Recommended summer songs for kids: Popular J-POP/Japanese hits [2026]
Every summer brings a relentless heat wave, but for kids, summer isn’t just hot—it’s a season full of fun with pools, the beach, summer vacation, fireworks, and more.
In this article, we’ve gathered a collection of summer songs perfect for children.
Focusing on artists popular with kids, we’ll introduce both ballads and up-tempo tracks, from timeless classics to the latest hits.
If you’re looking for summer songs to play for children, be sure to check this out.
You’re sure to find the perfect track for summer drives or as BGM for camping!
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Recommended summer songs for kids: Popular J-POP/Japanese songs [2026] (21–30)
SurgesOrangestar (feat. Natsuse & Ruwan)
Vocaloid is popular not only among adults but also among children.
A recommended summer song by Orangestar, a prolific Vocaloid producer, is “Surges.” It features fellow Vocaloid producer Ruan and creator Natsuse as vocalists.
The song was used in CalorieMate’s 2021 web video “Summer Begins.” The lyrics depict the frustration and pain of being unable to do things due to unavoidable constraints, yet finding hope in the heat that wells up inside.
Be sure to watch it together with the dynamic visuals!
Ephemeral Fireworkssupercell
supercell is a group centered around the composer ryo, where various creators such as illustrators and designers come together to produce music.
There is no dedicated vocalist among the members; for this track, Utakata Hanabi, the vocals are performed by the female singer-songwriter nagi.
The song, themed around fireworks, is also recommended for children.
It has a gentle, relaxed tempo, and nagi’s soft voice makes it very easy to listen to.
It’s also an ending theme for the anime NARUTO: Shippuden, so it’s a song widely recognized by children.
Voice of the Seaurashima tarō (kiritani kenta)
The straightforward, nursery-rhyme-like melody line might really appeal to kids.
It’s sung by actor Kenta Kiritani under the name Urashima Taro.
Chosen as a song for an au commercial, it created a buzz and was released as a digital single in 2015.
The lyrics, which convey a single-hearted devotion—“I’m always thinking of you”—are wonderful.
They make me think, I want to care about someone this much, and be cared for like that too.
Of course, listening to it by the seaside in summer is my top recommendation!
Trace that dreamYOASOBI
Thanks to the massive hit of “Yoru ni Kakeru,” YOASOBI has become popular not only among adults but also children.
Their 2020 release “Tracing That Dream” (“Ano Yume o Nazotte”) sings of a dramatic summer romance over a driving, exhilarating melody.
Its source material is Sota Ishiki’s novel “Yume no Shizuku to Hoshi no Hana.” In 2021, a ballad version drew attention when it was featured in a Calorie Mate commercial.
It’s heart-fluttering to see the straightforward way the narrator conveys their feelings, trying to make the dream of staying together with the one they love come true under a night sky lit by fireworks!
Run Through the MemoriesMy Hair is Bad
This song is filled with summer memories and hope for the future.
My Hair is Bad’s powerful melodies and uplifting lyrics really resonate.
Written as the theme song for the film “Crayon Shin-chan: Our Dinosaur Diary,” it was released in June 2024 and is also included on the album “ghosts.” Looking back on fun memories while giving you the courage to take a new step forward, this track is perfect for kids kicking off their summer vacation.
Why not listen to it with friends and make some wonderful memories?
Become the windtsuji ayano
Ayano Tsuji’s “Kaze ni Naru” lets you feel the refreshing breeze of summer.
Released in 2002, the song gained popularity as the theme for Studio Ghibli’s film The Cat Returns.
Along with the movie itself, Tsuji’s gentle, soothing voice is surely easy for children to connect with.
Once you hear it, you’ll definitely want to hop on a bicycle and ride off, cutting through the wind just like the scenes described in the lyrics! With its tender melody, may it help you create wonderful summer memories.
summer squallarashi
Arashi, who are hugely successful both as a group and individually, are wildly popular with kids too! Their 2018 release “Natsu Hayate” was chosen as the support song for the summer high school baseball tournament held that year, as well as the theme song for the related program “Netto Koshien.” Written and composed by Yuzu’s Yujin Kitagawa, the song became an anthem for high school baseball players across Japan, including those competing at Koshien.
It depicts the burning fighting spirit within, the cheers from those around you, and the moment you start running toward your dreams powered by that support.
Why not make this song your own fight song and give your all to club activities or studying this summer?