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

I can’t wait for summerTUBE

TUBE - Can't Wait for Summer

When asked to name an artist who represents summer, many people would first picture the four-piece rock band TUBE.

Their 16th single, Natsu o Machikirenakute (“Can’t Wait for Summer”), used as the ending theme for the TBS network’s weekday variety slot ‘MOVE,’ is memorable for its dramatic ensemble and wistful melody.

The lyrics, depicting a sentimental romance, resonate with the uniquely bittersweet atmosphere of summer and are bound to stir the heart.

With passionate vocals that color the season, it’s a classic summer song in J-pop.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Oh Yeah!arashi

Oh Yeah!

Arashi is a five-member idol group that, even while suspending group activities in 2020, has seen each member continue to thrive at the forefront of the industry.

Oh Yeah!, the track that opens their seventh studio album Time, was featured as the commercial song for House Foods’ C1000 Lemon Water, in which the members also appeared.

The opening, marked by a striking, delay-driven guitar riff, captures the refreshing feel of the summer season.

With its exhilarating, fast-paced beat that creates a pleasant atmosphere, it’s a hidden gem among Arashi’s many famous songs.

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Hoshino Takashi

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love the islandSuzuki Ami

love the island（new ver.）

Ami Suzuki, one of the Heisei era’s songstresses who dominated the 1990s J-pop scene and in recent years has broadened her activities to things like ultra-spicy food challenges and eating competitions, is a singer whose 1st single “love the island” was used as the CM song for the Guam Visitors Bureau’s “Guam Grand Summer Festival ’98” campaign.

Its clear, airy strings and brisk rhythm instantly evoke summer.

The floating, weightless melody and sentimental lyrics feel like they align with the atmosphere of summer coming to an end.

If you’re of that generation, it’s a pop tune you’ll want to sing at karaoke—perfect for the hot season.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Can’t Say Anything… SummerTHE JAYWALK

[Official] J-WALK “Speechless… Summer”

This is a signature song by THE JAYWALK that resonates with nostalgic summer memories.

Its lyrics, which overlap the end of a bittersweet romance with the end of summer, struck a chord with many listeners.

Released in July 1991, it became a major hit, selling about 980,000 copies.

It has remained beloved over time, even ranking 10th on the Oricon chart dated January 11, 1993.

It’s a must-listen for anyone who has experienced a summer farewell or heartbreak, or who is struggling with an important relationship.

It’s also perfect to listen to while driving or by the sea, alongside summertime scenery.

SUMMER TOURRC sakuseshon

Summer Tour

This is one of RC Succession’s signature songs, depicting the feeling of summer and a passionate romance.

Released in 1982, it showcases the breadth of the artist’s musical range.

Centered on pop rock while incorporating elements of disco and soul, it features a captivating, genre-crossing sound.

In 1983, they delivered a legendary concert at Shibuya Public Hall titled “SUMMER TOUR ’83,” leaving an overwhelming impression.

With Kiyoshiro Imawano’s distinctive vocals and Reichi Nakaido’s guitar intertwining, the song overflows with a liberating summer vibe.

It’s a track you’ll want to play while driving or spending a fun time with friends.

Midsummer StrangerTHE ALFEE

Midsummer Stranger

This song vividly depicts a summer romance and can be considered one of THE ALFEE’s signature tracks.

Released in August 1983, it became the band’s first hit.

Centered on ways of spending time in a seaside resort town and the theme of summer’s fleeting dreams, it features an emotive, memorable melody.

With its refined 8-beat rhythm and beautiful harmonies, it brought a fresh impression to the music scene of the time.

The narrative revolves around memories of love colored by the heat of summer, as the protagonist reflects on feelings toward a past romance.

Amid the interplay of summer light and passion, it conveys the poignancy that follows a love that burned brightly and then came to an end.

Ah, summer vacation.TUBE

TUBE “Ah, Summer Vacation @ Yokohama Stadium (2012) LIVE”

One of their signature songs that could be called “This is TUBE!!,” released in 1990.

Looking back, it was probably quite groundbreaking to use a word like a drawn-out exclamation—“Ahh”—as the song title.

There’s even an anecdote that at the time of production the title was “Oh! Summer Holiday,” so either way it was all about summer vacation.

It also has the fun of wordplay, with bits of rhyme sprinkled throughout.

TUBE kept taking on new summer songs every summer—this is one we’ll want to hear again this summer, too!