Buddha in the film, it illustrates the beauty of loosening your shoulders and living at ease, set to a pop melody.
It’s a song that resonates deeply—not only for those worn out from constantly pushing themselves, but especially for those who tend to be consumed by the hardships right in front of them.
Naughty Sunorenji renji
A youthful pop tune that vividly portrays a passionate summer romance.
ORANGE RANGE’s playful spirit blends with a mixture-rock sound to boldly depict an adult love affair.
Set to a melody with a retro vibe, the lyrics skillfully capture the push-and-pull between reason and desire.
Released in July 2007, the song was used as the opening theme for the Fuji TV drama “Hanazakari no Kimitachi e ~Ikemen Paradise~” and was also included on the album “PANIC FANCY.” It’s the perfect track for belting out at karaoke or for marking a page of youth on a hot summer day.
July 1stHamasaki Ayumi
Ayumi Hamasaki’s summer song adds a brilliant splash of color to the arrival of the season.
Its bright, breezy melody and uplifting lyrics come together to hint at the start of the hot months.
Included on the single “H,” released in 2002, the track gained wide recognition when it was featured in KOSE’s VISÉE TV commercial.
In the car on the way to the beach, while getting ready to head to a festival, or in those moments before meeting up with friends…
it’s an exciting song that makes you want to make plans with someone.
rainbowFukuyama Masaharu
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
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.