[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 to kick off the season! (41–50)
Fanfare of the Starsatarashii chizu
Composed by Nakajin of SEKAI NO OWARI and sung by the three members of Atarashii Chizu, this song is a lively and dramatic track that slips in effortlessly, with the friendly charm reminiscent of SMAP’s heyday.
It’s the perfect song for those who grew up listening to SMAP and are welcoming their first new summer in the Reiwa era after the Heisei era—a heart-thumping tune that makes you want to set off on an adventure.
[July Songs] A selection of Japanese summer songs to kick off the season! (51–60)
lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE
This song packs a sense of exhilarating, fast-paced guitar rock with the bittersweetness of youth.
It was selected as the opening theme for the TV Tokyo anime “Oblivion Battery” in April 2024, marking Mrs.
GREEN APPLE’s first anime tie-in in about five years.
Created by Motoki Ohmori with the feeling of an answer song to “Ao to Natsu,” the track features striking, technically intricate guitar riffs that signal a return to the band’s roots.
The lyrics explore the finiteness of life, the struggles of adolescence, and the importance of loving one’s imperfect self.
It’s a refreshingly uplifting song, perfect for those who want to get fired up at summer festivals or reminisce about their youth.
Nagisasupittsu
When it comes to summer songs by Spitz, the rock band that has led the J-pop scene for many years, it has to be “Nagisa,” right? Released as a single in 1996, it was used in Ezaki Glico’s Pocky commercial and reached No.
1 on the Oricon Singles Chart.
Just listening to the sparkling intro gives you that buoyant, summery excitement.
The title, which evokes the seaside, also conjures images of summer.
Spitz’s characteristically refreshing sound is perfect for a drive, so be sure to play it in the car on your way to the beach!
sparklerFujifaburikku
The crisp, wah-drenched guitar sound is seriously addictive.
It’s a track by Fujifabric, a rock band from Yamanashi Prefecture.
It was included on the mini-album “A La Carte,” released in 2002, and later also featured on another mini-album, “A La Mode.” The unique musical sensibilities of the band’s frontman at the time, Masahiko Shimura, are on full display.
fireworksSandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu
“Hanabi,” the summer 2012 track by Sandaime J Soul Brothers from EXILE TRIBE.
It’s a ballad where beautiful vocals intertwine with the melancholy timbre of the piano.
With its heartrending melody and lyrics, it’s one of the most evocative summer songs—perfect for listening on a summer night.
You can really feel the depth of their prowess as performers.
Fireworks are a hallmark of summer in Japan, and there are many fireworks festivals in July.
As a fireworks-themed song for those nights, this one comes highly recommended.
Seaside BalconyMatsuda Seiko
Those born in the Showa era might find this nostalgic.
It’s a song by Seiko Matsuda, an idol who epitomized the 1980s.
Released in 1982 as her ninth single, it was a huge hit at the time, reaching No.
1 on the Oricon charts.
The lyrics tell a love story set on a summer seaside.
It’s a heart-fluttering love song that makes you think, “I want a romance like this…”
Summer DayMoritaka Chisato
It was released in 1994 as Chisato Moritaka’s 22nd single.
It was used as the ending theme for TV Tokyo’s Asakusabashi Young Yōhinten.
Chisato Moritaka herself handled the vocals and her specialty, the drums, and she often showcased her drumming on television.