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

King of SummerKinKi Kids

KinKi Kids "King of Summer" Music Video

From the opening chant, this cheerful KinKi Kids number whisks you straight into summer mode.

It bursts with energetic charm that blows your worries away as brightly as the sun.

Grounded in Latin pop, the horn section and steel pans carry a tropical breeze and create an irresistible groove.

Released in June 2000, it captured many hearts as the theme song for the drama “Summer Snow,” starring Tsuyoshi Domoto.

It drew fresh attention again in 2023 as a McDonald’s commercial song.

It’s truly a track that cranks up that “I want to revel in summer!” feeling to the max.

I want to become the wind.THE BOOM

THE BOOM 'I Want to Be the Wind' Meihou Plateau Music Festival

“Summer’s here! It’s samba time!” That’s the kind of phrase that might just burst out when you hear this exhilarating number by THE BOOM.

Driven by Kazufumi Miyazawa’s desire to “create a Japanese samba,” the song’s rich tapestry of percussion instantly sweeps listeners into the joyful whirl of a carnival.

Its lyrics carry a straightforward, heartfelt message: no matter the hardships, happiness can be found as long as you’re with the one you love—and even amid harsh realities, life itself is something to celebrate.

Released in March 1995 as a single from the album Far Eastern Samba, the track was also featured in commercials for DC Card and J-PHONE, adding color to many people’s summers.

Put it on for a drive, outdoor fun, or any summer event, and it’s guaranteed to lift your spirits!

SUMMER SONGYUI

YUI　『Summer Song-short ver.-』

A refreshing summer tune by YUI that captures the moment two people suddenly grow closer under the shimmering sun.

It sings of a special time when their hearts truly connect—perhaps only for the summer, but real all the same.

Just listening makes your heart skip a beat.

The sparkling melody brings back one happy summer memory after another.

Released in July 2008, this single became YUI’s third number-one hit on the Oricon weekly chart.

You can also find it on the album “HOLIDAYS IN THE SUN.” As you look back on a fun summer and listen to it with someone special, it’s sure to strengthen your bond.

Even the faint sadness that comes at summer’s end will be turned into warm memories.

I can see you againKetsumeishi

Ketsumeishi “I Can See You Again”

This is a song by Ketsumeishi that captures both the anticipation of reuniting with someone special as summer arrives and the fleeting moments of bittersweet longing.

The rap and beautiful melody intertwine pleasantly, and you can almost picture your heart fluttering as you realize the person you haven’t seen for a while has become even more charming.

Released in June 2007 and included on the album “Ketsuno Police 5,” the track became etched in many people’s memories as the theme for Shiseido ANESSA’s commercial, featuring Yuri Ebihara in sun-drenched summer scenes.

It reached No.

2 on the Oricon Weekly Chart—a number that resonates with sweet-and-sour summer memories and the wish to meet again.

Stars swimmakaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Enpitsu “Hoshi ga Oyogu” MV

This song, created by Macaroni Enpitsu, serves as the opening theme for the TV anime “Summer Time Rendering.” Its exhilarating yet solid rock sound leaves a strong impression, capturing themes of summer’s restless impatience and a fate that vanishes as fleetingly as fireworks.

The lyrics convey a fierce resolve to confront an unavoidable destiny, the sorrow of losing someone dear, and a determination to keep looking forward nonetheless.

Released digitally in April 2022, the track is also included on the EP “Tamáshii no Ibasho” (“Where the Soul Belongs”).

Mirroring the anime’s edge-of-your-seat developments, this piece is perfect for summer nights when you want to steep yourself in a touch of melancholy or relive the story’s emotional impact.

BLUE BIRDHamasaki Ayumi

Ayumi Hamasaki / BLUE BIRD

It’s a dazzlingly refreshing track that evokes a boundless blue sky and white sandy beaches.

It portrays the hope that awaits beyond hardship and the strong bond that lets you soar into the future with someone dear.

This work is Ayumi Hamasaki’s 40th single, released in June 2006, and it debuted at No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

It’s also well known as the song used in the Zespri Gold Kiwi commercial, and it’s included on the album “Secret” as well as the summer best-of compilation “A SUMMER BEST.” Listen to it on a summer drive or while soaking up the sun at the beach, and your spirits are sure to soar.

When you’re ready to take a new step forward, this song will surely give you courage.

Why not listen to it with someone special and talk about your hopes for the future?

Over DriveJUDY AND MARY

Over Drive

A classic 90s high-energy rock number that’s still a karaoke favorite today.

Released as a single in June 1995, it became JUDY AND MARY’s first entry into the Oricon Top 10.

With the exhilarating feel of dashing under a summer blue sky and YUKI’s innocent, free-spirited vocals, it creates a world that instantly liberates the listener’s heart.

When the karaoke session starts to heat up, why not belt out those high notes and sing it with abandon?