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 summer anthems perfect for summer guys and summer girls (161–170).
King of SummerKinKi Kids
Released in 2000 as KinKi Kids’ 10th single.
It was used as the theme song for the TBS drama “Summer Snow” starring Tsuyoshi Domoto, and it reached No.
1 on the Oricon weekly singles chart.
It’s a song characteristic of Johnny’s idols, featuring refreshing dance and fresh, pop lyrics.
Brilliant RainKing Gnu
King Gnu is a four-piece rock band.
I’d like to introduce their song “Ame Sansan” as a perfect fit for summer.
It was written specifically for the TV drama Old Rookie.
The lyrics depict the beauty and fragility of youth set against a summer backdrop.
With many images centered on summer rain, the song carries a cool, refreshing atmosphere.
At the same time, it includes a message that gives a push to those who are trying their best, making it a great pick both for relaxing and for when you need a boost.
Classic “summer songs” you’ll want to listen to in summer: staple J‑POP summer tracks perfect for summer guys and summer girls (171–180)
Fireworks (MINMI × DOZAN11 ver.)MINMI
A song by MINMI, a female singer-songwriter who has led the Japanese reggae scene since the 2000s with her distinctive sound that incorporates elements of R&B and soca.
The track was created together with viewers during a live stream, and then joined by Dohzi-T (Miki Dōzan), with whom she had been close since her early days—an addition that sent fans into a frenzy at the collaboration between the king and queen of Japanese reggae.
The arrangement moves from a mystical opening into a high-energy beat, creating dynamic contrast while stoking anticipation for summer.
Passionate rhythms blend exquisitely with melodies that evoke a sense of traditional Japanese flair.
CALL ME IN YOUR SUMMERSHE IS SUMMER
SHE IS SUMMER is a solo project by MICO, the former vocalist of Fhenotas, and it’s gradually gaining popularity.
With “Summer” in both the artist name and the song title, this track is truly perfect for the season.
It has a mature vibe that makes you want to listen at night.
SHAMROCKUVERworld
Released in August 2006, UVERworld’s fifth single is “SHAMROCK”! It’s such a popular song that you could say it was the one that really put the name UVERworld on the map.
The track features a fast-paced, exhilarating chorus that highlights TAKUYA’s refreshing vocals, with a rap section inserted midway, giving it the flavor of the mixture rock that was in vogue at the time.
It was also their first song tied to a TV drama, serving as the theme for the series “Dandori ~Dance☆Drill~.”
I’m smitten with you.YMO（Yellow Magic Orchestra）
One factor that helped popularize the term “mune-kyun” (heart-throbbing) was YMO’s ‘Kimi ni, Mune Kyun.’ Released in 1983, the song was used in a Kanebo Cosmetics commercial.
With the concept of “cute uncles,” the music video lets you enjoy the members of YMO dancing along to the track.
Summer is full of situations where romance can bloom—at the beach, in the mountains, at festivals.
You might feel a flutter at someone in a yukata, or find your heart skipping a beat watching someone play innocently at the seaside.
This song will elevate those heart-throbbing summer moments of yours!
At the mercy of the seaYOASOBI
A story depicting the interactions between a despondent protagonist and a ghostlike girl in a seaside town.
The lyrics, where heartbreak and hope intersect, and the breezy rhythm that evokes the summer wind are striking.
Released digitally in November 2022, the work was born from an unconventional collaboration with a Naoki Prize–winning author.
It also achieved commercial success, reaching No.
7 on the weekly charts of Billboard JAPAN and Oricon.
Its atmosphere—suggestive of romance under the night stars and fresh morning scenes—makes it perfect for drives or moments by the sea.
It’s a track that adds color to summer memories like barbecues and swimming at the beach.