[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 Pick of Japanese Summer Tunes to Kick Off the Season! (141–150)
Chekhov’s gun payoffyuzu
Yuzu, who began as a folk duo performing on the streets and have since become one of Japan’s leading artists.
This song is included on their album Zukan, released to commemorate their 25th anniversary.
It became available for streaming in July 2024 and was also chosen as the theme song for the drama “Minami-kun ga Koibito!?” Its approachable sound—true to Yuzu’s acoustic roots while adding pop elements—is a major draw, and of course their beautiful harmonies are as strong as ever.
The lyrics, which reflect on one’s past while expressing contentment with the present life, leave a lasting impression.
It’s a song that’s sure to lift your spirits when you’re worn out by daily life.
I’ve listened to so many heartbreak songs, and I’m done with being someone who just keeps crying.riria.
Some people may have experienced heartbreak in the summer and find those memories resurfacing each time it comes around.
This song by Riria depicts the pain of looking back on those sorrowful memories of heartbreak and the desire to move forward.
The fact that it was used as the ending theme for the anime “Summer Time Rendering” is also an important point that evokes the feeling of summer.
The piano-centered sound and the gradually intensifying arrangement seem to accentuate the emotion of sadness.
Amid the struggle to shake off the pain, the song also conveys a wish to cherish those memories and not to forget them.
Tears Flowing EndlesslyNatsukawa Rimi
It was released in 2001 as Rimi Natsukawa’s third single.
The song’s lyrics were originally written by Ryoko Moriyama, with composition by BEGIN.
Starting in 2002, it continued to be a hit for over three years, surpassing 1.2 million in total sales and becoming a classic mega-hit.
[July Songs] A pick-up of Japanese summer songs you’ll want to listen to at the start of summer! (151–160)
You’re my sunshineAmuro Namie
Released in 1996 as Namie Amuro’s sixth single.
It was used as the image song for Shiseido’s Sea Breeze ’96 commercial and became a million seller.
The track is a dance number that picks up the tempo after the rap section, with choreography by the familiar KABA-chan.
fireworksNaoko Ken
Known as one of Naoko Ken’s signature songs, this piece is a ballad written and composed by George Takahashi.
It was included on the album “Best Collection – Hanabi -,” released in July 1994.
Set to a heartrending melody, the lyrics poignantly look back on past love while watching summer night fireworks.
Ken’s distinctive voice vividly conveys emotions like loss and loneliness, resonating deeply with listeners.
Using fireworks—an emblem of summer—as its motif, this masterpiece sings of fragile yet beautiful memories.
When a summer night stirs nostalgia for days gone by, why not give this song a listen? It’s a track especially fitting for July, the month that heralds the start of summer.
Summer Sky Nostalgiaameagari P
It’s a Vocaloid rock number whose piano timbre echoes poignantly deep in your chest.
Created by the Vocaloid producer Ameagari-P, also known as mickeY, it was released in 2014.
It’s the kind of song you’ll want to listen to under a clear summer sky.
The lyrical message will especially resonate with younger listeners, like junior and senior high school students.
Why not give it a listen and sink into a nostalgic mood?
Julybloodthirsty butchers
Here is a masterpiece whose bittersweet melody seeps into the heart under the summer sun.
bloodthirsty butchers’ songs skillfully convey lingering attachment to someone lost and the sense of emptiness that comes at summer’s end.
Their music carries a “hot yet cold” feeling that evokes Hokkaido’s summer, stirring the listener’s emotions.
Despite a simple setup of guitar, bass, and drums, the sound delivers an overwhelming depth.
The album kocorono, which features this track, is a classic released in 2007.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to alone on a summer night—perfect for this season.