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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Songs to heat up the hot season! Summer tracks recommended for Gen Z (51–60)
Chilled Soba with Green OnionsCody Rī (Ri)
This song by Cody・Lee (李) is a captivating piece where everyday city life intersects with faint summertime memories.
The lyrics mention several specific places in Tokyo, and seem to depict memories of a past romance and the small joys of daily life—listening to it may stir a sense of nostalgia.
Its light sound, evocative of city pop and indie rock, deftly portrays a scene where the languor of summer, the hustle of the city, and a touch of bittersweet emotion all mingle together.
Included on their major-label debut album, “Heartbeat, Love Letters, and Kindness,” released in May 2022, the track is a special one for the band, with drummer Taki Hara taking the lead in crafting the lyrics together with vocalist Hibiki Takahashi.
If you listen to it at summer dusk or when you suddenly find yourself reminiscing, it’s sure to resonate.
Add it to your playlist as a staple for the season.
Summer BikeFANTASTICS from EXILE TRIBE
This work delivered by FANTASTICS from EXILE TRIBE is irresistible, with a refreshing melody that makes your heart dance just by listening.
The lyrics surely capture the thrill of summer adventures and the youthful rush shared with friends, drawing listeners into a sparkling world.
The choreography by s**t kingz’s NOPPO also seems to showcase a new side of the group.
Released in August 2022 as their 11th single, the song peaked at No.
4 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and is included on the album “FANTASTIC ROCKET.” It’s also well known as the theme song for their live tour, and the music video filmed in Okinawa amps up the summer vibes.
Perfect for a drive or time spent with friends!
Emo-ish summerLucky Kilimanjaro
This is a dance track by Lucky Kilimanjaro, marked by synths and claps that make your heart race from the intro.
Listening to it vividly brings to mind the thrill of the moment love begins—when the world starts to sparkle—along with a hint of bewilderment, all set against summer scenery.
You can feel the protagonist’s burning desire to be so captivated by the other person that nothing else matters, wanting to ignite the feelings of “this very moment” rather than think about the future.
Released as a single in July 2020, the song was featured on Nippon TV’s “Sukkiri” and served as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s “Netapare.” With a refreshing vibe that captures the excitement of early summer, it’s the perfect track to boost your mood or accompany a drive.
Summer Love AdvisorySHISHAMO
It’s a refreshingly exhilarating track from SHISHAMO that truly heralds the arrival of summer.
The protagonist is a girl who’s become a little timid about love.
Even as she stays cautious because of past experiences, her unstoppable feelings build, portrayed over an up-tempo sound.
It’s a number that captures that uniquely summery flutter—an exciting mix of a racing heart and a touch of bittersweet emotion.
Released in June 2023, marking the 10th anniversary of SHISHAMO’s CD debut, the single is also included on the album SHISHAMO 8 from the same year.
It was featured as the CM song for JTB’s “Kokoro Odoru Natsutabi” (Heart-Dancing Summer Trip) campaign, boosting the thrill of summer travel.
Listen to it during a summer drive or a lively BBQ with friends, and it just might multiply the fun many times over.
Songs to Heat Up the Season! Summer Tracks Recommended for Gen Z (61–70)
sea glassSaucy Dog
It’s a song by Saucy Dog that evokes sparkling summer scenes and the sweet-and-sour memories of young love.
Sung over a driving, exhilarating sound, it captures the charm and fragility of a wonderful romance, and the fleeting brilliance of youth that will never return.
It’s sure to deliver a bittersweet yet heartwarming emotion to listeners.
Released as a digital single in July 2020, the track was also included on the mini-album “Take Me” in September of the same year.
The music video, produced in collaboration with Honda’s youth support project “Honda×Music: Wanna Ride a Bike? MUSIC FES.,” expresses the dynamism of youth racing forward on a motorcycle.
Whether you’re feeling the wind on a summer drive or suddenly reminiscing about your school days, listening to this song may bring back the flutter of those moments.
Hot summerTHE JET BOY BANGERZ
A track from THE JET BOY BANGERZ bursting with dazzling, high-voltage energy that pierces the summer sky.
The group’s first summer-themed song delivers a poppy, danceable sound that instantly grabs the listener’s heart.
Like a scene from a Y2K-era TV drama, it vividly captures the everyday moments spent with friends and the refreshing summer memories that sparkle like fizzy soda.
Included on the EP “I Never Thought I’d Cry,” released in May 2025, the record also features a mid-tempo ballad that served as the theme song for the TV Tokyo drama “Missing Persons Search Unit: The Vanished Truth.” Perfect for summer drives, backyard BBQs with friends, or beach parties—play it in any active setting and the fun will multiply!
Blue Hawaii Lemon≒JOY
A track has arrived with an exhilarating melody that feels like it draws you into the bright summer sky! It’s the 3rd single by ≒JOY, produced by Rino Sashihara, set for release in June 2025.
This work uses shaved ice—melting as fleetingly as soft snow—as its motif, expressing a sweet-and-sour yet slightly bittersweet feeling of first love.
The music video’s theme of a “summer escapade” evokes both the sparkle of youth and a touch of grown-up poise, sure to captivate listeners.
In the past, the group has even topped music charts with songs like “Gymnasium Disco.” Roll down the car windows and let the wind in as you listen—your mood will soar for sure! It’s the perfect soundtrack to make those summer moments with friends shine even brighter.