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)
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?
Until It Reaches YouLittle Glee Monster
This is a song I’d recommend for kids who love baseball.
It was used as the ending theme for the anime MIX, which is about high school baseball.
The track is by the girls’ vocal group Little Glee Monster, known for hits like “Houkago High Five,” and it was released in 2019 as their 14th single.
Its gentle mid-tempo feel and vocals are soothing.
It’s the perfect number to listen to on a summer evening while gazing up at an orange-tinted sky.
Recommended summer songs for kids: Popular J-Pop/Japanese songs [2026] (31–40)
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.
Because I’ve always loved you.neguse.
Created as a cheer song for high school baseball, Neguse.’s track captures the youthful energy that won’t be beaten by the summer heat.
Expressing the passion and effort of players aiming for Koshien through rap and chorus, the piece is infused with the belief that “you can keep going because you love it,” giving listeners a push forward.
Released digitally on June 7, 2024, it was also chosen as the theme song for Nettō Koshien.
Since it’s set to play during summer Koshien broadcasts, you’ll likely hear it often on TV.
It’s a perfect pick for anyone striving to get through the hot summer or working hard toward their dreams.
The world is smiling at you.Little Glee Monster
As a gift from parent to child, this is a song I’d love for you to give.
It’s a track by the girl vocal group Little Glee Monster, released in 2018 as their 12th single.
Many of you may know it, as it was used as a Coca-Cola image song.
It’s a very uplifting pop tune, captivating with the group’s signature beautiful choral work.
The lyrics, which gently seem to say “It’s going to be okay,” are another part of its charm.
Try listening to it on a sunny summer day while taking in the scenery.
A Little Love Songchiisana koi no uta bando
Songs about youth tend to be popular in summer, don’t they? “Chiisana Koi no Uta” is a great recommendation for capturing that youthful feeling.
It was originally a song by the band MONGOL800, and it became so popular that it was turned into a coming-of-age film.
The arrangement in this video was created as a song by the band formed within that movie and was used as the theme song.
It’s poppier than the original, so it seems like it would be popular with kids too.
StarmineDa-iCE
The Da-iCE song that’s been gaining popularity on TikTok and YouTube really stands out with its festival-like chants and an up-tempo melody that feels like fireworks launching one after another.
The track conveys a positive message about not getting discouraged by a single failure and trying again and again, and just listening to it gives you energy.
Released in August 2022, it’s also included on the album “SCENE.” It’s a classic that won the Excellence Award at the 64th Japan Record Awards that year.
It’s perfect for lifting your mood at summer vacation events or when you’re hanging out with friends, so be sure to give it a listen!