[July Songs] A selection of Japanese summer tunes perfect for the start of the season!
July marks the opening act of full-fledged summer.
Fireworks, the start of beach season, Tanabata, festivals…
For students, it’s also when summer vacation begins—no shortage of events to get excited about.
In this article, we introduce songs that are perfect for July, a month when outings become more frequent.
From tracks that evoke the start of summer—like the sea, the stars, and festivals—to refreshing youth anthems, it’s a lineup packed with mood-boosting classics.
Crank up your favorite tune and power through the sweltering summer heat!
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[July Songs] A selection of Japanese summer songs perfect for the start of summer! (1–10)
JulyTETORA
The three-piece girls’ rock band TETORA weaves a husky, wistful vocal style with a powerful sound that resonates with listeners of their generation.
This track from their album “Konna Toki ni Kagitte Mangetsu ka” is perfect for July, when summer staples like Tanabata and festivals arrive one after another.
The lyrics are simple yet marked by delicate, true-to-life emotion.
Evoking the start of summer, the song feels like a snapshot of youth.
Give it a listen on a summer drive or day out—you’re sure to have a music experience that strikes a chord.
Bitter VacationMrs. GREEN APPLE
A heartwarming song that stands by the modern person living through suffocating days.
Created by Mrs.
GREEN APPLE as the theme song for the film “Saint☆Young Men THE MOVIE: Holy Men VS The Demon Army” in November 2024, this piece gently speaks to the importance of taking a break amid busy days.
Much like Jesus and Buddha in the film, it illustrates the beauty of loosening your shoulders and living at ease, set to a pop melody.
It’s a song that resonates deeply—not only for those worn out from constantly pushing themselves, but especially for those who tend to be consumed by the hardships right in front of them.
July 1stHamasaki Ayumi
Ayumi Hamasaki’s summer song adds a brilliant splash of color to the arrival of the season.
Its bright, breezy melody and uplifting lyrics come together to hint at the start of the hot months.
Included on the single “H,” released in 2002, the track gained wide recognition when it was featured in KOSE’s VISÉE TV commercial.
In the car on the way to the beach, while getting ready to head to a festival, or in those moments before meeting up with friends…
it’s an exciting song that makes you want to make plans with someone.
[July Songs] A pick-up of Japanese summer tunes perfect for the start of summer! (11–20)
July feat. sogummjjj
A perfect song for summer nights, where JJJ’s introspective rap melds with sogumm’s delicate vocals.
The lyrics, woven with urban quiet, solitude, and feelings for a loved one, carry a mysterious charm that resonates deeply with listeners.
Featured on the album “MAKTUB,” released in May 2023, this track is an ambitious work that further expands JJJ’s musical range.
The music video expresses the song’s worldview through city nightscapes and interior scenes.
It’s a piece that gently stays by your side on hot, sleepless nights or summer evenings when your heart is swayed by love.
Somewhere in the summerWANIMA
It’s a song brimming with WANIMA’s positive energy, perfect for kicking off a refreshing summer.
It portrays the determination to keep moving forward despite hesitation and the desire to cast off sorrow and shine like the sun, all carried by a powerful sound.
Included on the single “Summer Trap!!” released in July 2019, it was also featured as the CM song for Asahi Soft Drinks’ “Mitsuya Cider 2019.” Together with a music video that evokes scenes of summer festivals, the track is embraced as an uplifting anthem that gives you a push at the start of summer.
Highly recommended for anyone about to take on something new.
Fanfaresumika
A refreshing song that carries a powerful message about breaking through the darkness of night to welcome a new morning.
It’s striking how the protagonist, once shut inside their shell, musters the courage to take a step into the outside world.
Many listeners will likely feel encouraged by the resolve to overcome hardship and trials and meet a new self.
Released in August 2018, the track was used as the opening theme for the anime film “I Want to Eat Your Pancreas.” It’s also included on the album “AMUSIC” and is known as one of sumika’s signature works.
A perfect song to listen to before heading out for warm-weather activities, and recommended for those moments when you need courage to try something new.
summer squallarashi
A captivating song featuring a refreshing melody and encouraging lyrics that color the passionate summer of Koshien.
Produced as Asahi Broadcasting’s “Summer High School Baseball Support Song,” this track perfectly blends the energetic sound crafted by Yujin Kitagawa of Yuzu with lyrics that cheer on high school baseball players who give their all.
Released in July 2018, it was later included in the album “5×20 All the BEST!! 1999-2019” and has been beloved by many fans.
It’s the perfect song not only for players aiming for Koshien, but also for anyone who wants to feel the spirit of summer youth, hard work, and passion for their dreams.