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

Yeah! Super Holiday!Matsuura Aya

Aya Matsuura “Yeah! Meccha Holiday” Music Video

One of Aya Matsuura’s signature songs, known for her trademark sun-bright smile.

Just hearing the intro may give some listeners the feeling that their hearts are starting to dance.

Its brilliantly radiant melody that shoots straight through, combined with an irresistibly upbeat rhythm that gets your body moving, vividly paints sparkling scenes of summer.

Released as a single in May 2002, the track was later included on the album “Aya Matsuura Best 1.” Perfect for summer outings, it’s also a song brimming with charm that can instantly give you a boost on days when you’re feeling a bit low.

rainbowFukuyama Masaharu

Masaharu Fukuyama – Rainbow (Full ver.)

This is a refreshing pop-rock number by Masaharu Fukuyama that brightens the listener’s mood.

For the first time, he handled the arrangement himself and was meticulous about the performance, channeling the passions of youth and grand dreams for the future into the music.

Feelings he wanted to express but couldn’t put into words, and a strong will to overcome hardships and grasp hope, come through clearly in his soaring vocals and the lively sound.

The song was included on a single released in August 2003 and was loved by many as the theme song for the drama “WATER BOYS.” It’s truly one of the signature masterpieces that symbolize that summer.

Live the summerRyokushokushakai

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

This is a song by Ryokuoushoku Shakai that portrays the brilliance of summer and the strength of the people who live within it.

It combines a cider-like freshness with the resilience to stand up even when covered in mud, and it just might give courage to those who listen.

Not only the sparkle of youth, but also the earnest effort and passion behind it, come through on a driving, exhilarating sound.

Released in July 2020, the track is widely known as the theme song for tvk’s “RIDE OF KANAGAWA 2020 High School Baseball.” A special edition centered around this song was also included in the album “SINGALONG,” released in September of the same year.

It’s an uplifting anthem that gives you a strong push forward when you’re taking on a challenge or feeling a bit worn out by the summer heat.

GarnetOku Hanako

Garnet

This is the theme song of the animated film “The Girl Who Leapt Through Time,” a track where Hanako Oku’s vocals resonate deeply with the heart.

It captures the sparkle of days gone by and an unchanging feeling for someone precious—listening to it might just make your heart ache a little.

Released as a single in July 2006, it further heightened the film’s emotional impact.

Try listening to it on a summer evening when you want to sink into a slightly sentimental mood or when you’re remembering old friends.

It’s a song that will surely stay gently by your side.

Blue HabitatKitanitatsuya

Where Our Blue Is / Tatsuya Kitani

This is a song sung by Tatsuya Kitani that awakens the brilliance of youth—something many of us have experienced at least once—and the bittersweet memories that come with it.

The sense of loss when friendships that once felt like they would last forever change shape over time and become something you can never touch again.

Those complex feelings ride on a fresh yet faintly melancholic melody that is sure to sink deeply into listeners’ hearts.

This track is the title song of an EP released in July 2023 and was chosen as the opening theme for Season 2 of the TV anime Jujutsu Kaisen, “Hidden Inventory / Premature Death.” It also received a Special Award at the 65th Japan Record Awards.

It’s a perfect song to hum along to with friends on a summer drive or to sing at karaoke while pouring in the emotions of those days.

LIFEkimaguren

Kimaguren – LIFE

Here’s a track that pairs perfectly with the summer sun—just listening to it makes your heart dance.

Performed by Kimaguren, this piece brims with upbeat energy, blending the light tones of acoustic guitar with straightforward lyrics that cheer you on to “live true to yourself!” Released in May 2008, the single became their first to break into the top 20 on the Oricon charts.

It was even used as a TV theme song, in commercials, and as a train station approach melody.

It’s ideal as background music for summer drives, barbecues, or days by the sea—and when you’re tackling a new challenge or feeling a bit down, it just might give you the courage you need.

Nagisasupittsu

Spitz / Nagisa

A work by Spitz that captivates with an exhilarating sound that conjures up sparkling summer scenes.

Set to a beautiful melody, it delicately portrays the protagonist’s emotions as they waver between the sweet, heartrending memories of a past love and the reality of the present.

Released as a single in September 1996, the song is also included on the album Indigo Chiheisen.

It became well known as the CM song for Ezaki Glico’s “Pocky Love Story.” It’s a track that seems to gently stay by your side—not only when you feel the wind on a summer drive, but also when you’re walking alone by the seaside or spending a sentimental night.