A song that suits the sea. A relaxed track with an emo vibe drifting through.
There are all sorts of songs you might want to listen to at the beach.
Upbeat, summery tracks are perfect for the ocean, of course, but in this article I’ll deliberately focus on songs with a relaxed, laid-back vibe.
I’ve picked out tracks that are ideal for spending time calmly by the shore—whether you’re sitting and taking it easy or lost in thought—so you can enjoy a chill atmosphere near the sea.
From gentle ballads themed around the ocean to songs featuring the soothing sounds of acoustic guitar and ukulele, take a look and find some new favorites.
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Songs that suit the sea. Relaxing tracks with an emo vibe (11–20)
Scooping the Sea (House ver.)Hoshino Gen
This is a song by Gen Hoshino with an irresistible, gently floating feel.
A house arrangement, different in character from the original, leads you to scenes of a summer seaside.
The lyrics, which depict fleeting memories like water slipping through your fingers and wavering emotions, overlap with the sophisticated sound to create something achingly beautiful.
The track is included on the single “Crazy Crazy / Sakura no Mori,” released in June 2014.
A studio live performance is also featured as a bonus video on the first-press edition of the album “POP VIRUS,” making it a valuable record for fans.
Why not give it a listen while cooling off by the shore lost in thought, or when you want to relax with a touch of sentiment at summer’s end? It’s sure to become one of your favorite seaside songs.
TSUNAMISazan Ōrusutāzu
A timeless song that resonates with the heart—one you’ll want to listen to by the seaside.
Known as a signature work of Southern All Stars, this piece is a moving track that portrays deep love and bittersweet emotion.
Through the story of a lost romance, it offers a profound reflection on the fate of life.
Released in January 2000, it was tied in with the TBS TV program “Uunnan no Hontoko!” and became a massive hit, selling 2.5 million copies in just four months—the highest in the band’s history.
It’s the perfect song for solitary moments of contemplation by the sea.
Carried by Keisuke Kuwata’s vocals, it’s sure to stay close to your heart.
Nagisaimase
A danceable track by imase, inspired by 1980s city pop, is perfect for relaxing by the seaside.
The song carries a fresh yet nostalgic vibe, characterized by a comfortable groove.
Depicting romance from a female perspective that balances strength and vulnerability, it’s delivered through imase’s skillful vocals to heighten the emotional mood.
Released in May 2023, the track is also included on imase’s first full album, “Bonsai.” It has been embraced as the theme song for the ABEMA NEWS program “ABEMA Prime.” Whether you’re lost in thought by the ocean or just taking it easy, this song will surely make the atmosphere feel even more special.
It’s a top recommendation for those who want to enjoy the sea in a calm, laid-back way.
Life is wonderfulRickie-G
A heartwarming reggae track that makes you want to listen while wrapped in an ocean breeze—this is Rickie-G’s signature song.
Created as the title track for his mini-album “Life Is Wonderful,” released in November 2006, it’s a gem that sings of life’s beauty and the small joys of everyday living.
It gently portrays hope for the sun beyond the rain and the preciousness of time spent with loved ones, set to a tender melody.
The song was also featured on Fuji TV’s reality show Terrace House and has been loved by a wide range of generations.
Its acoustic sound and soulful vocals evoke a breezy, surfside openness—perfect for relaxing by the sea or lightening your heart when life feels heavy.
Emo-ish summerLucky Kilimanjaro
An emotional number by Lucky Kilimanjaro that vividly brings summertime scenes to mind.
The shimmering tones of the synthesizer and the breezy rhythm paint a bright picture of the early thrills of romance and the unstoppable swell of emotion.
The lyrics capture a heart swaying in the special atmosphere of summer, wrapping listeners in a feeling that’s a little bittersweet yet warm.
Released as a single in July 2020, the track built anticipation as a follow-up to their major-label first album, “!magination.” Its exposure on NTV’s Sukkiri and as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s Netapare further raised its profile.
It also received extensive radio play, including three consecutive weeks in the TOP 5 on J-WAVE’s TOKIO HOT 100.
It’s a perfect song to listen to while relaxing by the seaside to the sound of waves, or in the sentimental mood of twilight.
Give it a listen in those kinds of moments.
Islanders’ TreasureBEGIN
This song by BEGIN, beloved as an iconic piece that embodies the heart and culture of Okinawa, carries a deep affection for the islands, reflected in its background of being created based on words from junior high school students on Ishigaki Island.
Released in May 2002 and used as the theme song for NHK Okinawa’s “30 Years Since Reversion,” its lyrics praising Okinawa’s beautiful nature and rich culture resonate deeply.
The warm vocals celebrating the pride and bonds of the island’s people are sure to soothe anyone who listens.
It’s a perfect track for relaxing by the seaside or when you want to feel a connection with someone special.
It’s also highly recommended for anyone who wants to experience the allure of Okinawa through music.
Songs that suit the sea. Relaxing tracks with an emo vibe (21–30)
Kick off your high heelsZARD
This is a summer-themed song by ZARD that conveys a poignant feeling, as if being tormented by memories.
Its grand sound seems to highlight the song’s message, expressing how the ache in one’s heart grows larger.
Izumi Sakai’s straight, resonant vocals are also striking, conveying both the worldview of her lyrics and the strength to overcome sorrow.
It’s a track that, while carrying regrets about summer memories, embodies a will to keep moving forward toward the future.
