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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 staple tracks that color the hot summer (91–100)

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.

Baby BabyKami wa saikoro o furanai

It’s a special track packed with the full charm of summer! Released in June 2024 by Kami wa Saikoro wo Furanai, this song is filled to the brim with feelings born during their live house tour.

The lyrics, which evoke youth, affection, and a free-spirited vibe, match perfectly with the upbeat, pop sound.

The words reflect the experiences and emotions from the tour, giving you both nostalgia and freshness—like opening a summer photo album.

With a chorus made for sing-alongs, it’s perfect for anyone who wants to feel a sense of unity at a live show.

If you want to experience the sparkle of summer through music, definitely give it a listen!

Reiwa-era summer songs: A roundup of new standard tracks that color the hot summer (101–110)

Midsummer day!Nogizaka 46

This is a song by the idol group Nogizaka46.

It was released in 2025 as a track on their 39th single.

Chosen as the “Nogizaka46 Meiji Jingu Stadium Performance 10th Memorial Song,” it’s an up-tempo summer tune.

Its bouncy rhythm and liberating melody line feel great, making you want to take off running as soon as you hear it.

The lyrics express feelings for a loved one encountered by chance on a midsummer day, and that sweet-and-sour worldview is part of its charm.

It’s a bright piece that also spotlights the expressive performance of center member Haruka Kaki.

Kiss the windGLIM SPANKY

GLIM SPANKY – “Kiss the Wind” Music Video
Kiss the windGLIM SPANKY

While embracing the charm of yesteryear, GLIM SPANKY captivates with a richly textured sound in their digital release from July 2024.

The song paints scenes where you can feel a pleasant breeze—on a summer day off or during a drive.

It’s also featured in the commercial for Suzuki’s Solio Bandit.

Remi Matsuo’s powerful vocals and Hiroki Kamemoto’s distinctive guitar work leave a strong impression, creating a free and open atmosphere.

Rooted in roots-music-informed arrangements and fused with the pleasures and dynamism of rock, this track is perfect for anyone seeking a fresh, seasonal vibe.

An ideal companion for summer drives!

NatsuneYuuri

This song portrays bittersweet summer memories that resonate with listeners of all ages.

Its fragile, poignant rock ballad sound vividly paints scenes from the end of summer.

Yuuri’s clear, translucent vocals beautifully express the sweet yet fleeting passage of time for lovers.

Released in September 2021, the track was also featured as the ending theme of episode 1 of the original drama “Dry Flower – Room of July -,” exclusively streamed on Hulu.

It’s the kind of song you’ll want to listen to on a summer night while thinking of someone.

Somewhere in the summerWANIMA

WANIMA "Somewhere in the Summer" OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO
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.

In the Blueikimonogakari

Ikimonogakari “In the Blue” (Mitsuya Cider theme song) Music Video
In the Blueikimonogakari

A refreshingly cool, exhilarating uptempo tune.

It portrays a coming-of-age story of young people who, while cherishing encounters and bonds with friends, discover their true selves—conveying an authentic, down-to-earth message characteristic of Ikimono-gakari.

Starting in March 2024, the song was also used in commercials as the theme for Asahi Soft Drinks’ 140th anniversary of Mitsuya Cider, and it was released as a double A-side single together with Harebare!, the opening theme for the TV anime Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin.

It’s the perfect track for karaoke with friends under the summer sky or for a refreshing change of mood.