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

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.

Soda pop!4Chord

[MV] 4CHORD / Soda Pop!

It’s a pop tune that makes your heart fizz and flutter like sparkling soda! 4Chord is an idol girl group formed in 2024, and in this track, the world they create—overlaying the explosive thrill of a budding romance with the effervescence of soda—is irresistibly charming.

The concept by Tetsuya Gekkou, who wrote and composed the song, of “likening a fleeting moment of youth to bubbles,” also comes through in the glittering sound.

This song was released in April 2025 as the second single in their 12-month consecutive release project.

If you listen to it at the start of summer, when you’re getting closer to someone you like, it might amplify that heart-pounding feeling many times over.

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.

HELLO HELLOSnow Man

Snow Man「HELLO HELLO」Music Video YouTube Ver.

This is a love song by Snow Man that delivered a refreshing thrill as the theme song for the film Honey Lemon Soda, starring member Raul.

Carried by a melody that feels like love bursting forth from a fateful encounter, the feelings come through straight and clear.

The music video, which leaps from a drawing into the real “you,” also amplified its pure worldview.

Released in July 2021 as their fourth single, it debuted at No.

1 on the Oricon weekly chart with 806,000 copies sold in its first week.

Notably, it marked their third consecutive single to exceed 500,000 first-week sales—a remarkable feat for a male artist and the first in about ten years.

Listen to it under the summer blue sky, thinking of someone special, and you’ll be wrapped in a heart-filling sense of happiness.