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!

Hi-FiveME:I

ME:I (Mei) ⊹ “Hi-Five” Official MV

This song is the perfect way to amp up summer vacation with friends.

It’s the title track of ME:I’s single “Hi-Five,” released in August 2024, and its theme is the sparkle and exhilaration of spending summer with your crew.

Packed with the refreshing vibe of lemonade sipped under the sun and the joy that makes every day shine just by being together, it’s a track full of feel-good energy.

The song has gained popularity for its upbeat sound, debuting at No.

2 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

Put it on as your summer vacation BGM, and it’s sure to elevate the fun.

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.

My Past Life, Many Lifetimes AgoRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – Zenzenzense (movie ver.) [Official Music Video]

It’s the song that became a huge hit as the theme for the film Your Name.

The film’s world gives me a sense of summer.

When I listen to Zenzenzense in the summer, it brings back memories of the hot season and the movie’s story.

The music video, which has a storyline, also has visuals that feel like summer.

The greenery and the sunshine are beautiful.

End and Beginningkariyushi 58

Kariyushi58 'The End Is the Beginning'

Summer days are long, aren’t they? The more time we have to enjoy, the more bittersweet it feels when it comes to an end.

Try listening to this song by Kariyushi58 that turns even that bittersweetness into music.

I’m sure it will leave you feeling calm and gentle.