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

All of the YouthFujifaburikku

Fujifabric – Youth of Everything

This is a classic song by Fujifabric that you suddenly feel like listening to in the season where summer ends and autumn begins.

The longing for the passing summer and the brilliance of youth that will never return are layered over the image of the “last fireworks,” and its bittersweet melody sinks deep into the heart.

Released as a single in November 2007, the track later stayed with many listeners as an insert song in the drama SUMMER NUDE.

There’s also a lovely anecdote that in the composer’s hometown, the song was played as the evening chime for three days in December 2012.

On nights when you want to bask in summer memories, or on a sentimental walk home, why not give it a quiet listen?

ENDLESS SUMMER NUDEMagokoro Burazāzu

Magokoro Brothers 'ENDLESS SUMMER NUDE'

Magokoro Brothers are known for their music that blends rock, soul, and folk, and many people probably think of this song as their quintessential summer track.

Released in July 1997, it’s a self-cover that makes their 1995 classic even more soulful.

The lyrics, which capture the bittersweetness of summer’s end and the fleeting sparkle shared with a lover, are outstanding.

You can almost picture the two of them plotting something on the beach after the last fireworks fade—a scene that leaves you with a sweet, wistful feeling.

Also featured as an insert song in the film “Osaka Story,” this is a track you’ll want to play on an evening drive while sinking into your feelings.

Mermaid of ReminiscenceTHE YELLOW MONKEY

THE YELLOW MONKEY – Reminiscence Mermaid

THE YELLOW MONKEY is a four-piece rock band whose look and songs, influenced by glam rock, have won them popularity.

Their seventh single, “Tsuioku no Mermaid,” which was used as the ending theme for the infotainment program Hanakin Data Land, is notable for its sexy lyrics.

The passionate vocals and straightforward rock ensemble evoke the image of a blazing summer romance.

It’s a recommended rock tune as summer background music, with a fleeting, bittersweet worldview that lifts your spirits.

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Sinbad on the Shorepinku redii

Sinbad of the Seashore / Pink Lady

This song portrays the emotions of a woman who has fallen in love, set against a summer seaside backdrop.

Pink Lady’s catchy melody and bold lyrics leave a strong impression.

Released in June 1977, it became one of their signature hits and their first million-seller.

It was reissued as a single in 1993, 1996, and 2006, and was also used as the theme song for the 2005 Nippon TV drama “Otona no Natsuyasumi.” It’s a recommended track for those who want to enjoy a summer seaside romance.

It’s also perfect as driving background music, letting you feel the refreshing summer breeze.

summer vacationyoshida takurou

summer vacation

It’s a song that vividly captures the memories and bittersweetness of youthful summers, and can be considered one of Takuro Yoshida’s signature works.

It was included on the 1972 album “Genki Desu.” and later released as a single in March 1989.

Centered on a simple yet emotionally rich melody built around acoustic folk guitar and vocals, it leaves a strong impression.

From the lyrics emerge scenes of Japanese summer—sunlit days, time spent by the seaside, and memories with friends.

Yoshida’s distinctive vocal style further enhances the song’s appeal.

With lyrics that embody the essence of summer, it resonates deeply with many people and continues to be loved across generations.

Magic of a Summer Nightindigo la End

indigo la End “Summer Night Magic”

This is a beloved summer song by indigo la End that has been getting renewed attention on TikTok long after its release.

The track captures a magical moment allowed only on summer nights, along with the fleeting nature of that instant.

The usually timid protagonist feels “as if I’ve become stronger” only on that special night spent with someone they love—a feeling that’s both poignant and relatable.

Released in June 2015 as part of the single Before I Get Sad, the song continues to captivate many listeners, surpassing 7.8 million views on YouTube.

It’s a track you’ll want to play on nights when you’re feeling a bit sentimental at summer’s end, or when you want to look back on a past romance as a beautiful memory.

survival dAnce ～no no cry more～TRF

TRF / survival dAnce ～no no cry more～

When talking about the J-pop scene of the ’90s, you can’t leave out Tetsuya Komuro.

The group that he produced and pushed dance music into the J-pop mainstream with was TRF.

Released in May 1994, this track sold about 1.376 million copies in total and became the group’s first No.

1 on the Oricon chart.

With euphoric synths that are instantly recognizable as the Komuro sound and YU-KI’s piercing vocals, it delivers a powerful message about overcoming difficulties and keeping on dancing.

It’s also well known as the theme song for the drama “17-sai -at seventeen-.” A perfect song for summer drives or whenever you want to lift your mood.