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

Secret Summertsubaki fakutorī

Tsubaki Factory “Secret Summer” (Music Video)

Sung over a sparkling sound is a slightly bitter love story.

It’s a song performed by Tsubaki Factory from Hello! Project.

The track will be released in July 2025.

With a refreshing sound that conjures up images of a sun-drenched poolside and lyrics that depict the protagonist’s aching feelings as they waver in a forbidden relationship, the contrast really gets you.

The mix of exhilaration and immorality hits you right in the heart.

I think it’s perfect for a summer drive.

Midsummer’s Sounds good!AKB48

[MV full] Midsummer’s Sounds good! (Dance ver.) / AKB48 [Official]

It was released in 2012 as AKB48’s 26th major single.

Atsuko Maeda served as the center, and the song was used in multiple tie-ins, including NTT Docomo’s “Ouen Gakuwari: Sorezore no, Hajimeru” commercial.

It’s a very cute song featuring members in swimsuits.

The Summer Without YouDEEN

[Detective Conan ED4] The Summer Without You – DEEN

This is a song that was used as an ending theme for the popular anime Detective Conan.

Many of DEEN’s songs evoke the feeling of summer, and this one is no exception.

With a relaxed yet passionate chorus, it’s a very cool, emotionally resonant song.

Open your heartZARD

SARD UNDERGROUND “Open Your Heart” LIVE at hills Pan Koujou, 2019-02-03

Released in 1996 as ZARD’s 18th single, it was used for a Pocari Sweat commercial for the second time.

The lyrics were written by Izumi Sakai and the music composed by Tetsuro Oda, and it became a hit, selling a total of about 700,000 copies.

It is considered one of ZARD’s signature summer songs.

Marigoldaimyon

Aimyon – Marigold [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

Since its release in July 2018, Aimyon’s song “Marigold” has been heard absolutely everywhere—on TV, on the radio, and more.

It might even be fair to call it a pop song that could come to define the Reiwa era.

By the way, do you know when marigolds bloom? They flower from May to November and are popular for their hardiness against the cold.

So in July, right in the heart of their blooming season, listening to this song might offer a special experience that feels a little different from usual.

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Murakami Shinpei

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Naughty SunORANGE RANGE

ORANGE RANGE – Naughty Sun (Reiwa ver. Music Video)

This is a track by ORANGE RANGE, a rock band from Okinawa, which served as the opening theme for the drama “Hana-Kimi: Ikemen Paradise.” Released in July 2007, it’s also included on the album “PANIC FANCY.” The song centers on the impulse of a dangerous love that can’t be stopped even when you know you shouldn’t—like a blazing sun.

It portrays “two people drawn to each other, forgetting reason,” through the passionate vocals of the group’s three singers and a retro-pop sound.

It’s guaranteed to boost your mood when you listen during summer drives or events! Even after its release, it’s continued to be loved as a cross-generational summer classic, with related videos on TikTok reaching the tens of millions.

UmitsukiClariS

ClariS 'Umitsuki' Music Video [TV Anime 'Rent-A-Girlfriend' Season 4 Opening Theme]

This dreamy song likens the unique wistfulness and fragility of summer to a moon floating over the sea and drifting jellyfish.

Chosen as the opening theme for Season 4 of the TV anime “Rent-A-Girlfriend,” it will be released as a single in August 2025.

The lyrics were written after the members repeatedly read the original manga, crafting them to closely reflect the protagonist’s wavering feelings of love.

The frustration of not being able to be honest about your emotions and the aching longing for someone you care about perfectly mirror Kazuya Kinoshita’s state of mind.

If you’re struggling with your feelings for someone you like, listening to this track will surely give you the courage to face your own heart.