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

The Door to SummerMatsuda Seiko

Seiko Matsuda – The Door of Summer (from Seiko Matsuda Concert Tour 2019 “Seiko’s Singles Collection”)

It’s a classic that carries the sparkle of summer’s arrival and the thrill of a budding romance.

Just listening to it makes your heart skip and gives you the urge to dash off somewhere, doesn’t it? Released in April 1981 as Seiko Matsuda’s fifth single, this track is also included on the acclaimed album “Silhouette.” Its hope-filled lyrics and Seiko’s endlessly soaring high notes blend perfectly, as if gently giving listeners a push forward.

It was also featured at the time in a Shiseido “Ekubo” commercial, enchanting many with her voice.

Isn’t it just perfect for opening the door to a new season or when you want to refresh your mood?

Real Sexy!Sexy Zone

Sexyzone

A refreshing pop tune that makes your heart skip just by listening, filling you with the courage to take a step into a new world! It lifts your spirits as if someone were inviting you, “Let’s go find a new view together!” The lyricist’s intention to convey “the breath of spring and hope” is beautifully expressed.

Released in May 2013 as a double A-side single, it debuted at No.

1 on the Oricon charts and was used as the theme song for Fuji TV’s “Super Infiltration! Real Scope Hyper.” It’s sure to give you a powerful push whenever you’re starting a new challenge or want to lift your mood.

Summer has come!kyandīzu

Candies “Summer Has Come!”

This is a classic song by Candies, the idol group that blazed through the 1970s, heralding the dazzling arrival of summer.

Its invigorating sound conjures up glittering greenery and blue skies, while slightly grown-up lyrics hint at the beginning of romance, deftly capturing the sweet-and-sour essence of youth.

Released in May 1976 as their 10th single, it also served as the centerpiece of the album of the same name, “Natsu ga Kita!” The beautiful harmonies woven by Ran Ito, Miki Fujimura, and Yoshiko Tanaka are truly the group at their finest.

For some listeners, this song may vividly revive sparkling summer memories from those days.

Blue-Sky DiscothequeBoku ga mitakatta aozora

Blue-Sky Discotheque

You know those disco tunes that make your body start keeping time without thinking, overflowing with the carefree spirit of summer? This track by “Boku ga Mitakatta Aozora,” who’ve been drawing attention as the official rivals to Nogizaka46, is one of them.

It’s included on their single “Koi wa Baisoku,” released in March 2025.

The group won the New Artist Award at the 65th Japan Record Awards in their debut year, 2023, and you can feel that momentum here.

The lyrics capture a soaring feeling set on a summer beach, with vivid imagery that shifts beautifully from under the blazing sun to the dance floor after sunset.

Be sure to play this song on a summer drive or at a party to lift the mood!

Summer HeroineKawai Naoko

Naoko Kawai Summer Heroine

It’s a wonderfully refreshing tune that conjures up a seaside sparkling under the summer sun.

Naoko Kawai’s bright, soaring vocals carry the heroine’s summertime thrills and that slightly bittersweet urge to act a little more grown-up.

Released as a single in June 1982, it reached No.

7 on the Oricon chart and, together with the album of the same name, “Summer Heroine,” became a favorite among many fans.

Play it on a summer drive or at a resort, and you’ll feel that glittering mood of those days come rushing back.

It’s the perfect number for anyone who wants to bask in nostalgic summer memories or just lift their spirits.

COCONUTNiziU

NiziU(니쥬) 2nd Album「COCONUT」M/V

Perfect for the season when the summer sun is dazzling, this is a summery track from NiziU’s album “COCONUT.” Just listening to it lifts your spirits, evoking a refreshing scene of blue skies and the sea.

Its vibrant sound makes summer memories with friends shine, and the nine members’ vocals convey the openness and positive energy of summer.

The album “COCONUT,” which includes this song, was released in July 2023 and debuted at No.

1 on the Oricon Albums Chart with 142,000 copies sold in its first week.

The album also features the movie theme song “Paradise” and the drama theme song “LOOK AT ME.” It’s a perfect pick to elevate karaoke, road trips, and all your summer outings—highly recommended for anyone looking to enjoy the season.

Our Great JourneyKing&Prince

King & Prince 'Our Great Journey' MV YouTube Edit

A song for which C&K provided the composition, performed by King & Prince! Its exhilarating, up-tempo melody evokes an endless blue sky and a shining sun, setting listeners’ hearts dancing.

Brimming with positive energy, it feels like an anthem about stepping into an unknown journey with friends and moving forward just as your heart leads.

This track is included on the limited First Press Edition A of their third album “Re:Sense,” released in July 2021.

Play it on a summer drive or at a lively get-together with friends, and it will surely lift the mood even higher.

And when you need the courage to take a new step, it might just give you a gentle push forward.