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 standard tracks that color the hot summer (41–50)
SetsukaYamamoto Aya
This is a work released in July 2025 by singer-songwriter Sayaka Yamamoto, created around the theme of “summer” for the first time in her career.
After enjoying enormous popularity as the first captain of NMB48, Yamamoto has steadily forged her path as a solo artist.
For this track, she reunited with producer Seiji Kameda for the first time in six years.
From the acoustic guitar intro, the light, buoyant band sound vividly captures the sparkle of summer and the fleeting pangs of melancholy.
The tenderness we feel for the passing seasons unfurls before your eyes like a road movie.
It’s a song that stays with you in those moments when you want to sink into memories with a touch of sentimentality.
Blue Hawaii Lemon≒JOY
This ≒JOY release is filled with bittersweet feelings, set to a sound as fresh as a breeze that heralds the arrival of summer.
Released in June 2025, it’s the group’s third single, with Reon Esumi as the center.
The lyrics, which liken summer romance to shaved ice, are absolutely adorable and make you feel like falling in love yourself.
It’s perfect as background music for making memories with friends and loved ones!
Sea Breeze and SelfishnessHinatazaka46
A Hinatazaka46 track that portrays a bittersweet romance unfolding by the summer seaside.
It delicately depicts the protagonist’s feelings as they’re swept around by a carefree partner, yet can’t look away from their perilous charm.
Even knowing it’s one-sided, the growing emotions ride on an acoustic sound and ring out refreshingly.
The song is included on the single “Love yourself!” released in May 2025.
Listen to it on a beach at sunset and you might sink into a sentimental mood.
It’s a summer tune that stays close to the aching first loves of youth.
Summer Dreamin’Hirai Dai
An emotional power-pop tune that rivals the midsummer sun colors the passing season in vivid hues.
It’s a song by Dai Hirai, a popular singer-songwriter known for his comfortable, surf music–influenced sound.
This piece is the title track of a digital EP released in July 2024.
The bittersweet yet uplifting lyrics are like a spell that makes limited time with someone special shine.
Listen to it on a summer drive, and together with the breeze streaming in through the window, it will help create unforgettable memories.
A bit emotionally unstable? …SummerOCHA NORMA
OCHA NORMA is a 10-member idol group whose name comes from the concept of “becoming a new-generation standard that entertains families in their living rooms.” Their song “A Bit Emotionally Unstable?… Summer,” included on their 3rd single, is a track written by singer-songwriter Kōmi Hirose.
Filled with a sense of anticipation for the hot season, the lyrics are sure to make drives and vacations even more exciting.
With an arrangement that evokes a Latin beat, it’s a cute, upbeat tune that’s perfect for summer.
mirageimase
This song vividly portrays the poignant feelings of summer love.
Released in September 2024, it was selected as the campaign song for LACOSTE’s Fall/Winter 2024 sneaker collection.
Characterized by brisk synths and edgy low-end, it dynamically captures the emotions of a fleeting summer romance.
The music video unfolds a fantastical world that depicts summer nights, offering a visually mesmerizing experience themed around transience and hope.
It might be nice to listen while reminiscing about the seasons gone by.
Highly recommended for those who want to feel the bittersweetness of summer love.
The Swirling Summer Fermataoishikuru meronpan
An ethereal number that captures the bittersweet feelings at summer’s end.
Released in August 2024, this track by Oishikuru Melonpan is one of their annual summer-themed songs.
With shifting time signatures and a catchy pop melody, it beautifully expresses emotions toward the passing season.
Nakashima’s vocals resonate straight to the heart.
The band’s distinctive musicality—reminiscent of “Haihane” and “nazca” from the album cubism—remains fully intact.
The cover art by Umiyu adds a visually striking finish.
It’s a song you’ll want to play when reminiscing about summer memories or at the turn of the seasons.