A wonderful classic

Recommended summer songs for high school students. Midsummer classics and popular tracks.

Keyboard playerSAKI
I’ve been playing the Electone since I was six, mainly performing Disney music, anime songs, and music from dramas and films. I post performance videos on YouTube and social media, and I also give concerts. Building on my Electone experience, I took up synthesizer and piano during my student years and performed at school-sponsored events. As a writer, I’ve covered not only music-related topics but a wide range of genres, so I hope to draw on my experience to deliver articles that make readers think, “I want to try that!” or “I want to listen to that!”
A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerAraki Jakkan
I’ve worked in a variety of roles—regardless of pro or amateur settings—including live event PA, cameraman for video and photography, restaurant staff, and logistics center staff. I now spend my days as a part-time writer. I’ve contributed to music and manga websites with feature/review articles, and wrote the liner notes included as a bonus for 1st PLACE Inc.’s “IA SUPER BEST.” As for my music background, I started playing guitar in junior high and focused on band activities during my school years. For over 15 years since then, up to the present, I’ve continued releasing original tracks as a Vocaloid producer. My areas of expertise are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.

There are so many songs that use words that evoke summer—like the blue ocean, clear skies, fireworks, and festivals—as their themes or in their lyrics! When summer comes around, you probably feel like listening to songs with that summery vibe, but with so many to choose from, it can be hard to decide what to play.

So in this article, I’ll introduce some summer tunes that I especially recommend for high school students! I’ve picked out love songs and youth anthems that students can likely relate to, so be sure to listen while reading the lyrics!

Recommended summer songs for high school students: midsummer classics and popular tracks (101–110)

Girls’ RuleNogizaka 46

Nogizaka46 'Girls' Rule' Short Ver.

Girls' RuleNogizaka 46

Released in 2013 as the sixth single, it was used across many media, including as the CM song for Rakuten’s “Rakuten Super SALE Executive Committee (Meat & Crab)” commercial.

Despite being only the sixth release since their debut, it sold over 280,000 copies.

The song has a summery feel.

The music video features a storyline and is emotionally moving.

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cheat dayNogizaka 46

Nogizaka46 “Cheat Day”

cheat dayNogizaka 46

This song captures the freshness of summer and the vibrant energy of youth.

It features a catchy rhythm and distinctive rap sections, with lyrics expressing the sense of liberation from school and everyday life.

Released as a single in August 2024, it also includes the TV anime ATRI -My Dear Moments- opening theme, “Ano Hikari.” Although the team reportedly struggled with recording the rap parts during production, the result is packed with a live-concert feel.

With 5th-gen member Nagi Inoue as center, the track showcases a new side of Nogizaka46.

It’s perfect for making summer memories or refreshing your mood.

Sing and dance with friends, and it’s sure to become a delightful page in your summer story.

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Midsummer SunŌhara Sakurako

Sakurako Ohara – Midsummer Sun (Music Video Short ver.)

Midsummer SunŌhara Sakurako

A summer spent as a couple might just catch fire! The summer love song “Midsummer Sun” was released as a single in 2015.

Written and composed by music producer Seiji Kameda, it’s sung by Sakurako Ohara, who is also active as an actress.

There’s an MV image, but what really stands out is the refreshing tone that conjures up a cloudless blue sky and an endlessly stretching sea.

Ohara’s blossom-bright vocals are a perfect match.

Let’s make the most of a summer we can spend with the one we love!

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Unchanging ThingsOku Hanako

Unchanging Things

Unchanging ThingsOku Hanako

If you’re an anime fan, you might already know it.

It’s a ballad featured as an insert song in director Mamoru Hosoda’s smash-hit film The Girl Who Leapt Through Time.

The track is by Chiba-born singer-songwriter Hanako Oku and was included as the B-side on her single Garnet.

The lyrics, which pour out feelings for someone you love, are heart-wrenching.

It’s perfect for sinking into a nostalgic summer mood.

And if you’re in love right now, it will make you think, “Let’s have a romance without regrets.”

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Slow & EasyHirai Dai

Dai Hirai / Slow & Easy (Music Video)

Slow & EasyHirai Dai

If you’ve been pushing yourself too hard and are starting to feel winded, I recommend “Slow & Easy” for those summer moments.

I really admire Dai Hirai’s natural, organic way of living.

The ukulele’s four slightly dry strings create an indescribably soothing tone.

The calmly unhurried chord progression, the lyrics that whisper “Happiness is everywhere,”—once you hear it, you’ll definitely want to recommend it to your friends.

Just like the title says, “take it slow and easy.” Enjoying summer with that mindset sounds perfect, doesn’t it?

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