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.
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- K-pop and Korean summer songs that color and enliven the season
Reiwa-era summer songs: A roundup of new staple tracks that color the hot summer (91–100)
Summer of LoveHirai Dai
Hirai Dai’s latest release, heralding the refreshing arrival of summer, is the ultimate summer track, boldly infused with uptempo guitar sounds.
Released as a digital single on May 14, 2025, it’s the third installment in a series of four consecutive singles timed with his beach festival, “HIRAIDAI presents THE BEACH TRIP 2025.” It’s the perfect song for a breezy seaside drive or as background music for a beach party, and an ideal pick for music fans who love pop rock and J-pop.
Bewitch it4na
This song has a stylish vibe—you’ve probably heard it somewhere before.
That’s because it was featured in the Try Group home tutoring commercial, “What If Summer Youth.” Despite the track’s sleek, cool impression, the lyrics—set against a summer backdrop—carry a passionate message like “Let’s live so we won’t have any regrets.” If you listen while reading all the lyrics, you’ll likely come away with a different impression, so give it a try.
Somewhere in the summerWANIMA
It’s a song brimming with WANIMA’s positive energy, perfect for kicking off a refreshing summer.
It portrays the determination to keep moving forward despite hesitation and the desire to cast off sorrow and shine like the sun, all carried by a powerful sound.
Included on the single “Summer Trap!!” released in July 2019, it was also featured as the CM song for Asahi Soft Drinks’ “Mitsuya Cider 2019.” Together with a music video that evokes scenes of summer festivals, the track is embraced as an uplifting anthem that gives you a push at the start of summer.
Highly recommended for anyone about to take on something new.
Xia XiaoWANIMA
WANIMA’s “Natsugyō” was chosen as the theme song for the anime GAMERA -Rebirth-, which was released worldwide on Netflix in September 2023.
The title means “summer dawn,” and it’s a powerful, fast-paced track that’s quintessentially WANIMA.
It’s also included on their October 2023 album Catch Up.
GAMERA -Rebirth- is the first anime installment in the series, and WANIMA also handles the ending theme, so be sure to check it out!
Summer has come.≠ME
When it comes to songs about summer memories, you can’t leave out ≠ME’s ninth single! Released in 2024, this track centers on the fun memories and new adventures that unfold with the arrival of summer.
Set to a poppy, catchy melody, the lyrics capture the sparkle of youth and truly resonate.
From days spent with friends during summer vacation to new encounters and the flutter of a budding romance, there’s so much to relate to.
Produced by Rino Sashihara, it’s a song packed with ≠ME’s charm—perfect for anyone looking to heat up the energy at karaoke.
summer slumpzutto mayonaka de ii no ni.
The song that gently colors nostalgic summer memories is “Natsugare.” Created in 2022 by the music unit Zutto Mayonaka de Ii no ni, a night-loving artist group hugely popular among young people, it was featured as an insert song in the anime film “Drifting Home.” Its rhythmic band performance evokes soul and funk and leaves a strong impression.
The melody line is wistful yet warm, sure to wrap your heart in gentleness.
Why not listen while thinking of the friends or lover with whom you spent the summer?
Bon-giri Love SongSazan Ōrusutāzu
Southern All Stars have released countless classic summer songs over the years.
In 2023, they unveiled a track with a completely different vibe from their previous work: “Bongiri Koi-uta.” It features a sound infused with elements of traditional folk music, letting you fully feel the atmosphere of a Japanese summer.
Another highlight is the array of creative touches woven throughout the song.
I hope you’ll listen closely and savor both its bittersweetness and its playful charm.
By the way, in the music video the members perform on a bon-odori festival tower, which adds a wonderfully summery touch.
