Masterpieces that color the hot season! Summer songs recommended for the Yutori generation

Ponytail and ScrunchieAKB48

[MV full] Ponytail to Shushu / AKB48 [Official]

Released in May 2010 as AKB48’s 16th single, this song captivates with its sparkling, sun-kissed sound.

Told from a boy’s perspective, it tenderly portrays a sweet-and-sour summer romance and the irresistible pull toward a girl with her hair tied in a single ponytail as she dashes by—just listening makes your heart flutter.

It was featured widely across media, including as the ending theme for NTV’s “Naruhodo! High School,” and sold an impressive 513,000 copies in its first week.

It’s a perfect track not only as seaside background music, but also for those moments when you want to reminisce about days of youth gone by.

Catch The WaveDef Tech

Def Tech – Catch The Wave【Official Music Video】

This track captivates with Shen’s soothing, expansive vocals and Micro’s rhythmic flow, as comfortable as waves breaking on the shore.

Just hearing its refreshing, Hawaii-tinged sound will make your heart feel lighter.

Released in April 2006, it’s the title track of Def Tech’s classic album “Catch The Wave,” which also drew major attention as the theme song for the film “Catch a Wave.” Despite being an indie release, the album became a million seller and dominated the music scene at the time.

It’s a warm work that gently gives you a push when you’re about to take on a challenge.

Roller Coaster RomanceKinKi Kids

KinKi Kids “Jet Coaster Romance” Music Video

This is a KinKi Kids number that belts out the exhilaration of summer over a refreshing melody.

It likens the dizzying ups and downs of love’s emotions to a roller coaster, expressing in straightforward words the strength of feeling for the other person and the wish to move into the future together.

Tatsuro Yamashita’s glittering composition further enhances that youthful sparkle.

Released in April 1998, the song was used in an ANA commercial, debuted at No.

1 on the Oricon weekly chart, and was certified million-selling.

Isn’t it the perfect track to rekindle those sweet-and-sour memories from back then?

FlowerKinKi Kids

KinKi Kids “Flower” Music Video

A refreshing number from KinKi Kids that evokes the crystal-clear blue skies and sparkling sea of Okinawa.

Released in May 1999 as their seventh single and featured in an All Nippon Airways commercial, the song quickly became a million seller.

It carries a warm cheer: to keep hope in your heart no matter what, to nurture love with your precious friends, and to chase your dreams together.

Its powerful message sweeps away the clouds in your heart and leaves you feeling clear and bright.

Even on low-energy days, it’s sure to give you courage.

It may also bring back memories of summers from back then for many listeners.

Emo-ish summerLucky Kilimanjaro

Lucky Kilimanjaro – Emo-ish Summer [Official Music Video]

A Lucky Kilimanjaro track that captures the unique sparkle and bittersweet feeling of summer has become a must-have on summer soundtracks.

Set to soothing synth tones and a dynamic beat, it vividly portrays both the irresistible exhilaration of a budding romance and the occasional pangs of anxiety, all against bright summer scenery.

Released as a single in July 2020, the song was later included on the album “DAILY BOP.” It was featured as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s “Netapare,” and spent three consecutive weeks in the TOP 5 on J-WAVE’s TOKIO HOT 100, earning love from many listeners.

Put it on during a summer drive or a fun time with friends, and it’s sure to lift your spirits even higher!

A Little Love SongMONGOL800

MONGOL800 / A Small Love Song

A straightforward love song by MONGOL800, a rock band from Okinawa.

Its pure lyrics remind us just how precious the people close to us truly are, touching the hearts of many.

Released in September 2001 and included on the album MESSAGE, which sold over 2.8 million copies, the song spent 14 consecutive weeks at No.

2 on the Oricon karaoke chart.

Its enduring popularity is evident in its use as the ending theme for the TV anime Teasing Master Takagi-san and as a motif for a 2019 film.

Put it on as driving music, and you’ll find yourself singing along under the blue sky.

Please! SeñoritaORANGE RANGE

ORANGE RANGE “Onegai! Señorita” MONOCHRO RANGE Version MV

This is a summer-soaked track created by ORANGE RANGE, the rock band from Okinawa.

It vividly portrays a burning, uncontainable passion directed at a single señorita, and the rising heat of heart and body as they dance together.

Released in June 2005 as their 11th single, the song is also included on the album “ИATURAL,” and it became well-known as the CM song for Otsuka Beverage’s MATCH.

It was also the last single to feature early member KATCHAN.

For many, it’s the first song that comes to mind when they want to boost the mood on a summer drive.