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

blue moontoukyou shoki shoudou

Tokyo First Impulse – blue moon (MV)

A track from Tokyo Shoki Shodo—an indie band that debuted in 2019 and is known for a punk sound influenced by Ging Nang Boyz—off their third single, “Second Kill Virgin.” It’s a rock ballad whose bittersweet lyrics poignantly capture feelings that never quite reach their destination, even as memories keep piling up.

The flowing bass, graceful drums, sparkler-like guitar in the interlude, and Shiina-chan’s richly sultry vocals all nestle up to a fleeting summer romance.

That sense of “not getting through” really is heartbreaking, isn’t it? The slow-build arrangement is sure to resonate with your heart.

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KEI

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Summer DayMoritaka Chisato

Chisato Moritaka 'Summer Days' (PV)

A heartfelt love song that sings of the small joys of spending summer with someone special.

It’s a track by Chisato Moritaka, who’s active as both an actress and a singer-songwriter, released in 1994 as her 23rd single.

At the time, it drew attention for being used as the ending theme of the variety show “Asakusabashi Young Yōhinten.” Its sound—blending lightness with a touch of melancholy—really resonates.

By the way, the drums on this track are played by Moritaka herself.

She’s truly multitalented.

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Araki Jakkan

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SquallFukuyama Masaharu

Masaharu Fukuyama – Squall (WE’RE BROS. TOUR 2014 in ASIA)

Squall is a summer-themed love ballad by the hugely popular singer-songwriter Masaharu Fukuyama.

Written from a woman’s perspective, the lyrics overflow with love for the man she longs for and convey a sincere, straightforward wish to “stay together much longer.” Precisely because she’s fallen so deeply in love, she can’t help but feel lonely and wistful when parting or on the way home.

Many listeners can probably relate to those emotions.

Be sure to savor the many summery images sprinkled throughout the lyrics as well.

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Hane Keisuke

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The Summer That Vanished Beyond the GlassSuzuki Masayuki

Masayuki Suzuki – The Summer That Vanished Beyond the Glass

Sung in Masayuki Suzuki’s moody, sultry voice, this song is a classic ballad that looks back on a summer romance from the past.

Though the couple once seemed deeply connected and close, before they knew it a distance grew between them and they broke up.

The lyrics recount such bittersweet memories of love, yet you can sense the narrator trying, little by little, to face forward despite lingering feelings.

If you’ve had a similar experience, give it a listen.

It’s a track that reminds you of the power in Masayuki Suzuki’s vocals.

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Hane Keisuke

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Becoming a Thousand WindsAkiyama Masashi

Masafumi Akikawa / A Thousand Winds (short ver.)

A song that sends shockwaves from its opening lyrics: “A Thousand Winds.” It became widely known after Masafumi Akikawa performed it on the NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen in 2006.

The lyrics may surprise you a little, as if they were a message from someone who has passed away, but as you listen, they somehow slip gently into your heart.

Many listeners may find themselves hearing it while thinking of a beloved person who is no longer here.

There’s also an answer song to this piece, “Eternal Wind,” sung by Hibiki Ayano, so be sure to give that a listen as well.

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sasashina

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