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 standard J‑POP summer tracks for summer guys and summer girls (131–140)
The Story You Don’t Knowsupercell
Supercell’s “The Story You Don’t Know” expresses an unrequited love through the summer night sky.
Released in 2009 as their debut single, it was used as the ending theme for the anime Bakemonogatari and reached No.
5 on the Oricon Singles Chart.
The memory of going to stargaze with the person you have feelings for makes the unfulfilled love all the more poignant and heartrending.
In contrast, the song itself is a pop tune with a driving beat and a refreshing chord progression that feels great to listen to.
I recommend listening to it while gazing at the summer night sky!
Every time summer comesatarayo
Atarayo, a three-piece band that captivates fans with its lyrical worldview under the tagline “a band that feeds on sorrow.” The track Natsu ga Kuru Tabi from their concept album Kioku no Hako features a brisk, translucent ensemble that feels wonderfully refreshing.
Its lyrics, which depict bittersweet memories that resurface with the arrival of summer, are likely to resonate with many listeners who see their own experiences reflected in them.
It’s a refreshing yet sentimental number that showcases the expressive range of their male–female twin vocals.
Summertime Recordjin
Jin (also known as Shizen no Teki-P)’s 20th work is “Summertime Record.” Its music video was posted on Niconico in 2013 and reached 3 million views by 2017.
Starting with “Children Record,” it also serves as the ending theme of the Kagerou Project, which later drew attention for its novel and anime adaptations.
The lyrics carry a poignant sense of summer’s end, and the driving beat and sound are striking.
Definitely give it a listen!
Blue Hawaiitota
Tota is a singer-songwriter known for a sound that blends a wide range of styles, including rock, US indie, and synth-pop.
“Blue Hawaii” captivates with its refreshing guitar phrases, a clear and charming voice, and lyrical summer imagery.
The lyrics—capturing the fluttery feelings unique to summer and wishing that this sweet, magical love will last into next year—will resonate deeply not only with those who experienced a wonderful summer romance, but also with those who didn’t.
Immerse yourself in that world and savor the end of summer!
Flowing voicemei-chan
Meichan is a singer who made his major debut in 2017 and is also active as a Vocaloid producer and YouTuber.
His digital-only single “Ryūsei,” released on August 23, 2023, was chosen as the theme song for the TV drama “Our School Broadcast.” The lyrics, which evoke a summer romance, pair with a brisk, exhilarating ensemble to lift your spirits.
It’s an upbeat track with a soft yet resolute vocal tone that leaves a strong impression—highly recommended for karaoke, too.
When the Sunflowers Bloomyuzu
Starting from street performances and now a household-name act, the folk duo Yuzu.
“When Sunflowers Bloom,” included on their third mini-album themed around summer, Yuzuman no Natsu, stands out for its somewhat nostalgic ensemble with hints of classic kayōkyoku.
Its bittersweet memories of love set against quintessential summer scenery are easy for many listeners to relate to and overlay with their own experiences.
With its refreshing melody, this cool, invigorating pop tune livens up summer—perfect both as background music and as a karaoke pick.
summer festivalyuzu
Yuzu is a folk duo that made their major debut in 1998 with the mini-album “Yuzuman.” They’ve had many summer-themed hits, including “Natsuiro” and “NATSUMONOGATARI.” Among them, “Natsu Matsuri,” included on their 2004 album “1 ~ONE~,” is a hidden summertime gem.
The lyrics are especially charming for their nostalgia, and listening to the song might just bring back memories of childhood.
