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: staple J-POP summer anthems perfect for summer guys and summer girls (141–150)
Since it’s summer anyway, why not try getting worn out?mashinomi
This is a song released in 2018 by Mashino-mi, a female singer-songwriter who has been gaining popularity.
Her songs are known for being pop while often carrying a certain sense of wistfulness.
This track, too, layers a summery, vibrant atmosphere over a pop sound, yet it includes moments that make your chest tighten.
That gentle girlsupittsu
It’s a song by Spitz that was used as the theme for NHK’s morning drama series “Natsuzora.” Set against the vast nature of Hokkaido, it’s notable for its positive message and warm lyrics.
Released in June 2019, it topped many music charts.
It’s curious—there aren’t any explicitly summery words in the lyrics, yet when you close your eyes, a summer blue sky comes to mind.
That’s Spitz for you! It’s the kind of song that makes you want to see someone and be gentle.
Perfect for a drive or a relaxing time by the sea, and every listen makes your heart feel lighter.
Midsummer SunŌhara Sakurako
It was released in 2015 as Sakurako Ohara’s third solo single.
The song was used in Colopl’s “White Cat Project” TV commercial and reached No.
11 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
It’s a youthful love song that makes you long for a heart-fluttering romance under the bright summer sun—a cute track that dives headfirst into summer.
Run! Run! Run!Ōtsuki Maki
This is Maki Otsuki’s “Run! Run! Run!”, which was the ending theme for the popular anime One Piece from July 2000 to March 2001.
She has since changed the spelling of her name to Maki Otsuki.
The song perfectly matches the image of One Piece’s adventure.
Above all, it has a driving sense of speed—like a summer song that makes you feel a refreshing breeze even in the heat.
A midsummer passing showerUtada Hikaru
Among ballads by Hikaru Utada—the pinnacle of Japanese singers—there are also songs for summer.
Just from the title alone, Manatsu no Tooriame (Mid-Summer Shower) evokes the season.
Utada’s greatest strength is a vocal presence that shines even over simple arrangements.
Because this song has a relaxed tempo, you can really savor the nuances of her voice.
Summer is hot and tends to make us sluggish, and there are plenty of events meant to lift our spirits, but I think it’s also nice to spend it calmly, like in this song—listening to the sound of wind chimes.
Sweet Wine (feat. Youth of Roots)BIM
Sweet Wine is a love story set against the theme of summer coastlines and sandy beaches.
It’s a track released by rapper BIM, featuring the reggae band Youth of Roots.
Kon Ryu’s powerful yet beautiful vocals intertwine with BIM’s free-flowing rap.
The band’s performance—driven by breezy rhythms and lyrics that evoke a variety of summer scenes—conveys a laid-back holiday mood.
Experience this chill sound that achieves a seamless crossover between hip-hop and reggae.
PLAYBACKJUJU
JUJU’s “PLAYBACK” is an uplifting, summery dance tune with an EDM-inspired sound.
Released as a single in 2015, it reached No.
10 on the Oricon Singles Chart.
Its Instagram-style music video—praised for its stylish aesthetic—is packed with summer vibes, and the song was also selected as the official theme for the 21st Tokyo Girls Collection 2015 A/W.
It’s a recommended summer track for fans of club music.
