Classic summer songs that are easy to sing at karaoke. Recommended popular tracks [2026]

Somewhere in the summerWANIMA

WANIMA "Somewhere in the Summer" OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

Perfectly capturing the exhilaration of summer’s beginning and the urge to dash off somewhere, this song comes from WANIMA, a rock band from Kumamoto.

It’s included on the single “Summer Trap!!,” released in July 2019, and many will remember it as the theme for Asahi Soft Drinks’ Mitsuya Cider commercial featuring Suzu Hirose.

The lyrics carry a positive message about casting off doubt and sadness and giving it your all, true to yourself.

The exhilarating, high-velocity sound feels just like the crystal-clear blue summer sky.

Paired with the music video’s nostalgic summer festival scenes, it sets the stage for the best summer to share with friends.

Smitten with you. (A Fickle Vacation)Yellow Magic Orchestra

Yellow Magic Orchestra – “Kimi Ni Mune Kyun“ (Official Music Video)

YMO is often associated with cool, synth-driven sounds, but this track really shines with its irresistibly catchy pop melody.

Released as a single in March 1983 and included on the album Naughty Boys, it also gained attention as a Kanebo cosmetics commercial song.

The theme centers on a faint budding romance sparked by the liberating atmosphere of summer—a flirtatious season that nudges the heart.

It portrays the sweet, slightly bewildering excitement of a protagonist surprised by feelings bolder than their usual self.

It’s a classic everyone knows, a killer tune guaranteed to bring the house down at karaoke across generations.

H.A.N.A.B.I ~The Summer When You Were There~ZONE

ZONE “H.A.N.A.B.I ~The Summer You Were There~” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

It’s a classic song whose poignant, end-of-summer melancholy seeps into your heart, sung over a thrilling, fast-paced band sound.

This work was written and composed by Norihiko Machida, the creator behind the national hit “secret base ~Kimi ga Kureta Mono~.” The lyrics paint sparkling summer scenes—like the fireworks we watched together and memories of dashing up the stone steps of a shrine—stirring a wistful longing for days that can never return.

Released in July 2003 as their commemorative 10th major single, it reached No.

3 on the Oricon Weekly Chart and was later included on the album “N.” It’s the perfect track for nights when you want to soak in summer memories, and just as fitting for getting hyped with friends at karaoke.

The Summer When You Were ThereMr.Children

Mr.Children “The Summer You Were Here” MUSIC VIDEO

This song was single-cut from their major debut mini album “EVERYTHING,” becoming Mr.Children’s very first single.

When it was released in August 1992, they were still relatively unknown and it didn’t achieve commercial success.

However, under the production of Takeshi Kobayashi, it embodies the early Mr.Children sound—evoking a slightly bittersweet youthfulness and a nostalgic atmosphere—and is cherished as a classic among fans.

Twenty-five years later, in 2017, it received its first tie-in with an NTT Docomo commercial.

Since it doesn’t feature especially high notes, it seems to be relatively easy to sing, so try belting out the chorus as if releasing the feelings you’ve kept in your heart.

The Door to SummerMatsuda Seiko

The Door to Summer

A number by Seiko Matsuda that overflows with the heroine’s fresh resolve and fluttering excitement as she cuts her hair and steps into a new romance.

Released in April 1981, this track was also included on the classic album “Silhouette,” and truly stands as a song that symbolizes summer.

The brisk brass and buoyant piano create a sound that heightens anticipation for the coming season to a peak.

Used as a commercial jingle with only the voice, it became a catalyst for bringing her vocals into living rooms across the country.

It’s a song full of positive charm—perfect for enjoying karaoke with a sense of freedom, or for giving you a bright push when you want to take a new step forward.

fireworksaiko

aiko - “Hanabi” music video

The third major single by singer-songwriter aiko.

It’s the song that really made her widely known, and its light, upbeat pop sound over a shuffle beat feels great.

Although the pitch moves up and down a lot, the melody itself is relaxed, so you can probably power through it at karaoke.

With cute, summer-themed lyrics, it’s a karaoke song especially recommended for women.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Over DriveJUDY AND MARY

2. Over Drive – Judy and mary

There are times when you go to karaoke not just with friends or a partner, but also with your boss or seniors at work.

In those situations, picking a song that people of all ages and genders know is guaranteed to get everyone pumped.

That’s why I recommend JUDY AND MARY’s “Over Drive.” It was released in 1995, but it’s still a timeless classic.

That catchy chorus sticks in your head—honestly, it’s no exaggeration to say everyone knows it! It’s sung by the female vocalist YUKI, but the key isn’t too high, so men can sing it too.

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yamamoto

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