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

This sky is the triggerNEW!＝LOVE

=LOVE (Equal Love) / 13th Single “This Sky Is the Trigger” [MV full]

Its bright, glittering, classic idol-pop melody intersects with the ache of unrequited love to strike straight at the heart.

Though it sounds glamorous, what it portrays are the sweet-yet-bitter emotions of a love that won’t be returned.

That gap between cuteness and bittersweetness makes it irresistible, doesn’t it? Released in February 2023 as the group’s 13th single, this work wasn’t backed by a major tie-in; instead, it’s been cherished through events that connect directly with fans, such as special release-commemoration lives.

Surpassing 200,000 copies in its first week, it stands as a symbol of the group’s momentum.

It’s perfect for those wrestling with an unattainable love or anyone who wants to feel the sparkle of youth.

While it stays close to your aching feelings, it also brings a refreshing breeze to your heart.

Summer Chocolate≠ME

≠ME (Not Equal Me) / 4th Single c/w 'Summer Chocolate' [MV full]

If you’re looking for an irresistibly sweet number packed with the thrills of summer, this is the one.

Sung by the duo of Hitomi Suzuki and Saya Tanizaki, this unit song has won fervent support from fans.

The lyrics portray a love that melts like chocolate, and the onomatopoeia-filled phrases are sure to set your heart racing just by listening.

It’s a coupling track included on Type B of the single “Su, Suki Janai!” released in August 2022.

The title track also drew attention as the theme song for the TV anime “The Maid I Recently Hired Is Mysterious.” This song is also featured on the 2024 album “Springtime In You,” making it an indispensable track for the group.

It’s perfect for when you want to feel cute or make that special someone turn their head.

Immerse yourself in the duo’s adorable voices!

3 months♡≒JOY

≒JOY (Nearly Equal Joy) / 3rd Single c/w '♡3 Months♡' [MV full]

A sweet and cute love song that captures the flutter of that perfect three-months-into-dating moment.

It’s the B-side track to the 3rd single “Blue Hawaii Lemon,” released in June 2025.

Many listeners can relate to the lyrics that sing of a girl’s desire to cherish anniversaries.

Center member Mizuki Oshida plays a mischievous young lady in the music video, and the musical-style storyline also drew attention.

The bright, bouncy melody alone will lift your spirits.

It’s perfect for getting in the mood before a date with your partner or for showing off your cute side at karaoke.

Sing this song, and the whole venue is sure to be wrapped in a happy vibe!

I’m in love right now.≒JOY

≒JOY (Nearly Equal Joy) / “I’m in Love Now” [MV full] Vertical video

A bittersweet summer love song told from a male perspective about unrequited feelings.

It captures a rush that makes you want to take off on a bicycle, along with the frustrating distance of watching someone from afar, striking a chord with its purehearted romance.

With lyrics by Rino Sashihara, it was released in August 2025 as part of a “Summer Special Song” project.

The vertically shot school-set music video also drew attention, with its story-driven visuals vividly enhancing the song’s world.

While wishing happiness for the dazzling person they love, the singer laments the ache of not being able to be part of that story.

It’s a must-listen for anyone holding feelings they can’t convey right now, or for those who want to savor the sweet-and-sour taste of love.

Many listeners are sure to relate.

First Love Cinderella≒JOY

≒JOY (Nearly Equal Joy) / 2nd Single Title Track 'First Love Cinderella' [MV full]

If you’re looking for a classic idol song brimming with the flutter of a faint first love, this might be just the one.

With lyrics penned by Rino Sashihara, this sparkling number portrays the down-to-earth feelings of a protagonist in love.

Released as the second single in October 2024, it also made waves by topping major charts like Oricon.

With Reon Esumi at center, the words sung over an exhilarating sound are sure to turn every listener into the heroine of the story.

It’s perfect not only for hyping up karaoke sessions with friends, but also as a powerful ally when you need the courage to take a step forward in love.

I’m totally in love.CANDY TUNE

[LIVE Footage] CANDY TUNE “I’m in L♡ve” CANDY TUNE JAPAN TOUR 2025 – AUTUMN – “TUNE QUEST”

A pop-rock tune packed with sweet, melting feelings of love and a slightly thrilling, heart-pounding excitement.

It’s included on the album “Double Double FIGHT!” released in October 2025 by Harajuku-born idol group CANDY TUNE.

The song has been performed on their nationwide tour and on TBS’s “CDTV Live! Live!”, and is beloved as a crowd-pleasing staple that unites fans.

It’s perfect when you want to make a move on someone you like or express the fun of love with all your might.

In the chorus, try singing as if you’re delivering overflowing love while imitating the cute choreography!

Mermaid in FebruaryAKB48

2gatsuno Mermaid

This AKB48 song paints a romantic scene that makes you want to head to the chilly seaside in lingering-February cold.

It’s memorable for lyrics that liken carefree frolicking by the winter ocean to a mermaid, turning even the cold spray of the waves into shared memories.

Performed as a unit song with Azuki Yagi on vocals at a theater show in December 2024, it was later included on the album “AKB48 ~studio recordings collection~ AKB48 18th Stage ‘Koko Kara da,’” released in December 2025.

This work is a bittersweet love song that captures feelings of affection so strong they make even selfish behavior seem adorable.

It’s the perfect track for gazing out at the quiet winter sea and sinking into a sentimental mood.