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

silver vineSato Chiaki

Chiaki Sato – Matatabi (Lyric Video)

Summer is a season packed with fun events for kids, like pool days and fireworks.

A perfect song for such a summer is Chiaki Sato’s “Matatabi.” The track features a relaxed tempo and warm guitar sounds, incorporating elements of country and folk.

The lyrics are sprinkled with words that evoke nostalgia, bringing back memories of summertime.

It’s also used as the theme song for the film “Bake-neko Anzu-chan,” making it a great choice to listen to with children while creating summer memories.

BokuNatsuSakaguchi Ami

Ami Sakaguchi “#BokuNatsu” Music Video

Based on the voices of children who, due to the COVID outbreak in 2020, could no longer take part in clubs and various extracurricular activities, Aimi Sakaguchi created “#BokuNatsu.” There were so many kids who had to miss their final tournaments and competitions because of COVID.

This song clears away that pent-up frustration—the vague, directionless haze and the bitter feelings that aren’t anyone’s fault.

It’s a track that makes you feel that everything you did leading up to that final summer tournament was absolutely not in vain.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

SAKI

Report a problem

high-stepperŌhara Yuiko

Yuiko Ohara “High Stepper” Music Video / TV Anime Hanebado! Ending Theme

Songs that capture the heat of youth are a staple of summer, aren’t they? Yuiko Ōhara’s “High Stepper” is a great recommendation as a youthful summer anthem.

It’s also the theme song for the popular anime Hanebado!, which centers on high school badminton.

With its fresh and cool vibe, it’s sure to get kids hooked!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Saitō Ayumu

Report a problem

Do Re Mi So La Si DoHinatazaka46

Hinatazaka46 'Doremi Solashido'

Summer is the season when expectations for romance soar—why not lift your mood with this EDM-style track? It’s a song by the popular idol group Hinatazaka46, released in 2019 as their second single.

The arrangement builds with an increasing number of sounds that spread outward, and it feels so refreshing.

You’ll feel like you’re basking in a fresh summer breeze.

The melody that weaves in the title is especially catchy, so even young children might enjoy listening.

Here’s to a wonderful romance this summer!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Araki Jakkan

Report a problem

Blue and SummerMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – “Blue and Summer” Official Lyric Video

This song starts with an intro so exhilarating it makes you want to sprint up a hill.

Released as a single in 2018, it was written specifically for the film “Ao-Natsu: Kimi ni Koi Shita 30-Nichi.” Alongside the driving momentum and lyrics that make you want to take off running, it also weaves in the delicate relationships unique to adolescence and a message of encouragement—making it a perfect companion to summer in your youth.

It’s crafted to let you feel summer to the fullest.

The song ends with a refreshing “chirin!” bell-like sound that leaves just the right afterglow.

If you want to savor the breezy thrill of summer, give it a listen!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Kanako

Report a problem