[Karaoke Songs for May] A list of classic tracks that capture the lingering spirit of spring and the arrival of early summer

Mahoro in SummerHarukamirai

Harukamirai – Summer Mahoro (Official Music Video)

A rock number by Harukamirai that carries a refreshing sense of speed while somehow tinged with poignancy.

Through summer scenes, it looks back on one’s past self and youth, conveying a warm message that embraces them from the perspective of who we are now as adults.

This track is included on the album “THE BAND STAR,” released in July 2020, and its music video—centered on live footage—also became a hot topic among fans.

In dazzling May greenery, why not get a head start on the early summer air and sing of the bittersweetness of youth alongside the hope of the present? Belt it out with the same intensity you felt back then, and you’ll feel the energy for tomorrow welling up inside you.

Nemophilakoaramōdo

COALAMODE. “Nemophila”

Koalamode., a male-female duo from Yokohama, colors everyday life with their translucently pure vocals and richly hued melodies.

Chosen as the ending theme for the TV anime “The Hidden Dungeon Only I Can Enter,” this song was released in February 2021 as their eighth single.

It’s a heartwarming medium-tempo number themed around the blue, delicate flower whose language of flowers is “I forgive you.” The lyrics brim with the kindness of accepting each other’s differences and rekindling bonds, gently loosening the heart with every listen.

With Annu’s soaring vocals woven together with Yasuhiro Obata’s meticulously crafted sound, this track is perfect for listening under the soft May sunlight.

Give it a listen when you’re a bit worn out from relationships or when you want to spend a calm, tender day with someone special.

Oh, early summer rainSakurazaka46

Sakurazaka46 'Samidare yo'

It’s a bittersweet yet beautiful number that layers unending rain over the tremors of a wavering heart.

A work by the popular idol group Sakurazaka46, it was released in April 2022 as their fourth single.

Besides being featured in an AEON Card commercial, it was also used as the ending theme for a TV Tokyo program, so many of you have likely heard it.

The mid-tempo, comfortable groove and delicate string arrangement leave a strong impression.

Like an unsettled sky, it carefully portrays the protagonist’s feelings as they struggle with the emotional distance between themselves and the other person.

How about listening to it on a rainy-day drive or when you’re feeling a little sentimental?

By the window on a May nightTOM☆CAT

By the window on a May night

It’s a song you’ll find yourself wanting to listen to by the window when the night breeze feels just right.

While TOM☆CAT is often associated with energetic hits, they’ve also kept this kind of lyrical pop-rock up their sleeve.

The world it paints—curtains swaying in the wind, moonlight, and the quiet of a May night—gently loosens the heart before you know it.

This track was included as the B-side to the single “Hitoribocchi no Hanrangun,” released in April 1986.

It tends to be overshadowed by the title track, but it’s been rediscovered through releases like the album “TOM★CAT Best” and continues to be cherished by fans.

It’s perfect for those uninterrupted nighttime hours—turn off the room lights and spend a moment with only the moonlight.

TOM’s vocals will tenderly keep you company.

Along the twilightOfisharu Higedan Dism

Along the twilight

An irresistible early signature track by Official HIGE DANDism that blends the bittersweet feel of dusk with a comfortable groove.

Centered on piano and infused with jazz and soul elements, it’s known for its stylish sound.

This song appears on their indie debut mini-album “Love and Peace are Within You,” released in April 2015.

Though it didn’t have any major tie-ins, it was performed during their 2020 online live show and continues to be a beloved favorite among fans.

How about singing it at karaoke on a May evening, when the scent of early summer begins to drift in—on the way back from a drive with friends or when you’re feeling a bit sentimental? If you let yourself sink into the melody, which flows like passing scenery, you’ll feel energy welling up for tomorrow.

A Place for the Soulmakaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Enpitsu “Place for the Soul” MV

The title track written as the theme song for Nissan’s “SAKURA” commercial, included on Macaroni Enpitsu’s major-label 2nd EP, “Tama-shii no Ibasho” (“Where the Soul Belongs”).

Released in June 2022, this work’s exhilarating band sound and catchy melodies add color to early-summer driving scenes.

Marking their 10th anniversary, the words they wove around the theme of “a place to belong” are sure to resonate with those sentimental feelings that surface even during a fun vacation.

The affirming message delivered over a brisk rhythm will likely lift your spirits even when you’re stuck in traffic.

It’s a pop-rock number that helps both mind and body move forward—perfect for listening to during long holiday journeys.

In early summer, malice spreads through the city like a disease.Kitanitatsuya

Early summer, murderous intent soaks the city like a disease / Tatsuya Kitani – Early Summer, Murderous Urge / Tatsuya Kitani

From its very title, this track leaves a powerful impression and stands as one of Tatsuya Kitani’s signature early songs.

Included on his first full-length album, “I DO (NOT) LOVE YOU.” released in September 2018, it’s a self-cover of a song originally released in 2015 under his Vocaloid producer name, Konnichiwa Tanita-san.

In stark contrast to the dazzling early-summer sunlight, it vividly depicts the trapped heat and suffocating atmosphere of the urban concrete jungle.

Its sharp alternative rock sound seems to speak for the murky emotions churning inside and the inescapable impatience that grips you—sure to shake listeners to the core.