Songs to Enjoy in Summer! Classic Hits Special (Showa & Heisei)

Summer-colored DiaryHori Chiemi

Summer-colored Diary

This song, often considered one of Chiemi Hori’s signature tracks, offers a refreshing portrayal of youthful first love.

Released in June 1983, it became a hit, reaching No.

6 on the Oricon chart.

It also ranked on TBS’s “The Best Ten” and Nippon TV’s “The Top Ten,” resonating with many listeners.

The song features a bright, sparkling melody and lyrics that evoke the brilliance of early summer, overlaying the feelings of being in love with the pages of a diary.

Symbols like the sea, the sun, and freedom appear frequently, conveying both the bittersweetness and the joy of youth.

It’s a perfect track for summer memories or as a companion on a drive.

You are in full color.Ohtaki Eiichi

[Official] Eiichi Ohtaki “Kimii wa Tennen-shoku” Music Video (40th Anniversary Version)

Rohto Pharmaceutical, Kirin Beverage, Asahi Beer… the list of commercials that have used this song goes on and on.

It’s also doubly surprising that the song dates back to 1981.

The lyrics are by the master, Takashi Matsumoto.

Many people will also picture the striking cover of the album A LONG VACATION, on which this song appears, created by Hiroshi Nagai.

The lyrics—evoking “a sad time spent alone, reminiscing about a bygone love; in the black-and-white memories, only you appear in color”—feel like a lovely love letter no matter which line you pick.

It’s a nostalgic tune that somehow makes even memories of heartbreak sound refreshing.

Nancy of Summer ColorsHayami Yū

Natsuirono Nancy

This is one of Yuu Hayami’s signature songs, portraying a heart-fluttering summer romance.

It was also used in a Coca-Cola commercial and has become a memorable tune for many people.

Released in April 1983, it led to her first appearance at the 34th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen.

With a refreshing sound woven from acoustic guitar and synthesizer, it vividly depicts a summer seaside love.

The lyrics express the uncertainty between infatuation and love, as well as moments of personal growth, capturing the bittersweet feelings of summer romance.

It’s a perfect song for drives and seaside memories, a track that will be etched in your heart along with your summer recollections.

A Midsummer Night’s DreamMatsutōya Yumi

Yumi Matsutoya – Midsummer Night’s Dream

Among the many masterpieces by Yumi Matsutoya, this particular song especially evokes the feeling of summer, conjuring images of humid heat and sleepless nights.

With a sound that emphasizes a Latin vibe, it powerfully conveys a passionate atmosphere and a sense of sensuality.

Matsutoya’s vocals in this track are striking—low and strong—seemingly expressing the way the passion within the heart gradually builds in intensity.

The lyrics also exude a summery fervor, with a seductive worldview and a distinctly sexy mood.

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kappamaki

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The Door to SummerMatsuda Seiko

Seiko Matsuda – The Door of Summer (from Seiko Matsuda Concert Tour 2019 “Seiko’s Singles Collection”)

This song, which closed out her 2019 concert tour, must be one that Seiko Matsuda herself feels deeply about.

It’s practically a legendary track you can’t leave out when talking about Seiko Matsuda, who reigned at the top of the idol scene—no, the entire world of Japanese pop—throughout the Showa era.

From the commercials she starred in, to the ones featuring Asako Ito, to the fact that Kazuo Zaitsu composed it, and the covers by idols like Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku and MAX—there’s no end to the anecdotes about this song.

The lyrics, themed around “a love that begins in summer,” are nothing but fresh.

If you’re from the mom-and-dad generation, you might be able to sing it without even looking at the lyric sheet!

Summer-colored Unrequited LoveKikuchi Momoko

Summer-colored Unrequited Love

This song, which could be considered one of Momoko Kikuchi’s signature tracks, is filled with the refreshing air of summer and the ache of youthful love.

Known across generations as the commercial song for Hitachi’s “MastaX Hi-Fi” video, it became established as both a summer anthem and a love song.

Its bright, breezy melody stands out, and Kikuchi’s clear, translucent vocals leave a strong impression.

The lyrics portray a meeting in the glow of the sunset and in the wind, along with the rhythm of love gently drifting between the two.

Released in May 1986, the song reached No.

1 on the Oricon chart, and it’s a perfect pick for anyone wanting to feel the nostalgia of summer youth and the bittersweetness of love.

Body & SoulSPEED

SPEED / Body & Soul -Music Video-

SPEED is a four-member idol-style dance and vocal group that shocked the public at their debut because all the members were still in elementary or junior high school.

Their debut single, “Body & Soul,” which was used in Nissin Cisco’s “Ciscorn” commercial, was recorded multiple times before its release.

Its catchy melodies, born from their fresh, youthful voices, make the hot summer even more exciting.

It’s a powerful pop tune that gets everyone fired up singing together at karaoke.

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Hoshino Takashi

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