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' perfect for listening in the summer. Timeless J-POP summer anthems best suited for summer guys and summer girls (181–190)
Summer is comingDaikoku Maki
When it comes to female vocalists with powerful voices, Maki Ohguro immediately comes to mind! Her high vocal range is also one of the charms that gives her songs such impact.
Speaking of Maki Ohguro’s summer hits, “Natsu ga Kuru” (“Summer Is Coming”) is the classic.
Many listeners have surely related to its portrayal of a earnest woman who polishes herself and works hard through the summer.
The lyrics, which sing about a real, down-to-earth woman, have always been an anthem supporting women, no matter the era.
It’s the ultimate summer song for anyone determined to make love happen and thinking, “This summer for sure!”
Classic “summer songs” you’ll want to listen to in summer. The best staple J-pop summer tunes for summer guys and summer girls (191–200)
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.
Slow & EasyHirai Dai
The song that makes you want to relax and listen while watching a beautiful summer sunset is Dai Hirai’s “Slow & Easy.” It’s included on the album of the same title released in 2015.
The sound of the ukulele feels like it carries a refreshing ocean breeze.
Even familiar scenery can feel different when you view it with someone special, letting you notice small moments of “happiness” you might usually miss.
Reading these lyrics makes me want to share time with someone important to me and create summer memories together.
The sun says: Burn, chaos.Ushiro kara Haiyori Tai G
It’s the opening theme of “Haiyore! Nyaruko-san.” It’s what you’d call a denpa song, sung by a unit formed by the anime’s voice actors.
The distinctive melody and lyrics, combined with the voice actors’ cute voices, make it a really wonderful track.
Dynamic RyukyuNarisoko Yūko
This song, Dynamic Ryukyu, is so famous that there’s hardly anyone in Okinawa who doesn’t know it.
Even if you haven’t heard it before, once you do, you’ll definitely get hooked.
You’ll be captivated by the distinctive vocals rooted in Okinawan folk music.
It’s also a song that many people practice singing.
The Door to SummerMatsuda Seiko
When it comes to the ultimate refreshing summer song, it has to be Seiko Matsuda’s “Natsu no Tobira” (The Summer Door)! Released in 1981, this track was used in all kinds of commercials—Shiseido cosmetics at the time of release, and then beverages and foods twenty years later.
At live shows, the crowd goes all out with the “Seiko call,” and fans sing the chorus together—pure hype mode! Listening to this song really feels like summer breaking free from the rainy season and arriving at last.
It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any scene—summer outings, festivals, you name it—so enjoy it in all kinds of places!
Scorching midsummerShonan no Kaze
When you think of Shonan no Kaze, you picture the ultimate summer songs! I bet lots of people hype up the vibe at karaoke with their summer tracks.
The song I’m introducing, “Entenka,” not only has a summer-themed title, but its samba-inspired rhythm also makes many people think of summer.
The lyrics are sprinkled with summer-related words too, which makes you want to head outside and have a blast with friends.
The powerful vocals are perfect for blowing away the stifling summer heat.