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

Summer memories scented by the windAAA

AAA / “Summer Memories Fragrant on the Breeze” Music Video

A song whose bittersweet yet beautiful melody seeps into the heart, like recalling an old love in a fleeting moment on a summer evening.

Don’t the memories AAA sings of—days of summer now gone and a fragile romance—spread through your chest like a pale watercolor? The track was included as the B-side to AAA’s single “Wake up!” released in July 2014, and later featured on the album “GOLD SYMPHONY” released the same year, as well as the following year’s best-of collection “AAA 10th ANNIVERSARY BEST.” It was used in Ito-Yokado’s yukata commercial, coloring the memories of many alongside the sights and sounds of summer.

For those who want to soak in a sentimental mood at summer’s end, this song will gently stay by your side, bringing you close to those sweet-and-sour memories of days gone by.

I want to become the wind.THE BOOM

THE BOOM 'I Want to Be the Wind' Meihou Plateau Music Festival

“Summer’s here! It’s samba time!” That’s the kind of phrase that might just burst out when you hear this exhilarating number by THE BOOM.

Driven by Kazufumi Miyazawa’s desire to “create a Japanese samba,” the song’s rich tapestry of percussion instantly sweeps listeners into the joyful whirl of a carnival.

Its lyrics carry a straightforward, heartfelt message: no matter the hardships, happiness can be found as long as you’re with the one you love—and even amid harsh realities, life itself is something to celebrate.

Released in March 1995 as a single from the album Far Eastern Samba, the track was also featured in commercials for DC Card and J-PHONE, adding color to many people’s summers.

Put it on for a drive, outdoor fun, or any summer event, and it’s guaranteed to lift your spirits!

Beautiful finsupittsu

Spitz / Beautiful Fin

What enhances the emotional impact of the film even further is this song by Spitz.

Its crystal-clear melody and Masamune Kusano’s delicate vocals blend beautifully with a sound that evokes shimmering water.

The lyrics seem to carry a message of holding on to hope and living with strength, even in difficult times.

The words shine like summer sunlight while leaving a faintly wistful afterglow that resonates in the heart.

Released in April 2023 as their 46th single, the song drew major attention as the theme for the film Detective Conan: Black Iron Submarine and debuted at No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

Listen to it on a summer drive or by the seaside, and you’ll feel the beauty of the season along with the film’s moving emotions.

Savor it slowly as you bask in your cherished memories!

Stars swimmakaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Enpitsu “Hoshi ga Oyogu” MV

This song, created by Macaroni Enpitsu, serves as the opening theme for the TV anime “Summer Time Rendering.” Its exhilarating yet solid rock sound leaves a strong impression, capturing themes of summer’s restless impatience and a fate that vanishes as fleetingly as fireworks.

The lyrics convey a fierce resolve to confront an unavoidable destiny, the sorrow of losing someone dear, and a determination to keep looking forward nonetheless.

Released digitally in April 2022, the track is also included on the EP “Tamáshii no Ibasho” (“Where the Soul Belongs”).

Mirroring the anime’s edge-of-your-seat developments, this piece is perfect for summer nights when you want to steep yourself in a touch of melancholy or relive the story’s emotional impact.

Ocean living roomSuzuki Suzuki

Sea Living – Suzuki Suzuki [Official Music Video]

With the uniquely beautiful harmonies only siblings can create, Suzuki Suzuki deliver a perfect song to color the summer of the Reiwa era.

Its fresh, up-tempo melody lifts the listener’s spirits and whisks you away to glittering summertime scenes.

Upon its release in August 2021, the track became a hit, inspiring over 110,000 related videos on TikTok, and it topped the Billboard JAPAN charts for two consecutive weeks in September of the same year.

It’s also included on the album “313.” Ideal for a seaside drive or lively moments with friends, this is a song that’s sure to boost your mood.

Full driveKANA-BOON

KANA-BOON “Full Drive” Music Video

This track features a four-on-the-floor beat around 180 BPM and a melody full of exhilarating drive.

Released in May 2014, it’s also included on KANA-BOON’s second album, TIME.

Created with the idea of crafting a song with a powerful first impact that would be embraced by more listeners, as envisioned by Maguro Taniguchi, it reached as high as No.

6 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

Bursting with energetic rock sound, it’s perfect for drives or anyone looking to amp up their summer.

The high-speed melody delivers a rush like stepping on the accelerator, so give it a listen whenever you want to boost your mood!

Naughty SunORANGE RANGE

ORANGE RANGE “Ikenai Taiyō” Music Video

It’s a refreshing rock number that blows away the feeling of being overwhelmed by the summer heat.

Released in July 2007, the track combines ORANGE RANGE’s signature mixture rock with retro-pop elements, delivering a bright, energetic sound themed around the sun.

Chosen as the opening theme for the Fuji TV drama “Hanazakari no Kimitachi e ~ Ikemen Paradise ~,” it became a major hit, reaching No.

3 on the Oricon weekly chart.

This song is perfect for summer drives, seaside outings, or anytime you want to amp up the energy with friends.