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

Stars swimmakaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Enpitsu “Hoshi ga Oyogu” MV

This song, created by Macaroni Enpitsu, serves as the opening theme for the TV anime “Summer Time Rendering.” Its exhilarating yet solid rock sound leaves a strong impression, capturing themes of summer’s restless impatience and a fate that vanishes as fleetingly as fireworks.

The lyrics convey a fierce resolve to confront an unavoidable destiny, the sorrow of losing someone dear, and a determination to keep looking forward nonetheless.

Released digitally in April 2022, the track is also included on the EP “Tamáshii no Ibasho” (“Where the Soul Belongs”).

Mirroring the anime’s edge-of-your-seat developments, this piece is perfect for summer nights when you want to steep yourself in a touch of melancholy or relive the story’s emotional impact.

NatsuneYuuri

“Natsune” acoustic ver.

This is Yuuri’s rock ballad that captures that heart-tightening sense of longing you suddenly feel at summer’s end.

The pure wish to “stay together forever” flows through his emotive vocals and the beautiful melody, resonating deeply with listeners.

Released as a single in September 2021, the song was created for the Hulu original drama “Dry Flower – Room 707 -.” It reached No.

23 on the Billboard JAPAN Hot 100 for the week and is included on the album Ichi.

It’s the kind of song that might really hit home when you’re soaking in a slightly sentimental summer twilight or quietly reminiscing about an old romance.

Summer Ice Fade-Outsoshina

Soshina – Summer Ice Fade-Out

As the end of summer approaches, we can’t help but feel a touch sentimental, can we? The song I’m introducing today beautifully captures the atmosphere of a season slipping away.

Weaving in everyday fragments like melting ice cream and streaming subscriptions, it expresses a desire to cherish the loneliness of summer’s end and those fleeting sparks of brilliance—sure to move anyone who listens.

The original version, produced with a Vocaloid, was released in August 2023, but in May 2025 it returned in a fresh band arrangement with Soshina himself on vocals and guitar.

The sound gains the heat and drive unique to live performance, making it perfect for an even more emotional summer drive.

It’s a number that evokes both nostalgia for days gone by and the energy to move toward tomorrow.

Summertime CinderellaRyokushokushakai

Ryokuoushoku Shakai 'Summer Time Cinderella' Official Video / Ryokuoushoku Shakai – Summer Time Cinderella

It’s a song packed tight with a love that shines like the midsummer sun—dazzling, yet a little bittersweet.

Like Cinderella’s magic, it captures the thrill of a love that sparkles in a fleeting moment, along with the urgency to confess those feelings before summer ends.

The protagonist’s emotions—drawn in despite confusion by a romance sparked by an unexpected encounter—will deeply resonate with anyone who’s experienced unrequited love.

Released first digitally in July 2023 and later as a CD single in September of the same year, the track colored Fuji TV’s Monday 9 p.m.

drama, “Midsummer Cinderella.” It also won an Excellence Award at the 65th Japan Record Awards.

Why not listen to it with someone special as you make summer memories?

Ocean living roomSuzuki Suzuki

Sea Living – Suzuki Suzuki [Official Music Video]

With the uniquely beautiful harmonies only siblings can create, Suzuki Suzuki deliver a perfect song to color the summer of the Reiwa era.

Its fresh, up-tempo melody lifts the listener’s spirits and whisks you away to glittering summertime scenes.

Upon its release in August 2021, the track became a hit, inspiring over 110,000 related videos on TikTok, and it topped the Billboard JAPAN charts for two consecutive weeks in September of the same year.

It’s also included on the album “313.” Ideal for a seaside drive or lively moments with friends, this is a song that’s sure to boost your mood.

Hi-FiveME:I

ME:I (Mei) ⊹ “Hi-Five” Official MV

The title track of ME:I’s second single, released in August 2024, leaves a vivid impression with sweat gleaming under the sun and the refreshing zing of lemonade.

The lyrics, which depict the fun of summer festivals and time spent with someone special, sparkle in the heart like diamonds.

Topping the Billboard Japan Hot 100, the song channels the rising tides of friendship and budding romance—expressed through the simple act of a high-five—into an energetic sound.

Its world conjures moments by the sea and emotions wavering like summer heat haze, making it perfect for getting hyped at karaoke.

It’s a song that makes you want to high-five with everyone and create summer memories.

Roco LotionORANGE RANGE

ORANGE RANGE Locolotion VC HD

A feel-good party tune from Okinawa-born ORANGE RANGE! Just listening to it conjures up scenes of goofing around with friends under the blazing sun, and you can’t help but start moving your body.

This track is ORANGE RANGE’s sixth single, released in June 2004, and it became widely known as the song for Otsuka Beverage’s “MATCH” commercial.

It’s actually a cover of Little Eva’s “The Loco-Motion.” Put it on at the beach or while driving in the summer with friends or someone you like, and you’re sure to make the best memories! It’s the perfect song for anyone whose heart is fluttering at the start of a romance or who wants to make the most of summer.