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

You and the summer music festivalSHISHAMO

SHISHAMO “You and the Summer Festival”

This is a love song by SHISHAMO with a summer music festival theme.

It’s a bittersweet track that captures the mixed feelings of excitement and nervousness when you go to a midsummer rock fest—with your favorite artist performing—together with someone you like.

The song is a breezy coming-of-age rock tune, a style SHISHAMO excels at.

Hearing vocalist Asako Miyazaki’s gentle, charming voice will make you want to head to a summer festival even more.

These days, more parents and children attend festivals together, so it’s also a great song to play for your kids as a bit of festival prep.

summer festivalWhiteberry

Summer Festival – Whiteberry (Full)

When it comes to summer, there’s that classic song everyone knows, right? That’s “Natsu Matsuri” sung by Whiteberry.

Summer songs range from breezy tracks that let you feel cool to mellow tunes that capture the season’s atmosphere, but this one is an up-tempo rock number that radiates the energy of a hot summer.

If you’re playing music for lively kids, I think a positive, full-throttle song like “Natsu Matsuri” will get everyone excited more than a slow, mellow ballad!

To the Lightmiwa

miwa 'To the Light' Music Video

A message song filled with strong determination that boosts your anticipation for summer.

It’s a track by singer-songwriter miwa, known for her relatable, natural vocals, released as her ninth single.

The song was written as the main theme for the drama “Rich Man, Poor Woman.” It features a grand sound infused with EDM elements.

Perhaps because the shimmering tones of the synthesizer resonate throughout, the entire piece gives you a sense of being gently enveloped.

It might even inspire your child to feel hopeful about the future.

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Summertime Recordjin

Jin / Summertime Record (IA) [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

Many people probably think of this when it comes to summer-themed Vocaloid songs.

It’s a track by Jin, the creator of the Kagerou Project series, released in 2013.

It serves as the ending theme for the Kagerou Project mentioned above.

This guitar-driven rock number blends urgency with poignancy, and listening to it evokes the end of summer.

If you know the broader story, the words in the lyrics carry a mix of emotions.

I’m sure it’ll go over well with kids who like Vocaloid, so definitely give it a try.

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Ghost in the FlowersYorushika

Yorushika – Ghost in a Flower (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

Yorushika is a male–female duo consisting of composer n-buna and vocalist suis.

They mainly produce songs in the pop and pop-rock genres.

Each track is captivating for its nostalgic coming-of-age feel and beautiful lyrics.

“Hana ni Bourei” (Ghost in a Flower) evokes the joys of summer—the sounds, scenes, and scents.

It was also chosen as the theme song for the animated film A Whisker Away.

Since the movie features quintessential summer scenes like fireworks and festivals, children can enjoy both the film and the song.