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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!

Recommended summer songs for kids: Popular J-Pop/Japanese songs [2026] (41–50)

ASOBONiziU

NiziU(니쥬) Digital Single 「ASOBO」 M/V
ASOBONiziU

With a playful spirit, every day becomes more fun—that’s the feeling this NiziU track gives you.

Featuring house music and a Motown-style upbeat rhythm, it’s the kind of song that makes many listeners start moving without even realizing it.

Released in April 2022, it was also used in a Fanta commercial.

Its message, “Let’s enjoy everyday life no matter what,” amplifies that excited summer vacation mood.

It’s perfect for hanging out with friends or as background music for outings, so give it a listen when you want everyone to get hyped!

Recommended summer songs for kids. Popular J-POP/Japanese songs [2026] (51–60)

Ultraman Ondo

It’s a fun number that mixes the world of tokusatsu heroes with the rhythm of bon odori.

The presence of Ultraman—familiar to everyone—overlaps with the music and captures children’s hearts.

Adding choreography to the “signature pose” lines in the lyrics makes it easy to enjoy even for first-time festival-goers.

The drums and percussion in the background evoke the feeling of summer and bring liveliness to the whole track.

The vocals are dynamic, with clear shifts between sections that make it thoroughly engaging to listen to.

It’s highly recommended not only for kids who love Ultraman, but also for anyone in the mood to soak up a festive atmosphere.

It’s Hamu Hamu ON-DO, Ham-chans!

“Hamham ON-DO da, Ham-chans!” by the Ham-chans is an energetic Bon Odori dance song born from the anime Hamtaro.

All the small, cute characters make an appearance, and a lively rhythm unfolds that makes you want to dance.

With its brisk tempo, it’s fun to join in with call-and-response and hand claps, which will boost children’s eagerness to participate.

The instruments are lively, and the atmosphere builds in step with the song’s progression.

The vocal expressions are rich as well, with a structure that lets each character’s personality shine through.

Even children who don’t know the anime can enjoy it, and using it at summer festivals or school events will create a time filled with smiles.

Ponchararin on a moonlit night

Ponchararin on a Moonlit Night (Okaasan to Issho) / Yuzo Imai, Shoko Haida, Hiromichi Sato, Yoriko Taki
Ponchararin on a moonlit night

It’s a lively ondo song featuring a variety of animals.

The rhythm moves at a comfortable pace, packed with a fun energy that makes you want to move your body.

You can enjoy imagining the movements of raccoon dogs, rabbits, and fireflies.

The instrumentation is cleverly arranged, and the layered sounds create a distinctly summery atmosphere.

The dance choreography is easy to learn, so even children new to Bon Odori can quickly join the circle and have fun.

Through both song and dance, this piece evokes the bustle of a nighttime scene.

As an ondo that colors summer festival memories, it’s beloved by many children.

Blue Hawaii Lemon≒JOY

≒JOY (Nearly Equal Joy) / 3rd Single Title Track “Blue Hawaii Lemon” [MV full]
Blue Hawaii Lemon≒JOY

This ≒JOY release is filled with bittersweet feelings, set to a sound as fresh as a breeze that heralds the arrival of summer.

Released in June 2025, it’s the group’s third single, with Reon Esumi as the center.

The lyrics, which liken summer romance to shaved ice, are absolutely adorable and make you feel like falling in love yourself.

It’s perfect as background music for making memories with friends and loved ones!

DREAMIN’ ONDa-iCE

Da-iCE / <TV Anime “ONE PIECE” Theme Song> “DREAMIN’ ON” Music Video
DREAMIN' ONDa-iCE

When you think of summer, you think of the sea—and when you think of the sea, this is the song! It’s a fiery rock number that was featured as the opening theme for the nationally beloved anime ONE PIECE.

Performed by the dance-vocal group Da-iCE, it was released in 2020 as their 18th single.

With its energetic sound and powerful, resonant vocals, this uptempo track is sure to strike many kids as cool.

It’s also a great pick for karaoke—give this uplifting number a listen!

To the Lightmiwa

miwa 'To the Light' Music Video
To the Lightmiwa

A message song filled with strong determination that boosts your anticipation for summer.

It’s a track by singer-songwriter miwa, known for her relatable, natural vocals, released as her ninth single.

The song was written as the main theme for the drama “Rich Man, Poor Woman.” It features a grand sound infused with EDM elements.

Perhaps because the shimmering tones of the synthesizer resonate throughout, the entire piece gives you a sense of being gently enveloped.

It might even inspire your child to feel hopeful about the future.