Classic “summer songs” you’ll want to listen to in summer. Timeless J-pop summertime anthems perfect for summer guys and summer girls.

A Little Love SongMONGOL800

A Small Love Song – MONGOL800 | With Lyrics

This is a timeless song by MONGOL800, whose straightforward lyrics and exhilarating, fast-paced melody strike a chord.

Portraying the warmth of having someone precious right by your side and a clear hope for the future, this piece gently accompanies listeners in their everyday lives.

The song is included on the album “MESSAGE,” released in September 2001, which, despite being an indie release, sold over 2.8 million copies.

It has served as a motif for films and as an ending theme for TV anime, making it a track beloved across generations.

Be sure to give it a listen during summer drives or while spending time with friends.

End of the Summer RetreatWurtS

WurtS – Summer’s End (Official Audio)

This is a track by WurtS that feels like it captures that indescribable feeling at summer’s end in musical form.

Over a breezy city-pop sound, it sings of the restless anxiety lurking in everyday life in your mid-twenties and a sentimental longing for the passing summer.

The playful, rhyming word choices add a pleasing accent, making it a striking song where wistfulness and freshness coexist.

The track is included on the digital EP “MAGICAL SOUP,” released in June 2021, and—as the title suggests, which hints at the end of summer training—it also carries a sense of release.

While this particular song had no tie-in, “Wakattenai yo” from the same EP drew wide attention at the time.

It’s the kind of song that resonates even more when you listen during a sunset drive or when you want to be alone with your thoughts.

Live the summerRyokushokushakai

Ryokuoushoku Shakai “Living the Summer” Music Video / Ryokuoushoku Shakai

This is a song by Ryokuoushoku Shakai that portrays the brilliance of summer and the strength of the people who live within it.

It combines a cider-like freshness with the resilience to stand up even when covered in mud, and it just might give courage to those who listen.

Not only the sparkle of youth, but also the earnest effort and passion behind it, come through on a driving, exhilarating sound.

Released in July 2020, the track is widely known as the theme song for tvk’s “RIDE OF KANAGAWA 2020 High School Baseball.” A special edition centered around this song was also included in the album “SINGALONG,” released in September of the same year.

It’s an uplifting anthem that gives you a strong push forward when you’re taking on a challenge or feeling a bit worn out by the summer heat.

fragrant oliveorenji supainikurabu

ORANGE SPiCE CLUB 'Kinmokusei' Music Video

Orange Spiny Club’s “Kinmokusei” is overflowing with “I love you” feelings for someone special—feelings that aren’t spoken face to face.

It was included as the B-side to their 2019 single “Binkan Shoujo.” As summer gradually comes to an end and the harsh heat begins to ease, the song depicts those intense “I love you” emotions pouring out, still vivid enough to recall the season’s blazing heat.

The stylish imagery of overlapping the fragrance of kinmokusei flowers—which begin to bloom around September as summer ends—with the person you love is wonderful.

Highly recommended for those who can’t stop their summer romance, even when the season is almost over!

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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.

Ms. Hanako on a high pedestalback number

back number – Takane no Hanako-san (full)

This signature number from back number is guaranteed to get everyone hyped during summer drives and karaoke—surely a staple summer song that resonates with many.

The track stands out for expressing the bittersweet feelings of an unrequited crush—yearning for someone who won’t look your way—set to a refreshing, fast-paced sound.

While the lyrics portray the woman he admires as someone out of reach, the charm lies in the protagonist’s comical side, drifting into fanciful daydreams and then snapping back to reality.

It captures the perfect interplay between the liberating feel of summer and the frustration of a distance that just won’t close.

Released as a single in June 2013, it was later included on the album “Love Story.” In 2019, it drew fresh attention when vocalist Iyori Shimizu performed a stripped-down version for Kirin Brewery’s Tanrei Green Label TV commercial.

If you want to relive the sweet-and-sour pangs of a one-sided crush, or you’re on your way to a summer event, this song will instantly lift your spirits.

And if you sing it with friends at karaoke, you’re guaranteed to get the whole room going in shared excitement!

Our Summer DreamYamashita Tatsuro

Our Summer Dream

This is a song by Tatsuro Yamashita that evokes a nostalgic feeling, like a summer evening.

The beautiful melody woven by piano and strings makes it feel as if you’re watching a film from start to finish.

The lyrics seem to carry images of Japan’s lost pastoral landscapes and a gentle wish for the future, and listening to it may slowly warm your heart.

It’s a track with a warm theme that conveys bonds with loved ones and a sense of hope.

Released as a single in August 2009, it moved many people as the theme song for director Mamoru Hosoda’s animated film “Summer Wars.” It’s perfect for a summer drive with the windows down, feeling the breeze, and just as fitting for nights when you want to sink into a slightly sentimental mood.

Sing it at karaoke, and it’s sure to resonate with everyone.