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 hear in summer. Essential J‑POP summer anthems perfect for summer guys and summer girls (41–50)
Kujira No. 12JUDY AND MARY
This is a song by JUDY AND MARY released in 1997.
It’s a refreshing, energetic summer tune that’s often interpreted as a cheer song for Japan’s national soccer team.
A popular track also featured in Honda’s “Live Dio” commercial, it reached No.
5 on the Oricon charts.
The charm lies in YUKI’s cute yet powerful vocals and a melody brimming with the liberating feeling of summer.
It’s a perfect song for summer activities like going to the beach or having a barbecue, and it’s also great for making memories with friends.
Classic summer songs you’ll want to listen to in summer: staple J-pop summer tracks perfect for summer guys and summer girls (51–60)
Roco LotionORANGE RANGE
You can enjoy the uniquely summery festival vibe just as you imagine it with ORANGE RANGE’s “Locolotion.” Listen to this track and you’ll feel like you’re already on the sandy beach! Men and women mingling on the shore, guaranteed fun and excitement! It’s an undisputed summer anthem!
The hottest summer in the worldPRINCESS PRINCESS
This song, the eighth single by PRINCESS PRINCESS—the band that sparked the girls’ band boom—was released in July 1989.
Although it didn’t quite match the massive success of the previous hit Diamond, it achieved the remarkable feat of a one-two finish on the annual charts, with Diamond at No.
1 and This World’s Hottest Summer at No.
2.
Even today, it remains a beloved summer anthem.
Nagisaimase
The track drawing attention after being selected for the 15th Buzz Tracker is “Nagisa.” It’s a song by next-generation singer imase.
While all of his releases tend to go viral on TikTok, this one in particular has garnered standout support.
Set to a sound reminiscent of 80s city pop, the song tells a story of beachside romance—something listeners of all ages are likely to enjoy.
Also, don’t miss the music video, which has the vibe of a retro music show.
Summer MemoriesKetsumeishi
Ketsumeishi’s 7th single “Natsu no Omoide,” released in 2003.
If you’re a summer guy or summer girl, there are probably many of you who like Ketsumeishi, right? Ketsumeishi has a lot of summer songs, but as the title suggests, this one is a summer track that looks back on and reminisces about summertime.
It’s moody and slow-tempo, yet packed with everything that screams “this is summer!” Listening to it at the end of summer can put you in a slightly sentimental mood.
A Midsummer Night’s DreamMatsutōya Yumi
When it comes to Yuming (Yumi Matsutoya)’s quintessential summer hit, it’s Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Released as a single in 1993, it was used as the theme song for the TBS drama ‘Dare ni mo Ienai’ (I Can’t Tell Anyone).
It topped the Oricon Singles Chart for two consecutive weeks and became her first million-selling single.
The minor-key tones layered over a Latin-style rhythm evoke the intensity of a scorching summer.
It’s a classic that has been covered by many artists, including Noriyuki Makihara and Keisuke Kuwata.
Twilight SurroundRIP SLYME
RIP SLYME’s 10th single, released in October 2004, is a classic that reached No.
5 on the Oricon weekly chart and perfectly captures the feeling of summer’s end.
Its warm acoustic guitar tones and wistful melody vividly evoke the sky transitioning from dusk to night.
DJ FUMIYA’s scratching blends seamlessly with live instruments, crafting a sound that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
It’s a refined, mellow track that pairs beautifully with a summer night drive or moments of quiet reflection.