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

magic musicKimura Kaera

Kaela Kimura “Magic Music” [short ver.]

This is a vibrant summer tune by Kaela Kimura.

Created for summer festivals, its happy, positive worldview adds extra fun to children’s movements.

Set to a catchy melody, it sings about the magical power of music and the thrill of romance.

Released in June 2006, it was used as the commercial song for Toshiba’s portable media player “gigabeat” and as the ending theme for tvk’s program “sakusaku.” Although it wasn’t included on the album “Scratch,” it remains one of the artist’s most popular signature songs.

If you’re pairing it with a parachute (paraballoon) routine, this refreshing track is perfect for everyone to dance to.

Its lively, pop atmosphere will make bright, cheerful performances even more delightful.

Otherworldly Mixed Grand Ball (feat. Ghost)Hoshino Gen

Gen Hoshino – Otherworldly Mixed Grand Ball (feat. Obake) [Official Video]

As a song recommendation for summer, I’m introducing Gen Hoshino’s “Isekai Kongo Dai Butokai (feat.

Obake).” It’s the theme song for the film “Ghost Book: Obake Zukan,” and it’s known for being fun to both sing and dance to.

The chorus’s “Obake Dance” is simple and cute, so both adults and kids can enjoy it together.

Its unique rhythm is another charming point—you can clap and tap along while singing—making it perfect for enjoying with family and friends during summer vacation.

Feel the rhythm of this song in your body and get into the spirit of summer!

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kappamaki

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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?

Tokyo Summer SessionHoneyWorks feat.CHiCO

HoneyWorks “Tokyo Summer Session feat. CHiCO”

This song is perfect for kids who long for sparkling, storybook romance.

It’s a track by the creator unit HoneyWorks and singer CHiCO, included on their third album, “Suki ni Naru Sono Shunkan o,” released in 2015.

A love song set at a summer festival, it’s the kind of tune that makes your heart flutter just by following the lyrics.

Paired with its upbeat sound, it’ll swell that feeling of “I want to fall in love.” It’s also great to listen to when you need a little courage to confess your feelings!

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Araki Jakkan

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ApollodorusMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE “Apollodorus” Official Lyric Video

It’s a song where a refreshing feeling—like taking off into the summer sky—intersects with deep emotion.

Mrs.

GREEN APPLE’s melodious rock sound resonates pleasantly, like a summer breeze.

Released in July 2024, this work is an ambitious one for the band.

Even more than ten years after their formation, you can still feel that unchanging youthful passion.

It’s perfect as a soundtrack for summer vacation drives or making memories with friends.

With lyrics that anyone—from children to adults—can relate to, it’s sure to leave a lasting impression.

Mrs.

GREEN APPLE’s music will be etched in your heart alongside your summer memories.

You and the summer music festivalSHISHAMO

SHISHAMO “You and the Summer Festival”

This is a love song by SHISHAMO with a summer music festival theme.

It’s a bittersweet track that captures the mixed feelings of excitement and nervousness when you go to a midsummer rock fest—with your favorite artist performing—together with someone you like.

The song is a breezy coming-of-age rock tune, a style SHISHAMO excels at.

Hearing vocalist Asako Miyazaki’s gentle, charming voice will make you want to head to a summer festival even more.

These days, more parents and children attend festivals together, so it’s also a great song to play for your kids as a bit of festival prep.

summer festivalWhiteberry

Summer Festival – Whiteberry (Full)

When it comes to summer, there’s that classic song everyone knows, right? That’s “Natsu Matsuri” sung by Whiteberry.

Summer songs range from breezy tracks that let you feel cool to mellow tunes that capture the season’s atmosphere, but this one is an up-tempo rock number that radiates the energy of a hot summer.

If you’re playing music for lively kids, I think a positive, full-throttle song like “Natsu Matsuri” will get everyone excited more than a slow, mellow ballad!