[July Songs] A selection of Japanese summer tunes perfect for the start of the season!

secret base ~What You Gave Me~Chino Ai, Tomatsu Haruka, Hayami Saori

We Still Don't Know the Name of the Flower We Saw That Day. ED [secret base ~What You Gave Me~ (10 years after Ver.)]

This is a version of ZONE’s song covered by the voice actors from the anime “Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day.” The original song already evokes a summer image, and since the anime’s story is set in summer, it fits very well.

If it’s the rain in JulyNishiwaki Yui

If It's July Rain — Yui Nishiwaki — 1993

Yui Nishiwaki’s songs capture the frustration and tenderness of love, as well as the desire to discover a new self.

Her vocals, carried by digital sounds, are sure to resonate with listeners.

Released in May 1993, this notable track was also used as an ending theme on a TV Asahi program.

July, with its sense of summer’s beginning, makes it a must-listen for those standing at a crossroads in love or in life.

Even while holding onto heartache, it will give you the push you need to face forward and start walking.

I want to be your lover.Abe Mao

Mao Abe – I Want to Be Your Lover [Official Music Video]

This is one of Mao Abe’s signature songs, opening with the acoustic guitar’s tone, a heart-wrenchingly beautiful melody, and powerful vocals.

The lyrics unfold as she thinks about the person she secretly loves, still knowing so little about them, while the grand arrangement of the chorus heightens the poignancy.

It’s a masterpiece of a fleeting summer romance—where the transience of late summer intertwines with unrequited love—drawing you deeper into its world and guaranteeing an emotional experience.

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Murakami Shinpei

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meteor showerCocco

meteor shower

Maybe it’s the otherworldly vocals and melody, but I find myself instantly drawn into the world of the song.

It’s a track by Cocco, a singer-songwriter from Okinawa Prefecture.

It’s included on her 12th single, “Onsoku Punch,” released in 2006.

The drum rhythm, which makes you feel like you’re running, is especially striking.

Perfect for gazing up at the summer night sky.

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Araki Jakkan

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Don’t avert your eyes.DEEN

Don’t look away, Eyes [DEEN] hitomi sorasanaide

It was released in 1994 as DEEN’s fifth single.

As the theme song for a Pocari Sweat commercial, it became one of DEEN’s signature tracks.

Although it’s a bittersweet song about a girlfriend’s feelings drifting away, it’s a very fresh and pleasant summer tune.

Sound of SummerGReeeeN

GReeeeN – Summer Sound

No matter the theme—life, youth, love, and so on—GReeeeN’s lyrics always hit the mark.

I wonder if fellow musicians, being in the same line of work, feel jealous or envious of that talent.

No matter how you listen to it, this song, “Natsu no Oto,” makes you think, “If someone’s already written a song like this, I can’t write another one themed around July.” The lyrics, using July fireworks as a motif, tenderly capture the happiness of two people falling mutually in love.

It’s especially recommended for anyone in the thick of their youth! Be sure to check out the heartwarming music video featuring pandas, too.

Et cetera related to the seashorePUFFY

PUFFY 'Et Cetera Related to the Beach' OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

It was released in 1997 as PUFFY’s fourth single.

It was used in a Kirin Beverage “Tennen Sodachi” commercial and became a million seller.

The choreography is inspired by Hideki Saijo’s “YOUNG MAN (Y.M.C.A.),” and since it’s very simple, it’s a song everyone can get excited about together.