Classic “summer songs” you’ll want to listen to in summer. Timeless J-pop summertime anthems perfect for summer guys and summer girls.

TSUNAMISazan Ōrusutāzu

TSUNAMI by Southern All Stars — Sales: 3 million copies!! Full …so is it OK? ~Full! Karaoke?~ Cover~ TSUNAMI — Southern All Stars

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.”

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utatane

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You are the sun.supittsu

Spitz / You Are the Sun

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.

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utatane

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BoyhoodInoue Yosui

Yosui Inoue – Shonen Jidai (Live) NHK Hall 2014/5/22

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?

Goldfish FireworksOtsuka Ai

Ai Otsuka / Goldfish Fireworks (Short Ver.)

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.

BLUE BIRDHamasaki Ayumi

Ayumi Hamasaki / BLUE BIRD (Short Ver.)

If you want to supercharge your summer fun, we recommend Ayumi Hamasaki’s “BLUE BIRD.” Released in 2006, this song perfectly matches scenes of the bright blue summer sky and sea, and the dazzling white sandy beaches.

The soaring chorus is sure to make your summer activities even more enjoyable.

The lyrics are filled with warm compassion, telling us that even when things are tough or exhausting, sharing the summer sky and sea together will blow those worries away.

Looking up at that piercingly blue summer sky really does make your troubles feel smaller, doesn’t it? Let this song help you shake off your worries and fully enjoy your summer adventures!

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SAKI

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Summer Time Lovem-flo

m-flo loves Emi Hinouchi & Ryohei / Summer Time Love

From the 5th album, this track features the talented vocalists Emi Hinouchi and Ryohei.

With crisp, cutting guitar tones, it’s a song that colors a refreshing summer romance.

DJ Taku’s superb sense of arrangement makes the track stand out even more.

Tears Flowing EndlesslyNatsukawa Rimi

Tears Flowing Endlessly – Rimi Natsukawa (Full)

One of the enduring, quintessential songs of summer that has secured an unshakable place is Rimi Natsukawa’s “Nada Sousou.” When it was a hit, it was playing everywhere—almost to the point of being a social phenomenon.

Even now, after some time has passed, its status as a summer song remains unchanged.