Recommended summer songs for kids: Popular J-POP/Japanese hits [2026]

secret base ~What You Gave Me~ZONE

secret base ~What You Gave Me~ ZONE (Full)

It’s a song that will make you realize childhood memories last a lifetime.

It’s the signature track by ZONE, a girls’ band from Hokkaido, released in 2001 as their third single.

Chosen as the theme song for the drama “Kids War 3,” it became a hot topic and a major hit.

It’s a masterpiece that has been covered by many famous artists.

You’ll never forget the summer you spent with someone special… bittersweet yet somehow romantic.

It’s a classic Japanese pop song that heightens a sense of nostalgia, and one I can highly recommend.

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Araki Jakkan

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cloversaidāgāru

CIDERGIRL “Clover” Music Video

Cider Girl’s “Clover” is a song characterized by a refreshing, summery sound and a sense of exhilarating momentum.

While the lyrics confront harsh realities, they also carry a heartwarming message, making it a recommended summer track for kids working hard at club activities or their studies.

Its fizzing, soda-like freshness is also appealing, making it perfect as background music for summer drives or camping.

This summer, how about listening to Cider Girl’s “Clover” with your kids and enjoying those heart-thumping moments together?

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kappamaki

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Only for you, clear skiesYorushika

Yorushika – Just Clear Skies for You (MUSIC VIDEO)

Yorushika’s song “Just a Sunny Day for You” has been featured in numerous commercials, making it familiar and popular among children as well.

Released in 2018 on the mini-album “No Encore for the Weak,” it became a massive hit, with its music video surpassing 100 million views.

The handclaps in the chorus and the brisk rhythm, tinged with a faint sense of melancholy, make it irresistibly catchy.

It’s a song that helps kids who are caught between childhood and adulthood—wanting to stay young, yet knowing time only moves forward—prepare their hearts for growing up.

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SAKI

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Gate of GloryHirai Dai

Dai Hirai / The Door of Glory (Music Video)

Dai Hirai’s “Eikou no Tobira” (The Door to Glory) is a perfect song for summer, and it was even chosen as a cheer song for high school baseball.

His powerful vocals—distinctive for their unique tone that can almost sound like English—convey a sense of determination heading into the season.

The arrangement and lyrics gradually build from a gentle atmosphere to greater intensity, evoking the image of high school baseball players and expressing the desire to make summer something special.

It’s a song that carries passionate feelings within its calmness, and it lifts the spirit for summer across generations.

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kappamaki

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ciderHata Motohiro

Motohiro Hata – Cider (Official Music Video)

Motohiro Hata’s “Cider” is a song that looks back on summer memories, themed around the adventures of boys and girls.

Written as the theme song for the film “The Unlucky Animal Encyclopedia,” it also captures the excitement of moving toward the unknown.

While the sound is gentle with a touch of wistfulness, the smile that comes through in his vocals is striking.

It’s perfect for the start of a summer where you’ll stack up new memories, and it’s also a great listen when reminiscing about a fun summer vacation.

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kappamaki

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CelebrateTwice

TWICE 「Celebrate」 Music Video

TWICE’s “Celebrate” is a song that highlights the group’s signature charm—cute yet stylish.

The sound gradually builds in power toward the chorus, evoking the excitement of summer hitting its stride.

Beyond the instrumental, the crisp vocals also underscore the chic, danceable vibe, sending a fun beat through your body.

It’s a track that vividly conjures images of singing with a smile while dancing, so using it as summer background music might make the season even more enjoyable.

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kappamaki

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together; along with; bothWANIMA

WANIMA – Together (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

With its powerful performance, WANIMA’s “Tomoni” can turn any summer into a smile.

It’s included on the single “JUICE UP!!” released in 2016.

Summer can be tough—worrying about club activities, future paths, and all the things you can’t do because of various restrictions.

But this song makes you feel that if you keep being yourself and doing what you believe in no matter what, the light will surely appear.

WANIMA’s fiery message and sound are perfect for the hot summer! Let their performance energize you and create an unforgettable summer full of memories!

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SAKI

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