Summer songs sung by idols: a roundup of classic hits about the sea and love

Assaulted by a love song＝LOVE

=LOVE (Equal Love) / 19th Single “Attacked by a Love Song” [MV full]

=LOVE is an idol group produced by Rino Sashihara.

Their 19th single, “Attacked by a Love Song,” set for release in October 2025, is a cute track about the impulses of love, featuring Maika Sasaki in the center position.

With an earnest message—wanting their feelings to be noticed even if their love is exposed—it vividly captures the exhilaration right before a romance begins.

The protagonist, swept away by a sudden rush of emotion, evokes listeners’ sweet and bittersweet memories.

That is a fairy.Boku ga mitakatta aozora

The Blue Sky I Wanted to See / “That’s a Fairy” Music Video [4K]

Debuting in 2023 and winning the Best New Artist Award at the Japan Record Awards in just one year, Boku ga Mitakatta Aozora are set to release their 7th single in December 2025.

The title track is a classic winter first-love song with lyrics by Yasushi Akimoto and music by Daisuke Shirai.

It tells a poignant story of a boy who is captivated by a girl he glimpses by chance on a train platform, and, seeing her as delicate like a fairy, keeps searching for her every morning.

Vivid scenes—winter uniforms, scarves, and crowded trains—tug at the heart, and it’s impossible not to empathize with the protagonist, who senses the love may never be fulfilled yet still engraves the feeling of “I truly fell in love.” The music video, featuring Ami Kanazawa in the center playing a transfer student, has drawn attention for its direction that shifts between reality and imagination.

Highly recommended for anyone who wants to revisit a softly bittersweet page of youth.

The Sea and Lemon Tea＝LOVE

=LOVE (Equal Love) / 17th Single c/w “Umi to Lemon Tea” [MV full]

From =LOVE, produced by Rino Sashihara, here’s a song where summer scenery intersects with the ache of unrequited love.

Included as a coupling track on the single “Zettai Idol Yamenai de,” released in July 2024, this piece drew attention among fans for featuring Hana Oba as center for a full-group song for the first time.

The memories of a summer gone by and a faint love you can’t forget press upon the heart atop a somewhat wistful melody.

In the music video, the protagonist returns to their hometown and reunites with the senior they once had feelings for, portraying a fleeting summer that rekindles their heart; subtle touches also shine through, such as a poster for the “24th Fireworks Festival,” a nod to Oba’s birthday, decorating the set.

It’s the perfect number for a seaside drive or those moments when you suddenly find yourself feeling nostalgic.

Caste Summer SessionYui Sakurai (FRUITS ZIPPER)

Caste Summer Session

It’s the ultimate cute summer tune, packed with the sparkle of summer sunshine and the flutter in your chest when you’re in front of someone you like! This track is a solo work by Yui Sakurai, active in the idol group FRUITS ZIPPER, and it was included on the single “Zurui, Kawayui,” released in October 2024.

Fans will also love the story that it was premiered ahead of the release at her milestone solo concert at Zepp DiverCity that same month.

The lyrics depict a shy protagonist who struggles to take a step toward their crush, mustering the courage to move forward in love.

Why not give it a listen when you want a push for a summer romance or to lift your mood before seeing someone special?

Secret talk＝LOVE

=LOVE (Equal Love) / “Secret Talk” [MV full] Vertical video

Set against the backdrop of a summer festival, this song poppily captures the heart-fluttering moment when a secret relationship with a longtime crush begins.

It was released digitally in August 2025.

The lyrics, penned by producer Rino Sashihara, are infused with a sweet-and-sour exhilaration—the feeling of wanting to boast about getting closer to someone you like, even though you can’t tell anyone.

Emi Ohtani, who takes center position, delivers a gentle vocal that beautifully conveys the protagonist’s wavering feelings of love.

Let this pop love song elevate your summer mood!

Immoral SummerNogizaka 46

Nogizaka46 “Immoral Summer” Music Video

This is a Nogizaka46 track whose passionate sound evokes the blistering heat of summer, layered with a hint of illicit romantic impulse.

It’s included on their 39th single, “Same numbers,” released in July 2025.

The lyrics, where curiosity about a more mature world intersects with a dangerous pull that seems ready to cross the line of common sense, embody a bold worldview that only an Under track can express.

It’s guaranteed to lift your spirits when you want to break free from the everyday!

Natsumatope＝LOVE

=LOVE (Equal Love) / 14th Single 'Natsu Matopé' DANCE ver. [Full MV]

This pop track by =LOVE is packed with the shimmer and energy of summer, evoking the tropical vibes of Hawaii.

Its refreshing melody and bright rhythm, which use onomatopoeia to paint summer scenes, vividly depict blue seas and white sandy beaches.

Just by listening, your senses are awakened and you’ll feel a rush as if you’ve departed for a year-round paradise.

Released in July 2023, the song became a hit, taking the top spot on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

The single also includes the collaboration track with sister group ≒JOY, “Oozora, Byun to,” and their joint event “Ikonoi Joy 2023” held the same month drew a total of 20,000 attendees.

This work is perfect for anyone longing for the tropics or a travel mood, and makes an ideal companion for midsummer drives or seaside outings.

It’s also the perfect song for those who want to create sweet, bittersweet summer memories.