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)
summer squallarashi
A captivating song featuring a refreshing melody and encouraging lyrics that color the passionate summer of Koshien.
Produced as Asahi Broadcasting’s “Summer High School Baseball Support Song,” this track perfectly blends the energetic sound crafted by Yujin Kitagawa of Yuzu with lyrics that cheer on high school baseball players who give their all.
Released in July 2018, it was later included in the album “5×20 All the BEST!! 1999-2019” and has been beloved by many fans.
It’s the perfect song not only for players aiming for Koshien, but also for anyone who wants to feel the spirit of summer youth, hard work, and passion for their dreams.
Songs to heat up the hot season! Summer tracks recommended for Gen Z (51–60)
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.
sparkleFuji Kaze
An ambitious work by Fujii Kaze with a striking vibe reminiscent of ’80s–’90s dance music.
Even amid life’s hardships and rapid changes, you can overcome them as long as you’re with the one you love.
The lyrics carry that uplifting message, perfectly matched with a breezy, lighthearted melody.
Released in May 2021, it was performed at the NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen in December of the same year via a remote appearance from his family home in Satoshō, Okayama Prefecture.
It’s the perfect track not only for July drives in the height of summer, but also for karaoke sessions indoors with the AC on.
Love♡Scream!AiScReam
An irresistibly cute summer tune that compares the feeling of being in love to ice cream! It’s the title track of AiScReam’s debut single “Ai♡Scream!”, a special unit born from the Love Live! series, released in January 2025.
Overflowing feelings for a crush—so sweet and tangy they might just melt—are sung over an electronic dance sound.
Fans are hooked, saying, “It’s so cute I keep replaying it!” The dance video went viral mainly on social media, drawing huge attention.
It’s also perfect as BGM to hype up summer drives and BBQs! Its irresistibly catchy melody might just help create your best summer memories.
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!
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.
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.