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!
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Recommended summer songs for high school students: Midsummer classics and popular tracks (1–10)
Is youth embarrassing, or is it youth if it’s embarrassing?Ryokushokushakai
This song by Ryokuoushoku Shakai captures the sweet-and-sour feelings of youthful love.
Released in July 2024, it was also chosen as the theme song for ABEMA’s drama “Kyo, Suki ni Narimashita: Summer Break 2024.” It’s a track packed with the heat of summer and the passion of youth.
The lyrics, which proclaim that things are most precious because they’re finite, convey a longing for the experiences and emotions that can only be felt right now.
By honestly expressing the contradictions and embarrassment of adolescence, it’s sure to resonate with high school students.
It’s the perfect song for cheering yourself on as you work to make unforgettable summer memories.
Because I’ve always loved you.neguse.
Written as the theme song for summer high school baseball, Neguse’s track powerfully captures the energy and passion of youth.
Centered on the theme of “the value of keeping going,” it portrays high school baseball players who continue moving forward even when faced with adversity.
Released digitally on June 7, 2024, it is slated to air during high school baseball broadcasts throughout the tournament period.
With distinctive rap and choral sections, the song’s uplifting tone leaves a strong impression.
It’s a recommended listen not only for high school students, but also for those who want to cheer on players aiming for Koshien, or anyone looking to revisit the fiery memories of their youth.
Trace that dreamYOASOBI
Their debut song “Yoru ni Kakeru” created a huge buzz both in Japan and abroad, and this male-female duo YOASOBI, who are taking the J-POP scene by storm as a new-era music unit, released this as their second digital-only single.
The track was produced based on the short story “Yume no Shizuku to Hoshi no Hana,” posted on the novel-sharing site monogatary.com, and is known for having multiple tie-ins.
With its exhilarating beat, ear-catching piano phrases, a beautiful melody woven by a distinctive vocal, it’s packed to the brim with everything that makes YOASOBI so compelling.
Its lyrics paint summer scenes, and the buoyant feeling within its refreshing sound is pleasantly uplifting—a pop tune that resonates with the summers of high school life.
Summer Colorsyuzu
Speaking of Yuzu, you think of Natsuiro; and when you think of Natsuiro, you think of Yuzu.
I’m sure many people would say this is their favorite of all Yuzu’s songs! Of course, it’s a familiar tune even to high school students now.
The year it was released was 1998, so all you high schoolers weren’t even born yet… right? It was also used in 2017 as the commercial song for Lotte’s ice cream “Sou,” so many of you may have heard it then.
The lyrics capture the unchanging, unfading summer of youth—eternal in their imagery.
Even the line about coasting down a hill on a bicycle has a certain sweet-and-sour feeling to it!
fireworks (launched into the sky)DAOKO × Yonezu Kenshi
A song by DAOKO, a female singer active as a rap singer and hip-hop MC, and Kenshi Yonezu, the singer-songwriter who composed the track.
Chosen as the theme song for the animated film “Fireworks, Should We See It from the Side or the Bottom?,” its melody, which carries a hint of traditional Japanese flair, and its transparent arrangement evoke images of summer scenery.
The scenes expressed through each of their voices seem to suggest the faint, personal summer stories that exist for as many people as there are listeners.
It’s a masterpiece with an exquisite, beautiful worldview that transcends the boundaries of anime songs—perfect for the summers of one’s youth.
Blue and SummerMrs. GREEN APPLE
This is the seventh single by the three-piece rock band Mrs.
GREEN APPLE, who resumed activities in 2022 and are drawing ever higher expectations for their future.
Chosen as the theme song for the film “Ao-Natsu: Kimi ni Koi Shita 30-Nichi” (Blue Summer: The 30 Days I Fell in Love with You), the track opens with a brisk, guitar-driven riff that evokes the summer sky.
Its message—encouraging listeners to make the most of that once-in-a-lifetime season of high school summers—gives a strong push to those who struggle to take the first step.
It’s an energetic summer anthem that makes you feel the blazing sun and a refreshing breeze.
You and the summer music festivalSHISHAMO
When it comes to summer songs and summer festivals, this is the one! SHISHAMO’s “Kimi to Natsu Fes.” Released in 2014 as their debut single, it’s become one of the band’s signature tracks and a staple at summer festivals.
The song paints a heart-fluttering scene of a couple who’ve only just started dating going on a summer festival date—fresh and sweet.
The girl’s feelings—“I want to enjoy the fest, but will he think I’m too much?”—are adorable worries that many can totally relate to!
