Classic “summer songs” you’ll want to listen to in summer. Timeless J-pop summertime anthems perfect for summer guys and summer girls.
What kind of songs do you feel like listening to in the summer? I bet many of you want to turn up the energy with upbeat, summery tracks that get you hyped.
On the other hand, it’s also nice to enjoy songs with a calmer, chill vibe and immerse yourself in the world of the lyrics.
In this article, we’ve gathered a wide range of songs with different moods that are perfect for summer.
You’re sure to find something you want to listen to.
These are summer tunes we can recommend for any situation—beach trips, drives, barbecues, and more—so be sure to check them out to the end!
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Classic summer songs you’ll want to listen to in summer: staple J-POP tracks perfect for summer guys and summer girls (61–70)
Nagisaimase
The track drawing attention after being selected for the 15th Buzz Tracker is “Nagisa.” It’s a song by next-generation singer imase.
While all of his releases tend to go viral on TikTok, this one in particular has garnered standout support.
Set to a sound reminiscent of 80s city pop, the song tells a story of beachside romance—something listeners of all ages are likely to enjoy.
Also, don’t miss the music video, which has the vibe of a retro music show.
Summer MemoriesKetsumeishi
Ketsumeishi’s 7th single “Natsu no Omoide,” released in 2003.
If you’re a summer guy or summer girl, there are probably many of you who like Ketsumeishi, right? Ketsumeishi has a lot of summer songs, but as the title suggests, this one is a summer track that looks back on and reminisces about summertime.
It’s moody and slow-tempo, yet packed with everything that screams “this is summer!” Listening to it at the end of summer can put you in a slightly sentimental mood.
A Midsummer Night’s DreamMatsutōya Yumi
When it comes to Yuming (Yumi Matsutoya)’s quintessential summer hit, it’s Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Released as a single in 1993, it was used as the theme song for the TBS drama ‘Dare ni mo Ienai’ (I Can’t Tell Anyone).
It topped the Oricon Singles Chart for two consecutive weeks and became her first million-selling single.
The minor-key tones layered over a Latin-style rhythm evoke the intensity of a scorching summer.
It’s a classic that has been covered by many artists, including Noriyuki Makihara and Keisuke Kuwata.
Ya! Hot! Hot!Janīzu WEST
Speaking of summer, it’s all about ice cream! This is “Ya! Hot! Hot!” by Johnny’s WEST, used as the 2017 commercial song for the ice cream classic Baskin-Robbins (31 Ice Cream).
The uptempo track is perfect for summer and just listening to it lifts your spirits.
It’s included on their fourth album, “WESTival,” released in 2018.
Ghost of the SeaYonezu Kenshi
This is a song written specifically as the theme for the film Children of the Sea.
The fact that it’s a track by Kenshi Yonezu, a leading figure in the J-pop scene, is enough to draw attention on its own, and its content certainly lives up to the hype.
While it isn’t the kind of upbeat, “summery” tune that lifts your spirits, its grand atmosphere has a powerful depth that evokes the deep sea.
It’s a track you’ll want to hear with impactful, high-quality sound.
August 888 — This is way too much summerrisaitaruzu
This is a song that instantly amps up the summer vibe.
Created by Recitals, a unit that sprang from the popular YouTuber group Tokai On Air, this track is packed with a catchy melody that makes your heart dance and playful word choices that are pure fun.
It’s like painting a picture of an endless summer—you can almost see the glittering scenes unfold before your eyes.
Released in August 2022, the song was also chosen as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s “Zenryoku! Datsuryoku Times” from August to September 2022.
Whether you’re on a summer drive, hanging out at the beach, or firing up a barbecue, this track will take your excitement to the next level.
Add it to your playlist and soak up the summer!
Summer MadnessSandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu
It’s a song that perfectly suits the sun, as if announcing the arrival of summer.
The EDM sound crafted by world-renowned DJ Afrojack delivers an exhilarating rush that makes your body move the moment you hear it.
STY’s catchy, lyrical melody seems to sing of summer’s sense of freedom and the thrill in your chest—before you know it, you’ll be humming along.
Released in July 2015 as the 18th single, it was also featured in ANA’s “2015 Summer Tabiwari” commercial.
Included on the acclaimed album THE JSB LEGACY, it became a hit, selling 195,000 copies in its first week on the Oricon Weekly Chart.
Put it on when you want to get the crowd going at karaoke or as the perfect BGM for a summer drive!