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. The best staple J-pop summer tracks for summer guys and summer girls (121–130)
Season in the SunTUBE
TUBE is a band that could be called the embodiment of summer, and among their many summer-themed songs, this track is often cited as one of their signature pieces.
Its refreshing sound evokes images of a calm summer sea and a clear blue sky, making you picture someone feeling the summer breeze with their whole body.
Layered over the gentle instrumentation, the soaring, resonant vocals are another highlight, conveying the excitement of summer and the joy of savoring it.
It’s a song filled with positive emotion, expressing the idea of enjoying the limited time of summer to the fullest and spreading that sense of fun to everyone around.
Trace that dreamYOASOBI
YOASOBI is a duo that creates one-of-a-kind music with a poetic, deeply immersive worldview.
Their 2022 release, “Tracing That Dream,” is an upbeat track with a straightforward, powerful melody that lifts the summer mood.
Right after the first chorus, there’s an unusually long guitar solo for a YOASOBI song, which cranks the energy even higher.
Also pay attention to ikura’s clear, translucent vocals—a different vibe from the wistful feel of their 2019 hit “Racing into the Night.”
cotton candyback number
Back number, who have released numerous classic ballads, wrote Watagashi with the theme of a summer festival.
It’s a highly dramatic song: the first half captures the thrill of a man visiting a summer festival with someone he has feelings for, while the second half expresses the frustration of being unable to confess.
Try listening while imagining what kind of ending awaits the two.
Combined with vocalist Iyori Shimizu’s passionate voice, it’s truly heart-wrenching.
Another highlight is the abundance of summer-themed words like fireworks, which really brings out the seasonal feel.
Finale.eill
Female singer-songwriter eill.
Her song “Finale” is a great pick when you want to keep it stylish with a distinctive rhythm.
It was also used as the theme song for the film “The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes,” which helps its recognition.
Since there aren’t any big, sustained belt notes, even those who aren’t confident in their vocal skills can sing it with ease.
There is a short sustained note in the middle, but it’s in head voice, so no need to worry.
Relax and enjoy this song at karaoke!
Classic “summer songs” you’ll want to listen to in summer. The best standard J‑POP summer tracks for summer guys and summer girls (131–140)
Hiasobiflumpool
The four-piece rock band flumpool has delivered numerous hit numbers with their expansive vocals and solid, reliable band sound.
Their ninth digital-only single, Hiasobi, was released as a new summer track leading up to their 15th anniversary, delighting fans.
The lyrics, which evoke the romances of youth, blend with the atmosphere of the summer season to stir feelings that are both nostalgic and bittersweet.
It’s a rock tune whose exhilarating ensemble makes your heart race—a sentimental yet refreshingly cool track.
Feeling great!!mihimaru GT
mihimaru GT is a musical duo consisting of hiroko, who handles vocals and rap, and miyake, who is in charge of supporting vocals, lyrics, and composition.
Their 2006 release “Kibun Jojo ↑↑” is a dance-pop track that perfectly suits summer and makes you want to start dancing.
Unusually for J-pop, it frequently features record-scratch sounds, and many people may remember how fresh and new it sounded at the time.
Even now, the song’s charm hasn’t faded at all—just hearing the intro naturally lifts your spirits!
To the Lightmiwa
Singer-songwriter miwa made her major debut in 2010 with her first single, “don’t cry anymore.” Her song “Hikari e” is a catchy pop tune with a memorable melody and is great for karaoke because it’s easy to sing.
However, there’s a section in the chorus with a high note; if that part is difficult, it might be better to lower the key overall.
Singing that high note in falsetto is also recommended.
It’s a danceable pop track, making it a perfect choice when you want to liven up the atmosphere.