[2026] A summer song that tightens your chest with bittersweet feelings. A classic summer tune that touches the heart.

Front memorySuzuki Emiko × Kameda Seiji

Emiko Suzuki × Seiji Kameda “Front Memory” — Theme song for the film “After the Rain”

On a summer evening, over a soundscape that feels somehow nostalgic, Emiko Suzuki’s powerful voice rings out.

Evoking the tenderness for seasons gone by and the ache of an unfulfilled love, yet portraying a protagonist who keeps looking forward, believing in a fleeting moment of brilliance, this song deeply moved many as the theme for the May 2018 film “After the Rain.” It’s a track you’ll want to add to a playlist full of summer memories—perfect for when you want to indulge in a touch of sentimentality or awaken those bittersweet recollections.

Brilliant RainKing Gnu

King Gnu – Rain Radiantly

This song, which depicts the relentlessly pouring rain from a unique perspective, is a moving piece that sings of the strong will to keep moving forward even in difficult times.

The arrangement woven by violins, cellos, and female chorus gently envelops the noisy guitar sound, suggesting a new musical frontier for King Gnu.

Released in July 2022, it captured the hearts of many viewers as the theme song for TBS’s Sunday drama Old Rookie.

It is also included on the album Stardom.

Lyrics that evoke summer and an open, liberating sound enhance the feeling of the season.

Beautiful finsupittsu

Spitz / Beautiful Fin

Released in April 2023 as the theme song for the film Detective Conan: Black Iron Submarine, this track is a clear, translucent work themed around an oceanic worldview.

Through the symbolic expression “beautiful fins” depicted by Masamune Kusano’s delicate vocals, a profound world emerges where fragility and hope intersect.

As Spitz’s first tie-in with the Conan series, the song debuted at No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and has been beloved by many fans.

It’s recommended for seaside drives in summer or for quiet nights when you want to calm your mind.

Stars swimmakaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Enpitsu “Hoshi ga Oyogu” MV

It’s a poignant rock number that captures a longing for a lost summer.

Layering the grief of losing someone dear with the restless urgency of the season, it portrays a struggle against a fate that vanishes as fleetingly as fireworks.

Released in April 2022, the song was written as the opening theme for the TV anime Summertime Rendering, and is also included on the album The Place Where the Soul Belongs.

It’s the perfect track for moments at summer’s end when you’re thinking of someone special or looking back on youthful memories.

JULYMs. OOJA

JULY

A gem of a ballad that overlays a bittersweet love on a refreshing summer landscape.

Included on Ms.OOJA’s June 2013 album “FAITH,” the track stands out for its emotionally rich, silky vocals and a sound infused with R&B and soul flavors.

The album “FAITH” reached a peak of No.

16 on the Oricon Weekly CD Album Chart and features numerous tie-in songs, including the theme for TBS’s “Hiruobi!”.

This piece is perfect as background music for a drive, a walk along the coast, or as a song to accompany a summer romance.

ENDLESS SUMMER NUDEMagokoro Burazāzu

Magokoro Brothers 'ENDLESS SUMMER NUDE'

The beloved masterpiece by Magokoro Brothers, vividly capturing the summer of youth, was released in July 1997.

Its beautiful melody and lyrics, portraying the bittersweet end of summer and memories with a lover, moved countless listeners.

The song is included on the album “I will Survive” and was also used as an insert song in the Tokyo Theatres–distributed film “Osaka Monogatari.” The arrangement, which blends programming and live performance by CHOKKAKU, features accomplished musicians such as Toshio Araki and Yoichi Murata, with additional color added by Yoko Utsumi’s chorus.

It’s a heartwarming track we especially recommend to those who want to bask in summer memories or soothe a heart swayed by love.

fireworksAAA

AAA / Fireworks (short ver.)

Hanabi is a track by the co-ed performance group AAA that evokes the feel of summer.

It’s a mid-tempo song that conveys the night breeze of summer and a slightly wistful mood.

The lyrics paint scenes of a summer festival the two of them attended—scooping goldfish and fireworks shining beautifully—while the bittersweet melody, which brings back memories of someone they’d always loved, tugs at the listener’s heart.

Also noteworthy are the clear, high vocals that trace slowly flowing memories of the past in slow motion.

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