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

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.

You are mine.Snow Man

Snow Man “You Are Mine” Music Video YouTube Ver.

A classic pop tune that captures the spark of a romance set in motion by a small trigger and makes you realize just how special the other person is.

Chosen as the theme song for the drama “Aoshima-kun wa Ijiwaru,” starring Shota Watanabe, it drew significant attention.

Released in July 2024 as the single “BREAKOUT / Kimi wa Boku no Mono,” it debuted at No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Chart and is also included on the best-of album “THE BEST 2020-2025.” If you want to relive the glittering feelings at the start of love or reaffirm your feelings for someone important, you’re sure to relate when you listen.

The season of bare feetMatsuda Seiko

The season of bare feet

Isn’t this the very song that launched Seiko’s brilliant career brimming with a fresh charm that instantly captivates the listener? In the lyrics, scenes like a white yacht drawing near as if heralding the arrival of summer, and the flutter of first love, are depicted so vividly you can almost see them unfolding before your eyes.

Released in April 1980 as her debut single, the track also became widely known as the theme for Shiseido’s “Ekubo” commercial.

There’s even the story that, although she failed the audition because she couldn’t make dimples, she still won the commercial song thanks to her singing—a testament to her talent, without a doubt.

It’s also included on her first album, “SQUALL.” Give it a listen when you want to feel the refreshing breeze of summer or to rekindle the sweet, bittersweet memories of youth.

Ocean SideKikuchi Momoko

Ocean Side

That urban, sophisticated sound that makes your heart leap—some listeners might feel exactly that.

The opening track of Momoko Kikuchi’s debut album, OCEAN SIDE, released in September 1984, is precisely such a song.

Composed and arranged by Tetsuji Hayashi, its sparkling horn section and groovy rhythm feel delightful, instantly whisking the listener into a carefree summer mood.

The lyrics depict the scenery and rising excitement seen from the window of a plane bound for a southern island, beautifully blending a refreshing clarity with a mellow atmosphere.

While no clear tie-in information can be found, the album as a whole is highly regarded as a city pop masterpiece, and this track shines brightly within it.

It’s a timeless classic—perfect for a summer drive or whenever you want to slip into a resort state of mind.

OmoidamaKanjani∞

Omoidama / Kanjani Eight “Netto Koshien” Theme Song by Itaru Ino (ITARU INO) with Lyrics [Full]

This is the ultimate “summer fight song” that most people would agree on—Kanjani Eight’s heart-pounding anthem! Released in July 2014 as Kanjani Eight’s 28th single, it served as the theme song for “Netto Koshien” and moved countless listeners.

The lyrics directly channel the “dreams” and “passion” collected from about 6,000 high school students nationwide, powerfully conveying the feelings poured into every pitch alongside teammates.

With robust vocals and a refreshing brass band sound, it gives listeners a strong push forward—a song that fills you with courage and hope.

Perfect for anyone facing a crucial moment or when you want your youthful sweat to shine.

Ponytail and ScrunchieAKB48

[MV full] Ponytail to Shushu / AKB48 [Official]

It’s a track brimming with refreshing energy that instantly evokes the arrival of summer! You can almost picture a ponytailed girl dashing by, and the lyrics—like snapshots of a bittersweet first love and a radiant moment of youth—tickle the heart.

The up-tempo arrangement and catchy chorus make it a true summer anthem.

Released in May 2010 as AKB48’s 16th major single, it sold 513,000 copies in its first week—an achievement that, at the time, marked the first such feat by a female idol group in about nine and a half years.

It was also used as the ending theme for NTV’s “Naruhodo! High School.” The liberating visuals filmed in Guam are memorable too, perfect for seaside drives and summer leisure.

Put it on when you want to bask in youthful memories, and you’re sure to have a wonderful time!

By the SeashoreMaison book girl

Maison book girl / By the Seaside / MV

Among sea-themed songs, there is one that stands out for its unique sense of weightlessness and profound worldview.

Crafted by Maison book girl, the track features intricately shifting time signatures that ebb and flow like waves, woven together with elements of electronica and post-rock.

The lyrics poetically depict emotions like the bittersweet sorrow one might feel on the ocean floor and the hopeful sensation of swimming through vast waters, resonating deeply with listeners.

This piece is included on the album “Children of the Sea and the Universe,” released in December 2019.

It’s also noteworthy that the music video—created as part of an Amazon Prime Video project—incorporates ideas from the members themselves.

It’s the perfect number for moments when you want to quietly lose yourself in sentiment by the seaside, or entrust ineffable feelings to music on a late night.

It’s also recommended for those who want to experience experimental, highly artistic music that transcends the conventional boundaries of idol pop.