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 summer. Essential J-POP summer anthems best suited for summer guys and girls (211–220)
TSUNAMISazan Ōrusutāzu
TSUNAMI, a massive hit by the nationally beloved summer band Southern All Stars, is the kind of song practically everyone knows.
It’s cherished across a wide audience both as a summer anthem and as a love song.
There aren’t any explicitly dramatic lines, yet a quiet sadness wells up as you listen.
Though it came out about 20 years ago, it hasn’t faded at all and is still sung today—one of those songs that truly makes you think, “What a classic.”
You are the sun.supittsu
Masamune Kusano’s clear, translucent voice lifts the summer mood in “You Are the Sun.” It was the theme song for the 2009 animated film “Oblivion Island: Haruka and the Magic Mirror.” A bright, danceable guitar rock track that lets you feel the refreshing summer sun.
It’s a quintessential Spitz summer song, gentle and encouraging, as if giving you a supportive push.
Perpetual Summer Vacationfurenzu
This is a song released in 2018 by Friends, a band known for their male-female twin vocals.
As the title suggests, it’s a summer-themed track, perfect for hot days.
Its sound carries the vibe of 90s J-pop, making it a great recommendation for adults who’ve grown tired of recent music.
Summer LoveInoue Sonoko
Released in 2016 as Sonoko Inoue’s second single.
The song was used as the ending theme for the TV Tokyo drama “Koe Koi,” and its lyrics overflow with the tender feelings of a fleeting schooldays crush.
The clear vocals and buoyant, rhythmic melody make it perfect for summer.
BoyhoodInoue Yosui
There are countless classic songs related to summer, but Inoue Yosui’s “Shonen Jidai” (Boyhood) can be called the classic among classics that everyone—young and old—knows.
Its wistful lyrics and nostalgic melody are loved by many people.
Summer has always been a season for dreaming, hasn’t it?
Summer GateSato Chiaki
This is a song released in 2018 by Chiai Sato, the vocalist of the band Kinoko Teikoku, as a solo artist.
It’s a stylish track with clear influences from city pop, perfect for listening on a summer night.
The music video, with its beautiful neon lights, is also a must-see.
Goldfish FireworksOtsuka Ai
It was the fifth single, released in 2004, and was used on Nippon TV’s “Super TV: Information Frontline.” Originally, “kingyo-hanabi” refers to fireworks that send sparks skimming across the water, but in this song it refers to handheld fireworks found in family packs, with illustrations on the handle.
The lyrics express a bittersweet love, evoking the end of summer.