Double the cool with ice cream tunes: a special collection of timeless songs that touch the heart

chocolate mintHayato Yoshida

Hayato Yoshida / Chocomint (Official Music Video)

A track by Hayato Yoshida, included on the EP “Heisei 2025,” released in April 2025.

What you’ll hear here is an alternative sound paired with a melodious flow—an easygoing, soothing listen that’s the song’s charm.

The lyrics, which deftly rhyme while reflecting on everyday happenings and the meaning of love, are a must-hear.

It’s a song that leaves you feeling a bit sentimental, so why not listen to it alone on a summer evening and let it sink in?

Ice Cream SongToukyou Jihen

Tokyo Incidents – “Ice Cream Song” from Bon Voyage

Tokyo Jihen radiates a one-of-a-kind world with a sound that skillfully weaves in jazz and funk.

At one of their concerts, they covered the children’s song “The Ice Cream Song.” The lyrics, which portray a child’s pure excitement waiting for ice cream their father will bring home, are enough to make you smile just by listening.

This heartwarming moment was unveiled at their February 2012 breakup concert and is included in the live video release “Bon Voyage.” The male members’ musical-style singing and dancing made it a truly special moment—worthy of being called their “graduation project.” The stylish jazz arrangement by these outstanding musicians heightens the nostalgic mood, making it a gem of a cover.

ice creamDOES

DOES – DOES – 09 – Ice Cream

It’s a groovy surf-sound number that also carries a subtly twisted garage rock spirit! Crafted by DOES, a three-piece band from Fukuoka, the track opens with breezy guitars that beckon you toward a blue ocean, then suddenly shifts into a development that feels like a psychedelic mirage—remarkably unique.

The lyrics, set on a beach and depicting scenes of summer, leave a strong impression.

The image of ice cream melting in an instant seems to symbolize youth that vanishes just as quickly.

It’s the perfect song for anyone who finds a plain, sunny summer tune a bit lacking and wants something a little more stimulating as their BGM.

Ice CreamKAHOH

KAHOH – Ice Cream (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

An alluring, cool R&B track that sings of summer romance.

Crafted by singer-songwriter KAHOH, it’s featured on the EP “Ice Cream e.p.” released in August 2022.

The sensual world it evokes pairs the image of ice cream slowly losing its shape with a passionate love affair.

The lyrics, which conjure a protagonist who actively revels in love, are sure to resonate.

The song also drew attention as the first collaboration between the U.S.

producer unit Bankroll Got It and a Japanese female artist.

Perfect for summer nights when you want to bask in a slightly grown-up mood.

Why not let yourself get intoxicated by its glossy groove?

ice creamamazarashi

amazarashi – Ice Cream

A rock band that captures the loneliness lurking in everyday life and the emotions that defy words with literary lyrics, amazarashi.

The song they created sets its stage in the inorganic space of a station elevator, portraying a protagonist who escapes the suffocating reality and seeks a quiet emotional connection with someone.

The pain of feeling out of sync—between the everyday smiles beyond the ticket gates and the emptiness within—cuts deeply into the listener’s heart.

This work is compelling for its poetic worldview that makes you want to cherish those personal emotions—fleeting like something that could melt away, yet undeniably real.

Included on the mini-album “Love Song,” released in June 2012.

It’s the perfect track for a night when you’re worn out by the city’s clamor and want to sit alone in quiet contemplation.

Ice Cream SyndromeSukima Suichi

Sukima Switch – “Ice Cream Syndrome” Music Video: SUKIMASWITCH – ICECREAM SYNDROME Music Video

Sukima Switch is a musical duo that continues to influence many artists on the J-POP scene.

This song they created depicts the complex feelings of love held by a protagonist who has fallen for a friend.

Released in July 2010 as their 13th single, it was used as the theme song for the film Pokémon: Diamond & Pearl – Zoroark: Master of Illusions.

It’s still beloved today, having ranked 7th in a fan poll and been included on their best-of album DOUBLES BEST.

It’s the kind of track you’ll want to play on a summer drive or when you’re in a slightly sentimental mood at dusk.

With a soaring high note in the final chorus that resonates in your chest, it’s a refreshing pop tune.

ice creamOku Hanako

ice cream

When you’re in the mood for a bittersweet love song, how about this one? Its lyrics map the swelling feelings for a lover you can’t see when you want to, onto ice cream that melts away in an instant—a heart-wrenching effect.

The track is by singer-songwriter Hanako Oku, known for her keyboard-and-vocal performances, and is included on her album “Haruka Tooku ni Mieteita Kyou,” released in May 2017.

The album reached No.

18 on the Oricon charts.

Her translucent vocals and gentle piano tones delicately reflect the protagonist’s wavering heart.

Put it on during a sentimental night, and its melody will surely stay close to yours.