RAG MusicSummer-Songs
Lovely summer song

Reiwa-era summer songs: A roundup of new staple tracks that color the hot summer

Looking back at the history of J-POP, countless summer songs have been released over the years.

I’m sure that when you hear “summer songs,” several tracks come to mind for you as well.

Of course, even in the Reiwa era, as summer approaches, many seasonally themed songs continue to be released.

In this article, we’ll showcase a selection of summer songs born in the Reiwa era that are sure to become the new standards going forward! From hype tracks to mellow tunes, there’s a wide variety—so take your time and listen to each one carefully.

Reiwa-era summer songs: A roundup of new standard tracks that color the hot summer (61–70)

Because of the summerRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – Summer’s Fault [Official Music Video]
Because of the summerRADWIMPS

This song opens with a refreshing piano tone that feels like a slice of summer air.

The summer scenes and love story woven by RADWIMPS soak into the listener’s heart.

Yojiro Noda’s clear, expansive vocals beautifully capture both the fragility and the eternity of summer.

Included on the EP “Natsu no Sei,” released in September 2020, the track was also featured in an Apple Music commercial.

Because it was born in the unique summer of the COVID-19 era, its message resonates all the more deeply.

It’s the perfect song for those who mourn the end of summer or want to look back on memories with someone special.

mermaidSuiyōbi no Campanella

A mermaid from the sea takes a prince from the land by the hand and leads him to a summer festival! Wednesday Campanella captured this cute story with genre-defying dance music.

The track shifts from a laid-back, reggae-style beat to a thrilling section where fierce jungle rhythms and dazzling brass burst forth—sure to set your heart racing.

Released digitally in July 2023, it was also featured as a campaign song for Coca-Cola’s “Coke STUDIO.” Just imagining the mermaid dancing her heart out, forgetting the pain in her feet, swells our excitement for summer events! Put it on during a drive or a barbecue, and it’ll herald the perfect start to summer.

fragrant oliveorenji supainikurabu

ORANGE SPiCE CLUB 'Kinmokusei' Music Video
fragrant oliveorenji supainikurabu

It’s a song by ORANGE SPINY CLUB that carries the sweet-and-sour pangs of youth and quiet heartache hidden in everyday life on a melody that feels somehow nostalgic.

The lyrical world crafted by Naoto Suzuki evokes faint feelings of love and vivid scenes, like the fragrance of fragrant olive, and seems to nestle close to the listener’s heart.

The track is included on the mini-album “Irat­suku Toki wa Itsudatte,” released in January 2020, and has become widely beloved, surpassing 100 million streams in June 2021.

In June 2023, it was also showcased in a special format on THE FIRST TAKE.

It’s the perfect song for those sentimental late-summer moments, when you listen while layering thoughts of someone dear and memories of youth.

A Shortcut to SummerSakurazaka46

Its sweet-and-sour, refreshing melody is striking, as if capturing the tender feelings of first love that blossom with the arrival of summer and the casual yet sparkling moments with friends.

This track is included on the fifth single, “Sakurazuki,” released in February 2023.

A love song perfect for summer, coloring a page of youth.

Be sure to listen to it in your favorite scene!

Chilled Soba with Green OnionsCody Rī (Ri)

Cody・Lee (Lee) – Chilled Green Onion Soba (Music Video)
Chilled Soba with Green OnionsCody Rī (Ri)

This song by Cody・Lee (李) is a captivating piece where everyday city life intersects with faint summertime memories.

The lyrics mention several specific places in Tokyo, and seem to depict memories of a past romance and the small joys of daily life—listening to it may stir a sense of nostalgia.

Its light sound, evocative of city pop and indie rock, deftly portrays a scene where the languor of summer, the hustle of the city, and a touch of bittersweet emotion all mingle together.

Included on their major-label debut album, “Heartbeat, Love Letters, and Kindness,” released in May 2022, the track is a special one for the band, with drummer Taki Hara taking the lead in crafting the lyrics together with vocalist Hibiki Takahashi.

If you listen to it at summer dusk or when you suddenly find yourself reminiscing, it’s sure to resonate.

Add it to your playlist as a staple for the season.

You’re not here.Saucy Dog

Saucy Dog “Kimi ga Inai” Music Video <5th Mini Album “Lazy Sunday” Released on 2021.8.25>
You’re not here.Saucy Dog

A number by Saucy Dog that resonates with the heart in the summer twilight.

This song sets the protagonist’s aching feelings—holding on to unforgettable memories of love and a longing that can’t reach its destination—to a driving, exhilarating melody.

The emotions wavering between scenes of joyful days and the reality that can never be reclaimed tighten the listener’s chest.

The sentiment, akin to resignation, of “I can’t believe in forever” deeply resonates.

Released in July 2021, the track is also included on the mini-album Lazy Sunday.

It served as the ending theme for Iwate Menkoi TV’s music program BEATNIKS in September 2021.

Give it a listen on a summer night when you want to feel a little sentimental, or when you’d like to quietly reflect on a past love.

It will surely stay close to your heart.

Midsummer MomentRYUSENKEI

RYUSENKEI – Summer Ray (Official Music Video)
Midsummer MomentRYUSENKEI

It’s a summer song with a comfortable city pop sound.

It’s a work by RYUSENKEI, released in May 2025.

Coming about a year after the album “Illusion,” its mellow, refreshing tones vividly paint summer scenes.

The relaxed rhythm beautifully complements Sincere’s clear, translucent vocals.

Perfect for moments when you want to feel liberated, like a summer drive or a stroll by the ocean.