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!
Coco☆NatsuMomoiro Kurōbā Zetto
The idol group Momoiro Clover Z, affectionately known as Momoclo, is hugely popular with kids, too.
When it comes to Momoclo’s summer songs, “Coco☆Natsu” is a timeless classic! It always gets everyone hyped at summer concerts, and you’ll see lots of children in the crowd copying the choreography.
The song is poppy and fun, so try enjoying it together with the kids.
Muscatyuzu
Refreshing and full of speed, Yuzu’s “Muscat” is a recommended summer song that can be enjoyed by everyone from kids to adults.
The track was also used as the theme song for the anime Crayon Shin-chan.
Its lyrics and exhilarating melody amplify the energetic vibe of summer.
The rhythmic handclaps are pleasing to the ear, packing in elements that let anyone join in and have fun together.
It’s perfect as background music for summer activities like the pool, the beach, and camping, or as a dance number at events.
Put this song on and make some fun summer memories.
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!
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?