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)
Youth is eternalShōnan no Kaze feat. Atarashii Gakkō no Leaders
A collaboration that transcends generations and genres has produced the most powerful cheer song! This work, a team-up between Shonan no Kaze and ATARASHII GAKKO!, will be released in July 2025 and has been chosen as the opening theme for the second season of the TV anime Grand Blue.
The lyrics—saying that youth is all about moving forward because “the present is always in season”—give you a strong push from behind.
As you listen, your heart starts to blaze more and more.
Perfect for when you want to take on something new or make the best memories with your friends!
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)
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.
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.
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.
lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE
This track captivates with its refreshing guitar sound and exhilarating sense of speed.
Crafted by the popular band Mrs.
GREEN APPLE, you might also recognize it as the opening theme for the anime “Oblivion Battery.” Released in April 2024, it went on to win the Grand Prize at the 66th Japan Record Awards the same year.
The lyrics, which depict the brilliance and inner conflicts of youth, amplify the excitement of summer vacation.
Be sure to give it a listen as the perfect BGM for making memories with friends!