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 song” hits you’ll want to listen to in summer. The best staple J‑POP summer tracks for summer guys and summer girls (1–10)
Surfing JohnnyKuwata Keisuke
When it comes to summer songs, you just can’t leave this artist out.
Keisuke Kuwata of Southern All Stars and his solo track “Naminori Johnny.” Its poppy, breezy melody really lets you soak up the summer vibe.
The music video shows Kuwata surfing, but apparently it’s not actually him—the upper body is Kuwata, while the lower body is someone else.
The slightly sexy lyrics, so characteristic of Kuwata and themed around summer love, are also captivating.
A fleeting summer romance that blooms and fades by the sea—an essential part of a hot summer.
Please enjoy it as the perfect BGM for your own summer love!
Paradise BabyRIP SLYME
When you think of RIP SLYME, many of you probably think of “summer,” right? The rap melodies and the delightfully laid-back vibe of their songs really feel summery.
This is one of RIP SLYME’s signature tracks that makes you feel summer no matter where you are, just by listening.
At live shows, they sometimes change the lyrics to things like “Korakuen, baby” or “Kairakuen, baby.” The lyrics are packed with summer-themed words, and together with the melody, you can soak up the feeling of summer to the fullest.
It’s perfect not only for beach outings, but also as BGM for all kinds of summer activities like barbecues and fireworks!
summer festivalWhiteberry
A cover of JITTERIN’JINN’s song, this number catapulted Whiteberry to fame.
As the title “Natsu Matsuri” (Summer Festival) suggests, it’s unmistakably perfect for summer.
The uniquely arranged way of wearing a yukata—something no one had done before—also drew attention! The lyrics depict the bittersweet scenes of a summer festival with someone you like, and the slightly sad mood of a love that, in the end, vanished in an instant like fireworks.
The way the melody swells conveys the feeling of a summer romance that’s both sweet and fiery.
Classic “summer songs” you’ll want to listen to in summer: the best staple J-pop summer tunes for summer guys and summer girls (11–20)
SUMMER SONGYUI
YUI’s song, which vividly captures the freshness of summer youth, expresses a passionate season for young people through seaside encounters and the subtle push-and-pull beneath the fireworks.
Released in July 2008, it debuted at No.
1 on the Oricon charts and was certified Gold.
It’s recommended for those who want to look back on summer memories or feel the sweetness and poignancy of youth.
Perfect as background music for the beach or a drive, it’s sure to become a track that colors your summer!
water lily blossomShonan no Kaze
Listen to this and you’ll feel summer with your whole body—no question about it! Don’t be fooled by the relaxed vibe at the start.
The excitement quickly surges and hits its peak before you know it.
And when that peak arrives, you know what to do, right? Swing those towels like crazy! That’s the signature move for this Shonan no Kaze track.
Whether you know it or not, you’ll find yourself spinning a towel without even thinking.
Highly recommended if you want to feel the heat of summer blazing through your body and soul!
StarmineDa-iCE
This song, which captures the exhilaration of a fireworks festival, is the ultimate summer anthem themed around a special summer night for lovers.
The scenes of a fireworks show spent with a partner in a yukata vividly come to mind, and the lyrics depicting a mature summer romance make it a particularly memorable track.
Released in August 2022 as a digital-only single, it became a major sensation with over 600 million views on TikTok.
The YouTube music video became the fastest in Da-iCE’s history to reach 10 million views, and the song was selected for the Excellent Work Award at the 64th Japan Record Awards.
It’s perfect for anyone planning a date at a fireworks festival or looking to soak up the atmosphere of a summer matsuri.
Et cetera related to the seashorePUFFY
Released in 1997, this PUFFY track is one of the quintessential summer songs of the ’90s.
With distinctive lyrics by Yosui Inoue and catchy composition by Tamio Okuda, it evokes a bright, beachy vibe and a sense of escape from the everyday.
It was also featured in a commercial for Kirin Beverage’s “Tennen Sodachi.” It’s perfect not only as BGM for summer drives, but also for having a blast with friends at karaoke.