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. Essential J-pop staple tunes perfect for summer guys and summer girls (101–110)
Drowning in summerBocchi
Let me introduce Drowning in Summer, a track that’s been spreading by word of mouth, especially on social media.
It’s a summer song by the rock band Bocchi.
Set on a summer day, it depicts someone reflecting on a past summer romance.
If you watch the music video along with it, it’s easier to grasp: the song alternates between a past summer and the present one.
This structure really heightens the bittersweet feeling and the fleeting nature of memories.
Also, the overall high-pitched sound palette suits summer perfectly.
Lucky PoolJUDY AND MARY
JUDY AND MARY, the rock band that disbanded in 2001 to much regret, left a lasting impact.
Their vocalist YUKI has continued to thrive as a solo artist and enjoys a charismatic following.
Lucky Pool, released in 2001 just before the band split, is a perfect summer track with its bursting pop rhythm.
The chorus, where YUKI’s high notes ring out so pleasantly, is sure to lift your spirits before you know it.
The band has plenty of other upbeat songs that suit the summer vibe as well, so why not give those a listen too?
FlowerKinKi Kids
KinKi Kids is an idol duo whose members each have a strong individual presence, not only as a group but also in music, on stage, and in TV dramas.
Their 7th single, “Flower,” which was chosen as the campaign song for ANA’s ’99 Paradise Okinawa, became a massive hit, marking their fourth million-selling release.
Its positive message and upbeat, off-beat rhythm with a hint of reggae bring a refreshing breeze to the heat of summer.
With fresh, lingering vocals, it’s a pop tune that makes you want to sway along.
It’s damp (feat. Aizawa & Shikiura Sōgo)MAISONdes
MAISONdes is a project themed around an apartment where artists gather, like Tokiwa-so.
In September 2023, they released “Shimeppoi ne,” featuring Aizawa and Shikiura Sogo.
The song was chosen as the image song for the drama Reset Button, created by manga artist and illustrator Tina Yamashina.
The lyrics, which evoke the clammy dampness of summer sweat, are particularly striking.
The deliberately off-kilter piano tones in the intro also leave a strong impression.
Flowers blooming in the night skyMEGARYU
MEGARYU is a reggae duo that captivates fans with the chemistry born from the combination of a vocalist and a rhymer.
“Flowers Blooming in the Night Sky,” included on their first album, Updraft, features sentimental lyrics that evoke the end of summer and truly move the heart.
The contrast between the intricately rhymed rap and the beautiful, harmonious melody gently envelops the atmosphere in your car while driving.
It’s a nostalgic, feel-good number that you can’t help but hum along to.
Classic “summer songs” you’ll want to listen to in summer. Essential J‑POP standard summer tunes perfect for summer guys and summer girls (111–120)
Summer IllusionOmoinotake
Omoinotake is a three-piece band that captivates fans with songs influenced by Black music such as soul, R&B, and hip-hop.
Their sixth digital-only single, “Natsu no Maboroshi” (Summer Illusion), was chosen as the theme song for the film Cherry Magic! THE MOVIE: The Magic Continues.
The contrast between the delicate, lingering piano-driven ensemble and the emotional vocals evokes the bittersweet atmosphere of summer.
It’s a sentimental summer song that gently colors the passing season.
Summer Love AdvisorySHISHAMO
This song by SHISHAMO was also featured in JTB’s “Kokoro Odoru Natsutabi” (Heart-Dancing Summer Trip) campaign commercial.
When the CM first started airing, the title hadn’t been announced yet, and many people were probably curious about the name and the full picture of the song.
True to the band, it opens with a lively, energetic guitar riff that’s perfect for summer, giving it a fresh vibe.
The lyrics portray a love that can’t be stopped, even as the singer hesitates, wondering, “Is it okay to take this love seriously?” It’s a sweet-and-sour summer tune that’s sure to resonate.
