The allure of surf music: a supreme healing space lured by the ocean’s tones

summer paradeDEPAPEPE

DEPAPEPE – SUMMER PARADE

Two acoustic guitars create a refreshing, soothing sound.

Although instrumental, they made headlines as the first of their kind to enter the Oricon charts.

Because there are no lyrics, their music crosses borders, and their CDs are released across Asia, including Taiwan and South Korea.

Since there are no language barriers to understanding lyrics, many people can enjoy their music.

Their songs have a distinctive worldview that draws listeners in.

Their tracks are used in commercials and films, so there are many you’ve likely heard before.

SURFIN’ U.S.A.GIZA studio MAI-K&FRIENDS HOTROD BEACH PARTY

MAI‐K&FRIENDS ‐ SURFIN’ U.S.A.

This is a cover of songs by the Beach Boys, iconic figures of surf music, performed by six female singers including Mai Kuraki.

Riding a steady rhythm track, they take turns singing, resulting in a cheerful, happy vibe.

I Get AroundHi-STANDARD

Hi-Standard – I Get Around (Punk Cover)

This is a cover by Hi-Standard, a band representing Japanese melodic hardcore and melodic punk, of a song by The Beach Boys.

You might expect them to stick with the fresh surf vibe, but as expected, the chorus kicks into a high-speed beat—what you could call their signature Hi-Sta style—making it a characteristically Hi-Standard cover that ramps up the energy.

thunder struckJackie and The Cedrics

Jackie and The Cedrics – thunder struck

Jackie and The Cedrics is one of Japan’s rare, original garage surf rock bands, active since the 1990s.

Their sound is a very cool, gritty garage style, and they’re also popular for their comical performances at live shows.

for a long time / all the time / continuouslySPICY CHOCOLATE

SPICY CHOCOLATE – Forever feat. HAN-KUN & TEE (starring Yuina Kuroshima)

I got into them after hearing their song in a cell phone commercial.

HAN-KUN and TEE are reggae artists—and above all, two singers with great voices—whose charming collaboration turns the track into a catchy, gentle melody and a sweet, slightly bittersweet love song.

SPICY CHOCOLATE doesn’t stop at reggae; they collaborate across genres with artists in R&B, hip-hop, and more, creating new styles and songs.

They’re the kind of artist that makes you look forward to the chemical reactions that will come from unexpected collaborations in the future.

Hi-FiveSuperfly

Superfly 『Hi-Five』Music Video

“Hi-Five” is a single by Superfly released in April 2008, which reached number 30 on the Oricon charts.

It was used as a campaign song for au by KDDI.

Additionally, baseball player Tomohiro Nioka has used it as his walk-up song.

The Beginning of LoveTEE

TEE - “The Beginning of Love” MUSIC VIDEO

TEE was reportedly an Olympic boxing candidate during his university days.

After an injury, he stepped away from boxing and studied abroad in Canada.

He became interested in music and, upon returning to Japan, began performing on the streets of his hometown, Hiroshima.

If he hadn’t been injured, he might have become a member of Japan’s national team.

But perhaps it was for the best—otherwise we might never have heard his beautifully captivating voice.

He made a name for himself with “Baby I Love You,” and I was amazed when I first heard it.

Che’Nelle’s English cover also became hugely popular.

Thinking back, his time studying abroad must be why his English pronunciation is so good! His uniquely gentle voice and lyrics are also part of his charm.

He often sings about love—songs that make you want to fall in love.