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

Hi-FiveME:I

ME:I (Mei) ⊹ “Hi-Five” Official MV

This song is the perfect way to amp up summer vacation with friends.

It’s the title track of ME:I’s single “Hi-Five,” released in August 2024, and its theme is the sparkle and exhilaration of spending summer with your crew.

Packed with the refreshing vibe of lemonade sipped under the sun and the joy that makes every day shine just by being together, it’s a track full of feel-good energy.

The song has gained popularity for its upbeat sound, debuting at No.

2 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

Put it on as your summer vacation BGM, and it’s sure to elevate the fun.

Samama Festival!Mrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – Samama Festival!

It’s an energetic track that feels like a summer festival turned into music.

Released in June 2016, it was also used as the theme song for a Nihon Kogakuin College commercial.

The lyrics capture the excitement of summer vacation, inspiring you to break free from boring routines and have as much fun as you can.

Its bursting melodies and rhythms are perfect as background music for hanging out with friends or going on family outings.

It’s sure to color your best summer memories—so give it a listen.

Nagisaimase

【imase】Nagisa（MV）

It’s a fresh, danceable track reminiscent of ’80s city pop.

Released in May 2023 and sung by imase, many of you may have heard it as the theme song for the news program ABEMA Prime.

Told from the perspective of a confident woman, the song portrays a romantic storyline, with imase’s switch between chest voice and falsetto expressing the protagonist’s emotional shifts.

Also included on the album Bonsai, it’s perfect for summer outings—be sure to add it to your driving playlist.

Marigoldaimyon

Marigold

This song captivates with a refreshing yet wistful feel that pairs perfectly with summer memories.

Released by Aimyon in August 2018, it became the first track by a Japanese artist to surpass 100 million streams the following year, making it a favorite across generations.

Its melody, which conjures vivid summer scenes, may stir a gentle sense of nostalgia.

Depicting summertime moments spent with someone special, it’s the kind of music that even elementary school children can enjoy and feel at ease with.

It’s perfect for summer outings or dusk—be sure to give it a listen!

I am the strongest.Uta from ONE PIECE FILM RED

[Ado] I’m the Strongest (Uta from ONE PIECE FILM RED)

This song, a featured track from the blockbuster animated film ONE PIECE FILM RED, is very popular even among elementary school students.

Its powerful message—believing that you are the strongest—will surely stir your heart.

The exhilarating, powerful sound that blows away anxiety is incredibly appealing.

Released in June 2022 provided by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE, it was included in the album “Uta’s Songs ONE PIECE FILM RED” as one of Uta’s signature tracks sung by Ado.

It’s perfect for trying something new during summer vacation or when you want to give it your all, making it a highly recommended song for anyone looking to boost their summer vibes to the max.

Heart’s Whim (feat. Kopi)kobasoro

Heart’s Whim feat. Kopi / Kobasolo (Collab MV with “Chi’s Sweet Adventure: Pon Pon Raa Summer Vacation”)

A buoyant, lively melody that feels like it’s inviting you on a summer adventure.

Crafted by Kobasolo and Kopi, this song was released in August 2024 as the opening theme for the anime “Chi’s Sweet Summer Vacation.” It’s a sparkling track that turns the little thrills hidden in everyday life into sound, wrapping you in a floating sensation as if your heart were going out for a stroll.

If you’re looking for music that makes an ordinary day feel special, this is for you.

Live the summerRyokushokushakai

Ryokuoushoku Shakai “Living the Summer” Music Video / Ryokuoushoku Shakai

This song by Ryokuoushoku Shakai, which captures the brilliance and transience of summer, is a refreshing track that feels like a snapshot from a page of youth.

It powerfully portrays young people living their short summer to the fullest.

Released in July 2020, the track also drew attention for its animated music video.

The footage, depicting the connection between two women—one aspiring to be a painter and the other a dancer—is said to be a “treasure” to vocalist Haruko Nagaya.

As summer vacation approaches, it may gently resonate with children whose hearts are a mix of anxiety and anticipation.

Why not head out to make memories you can only create now, with this song as your soundtrack?