[2026] Classic songs and love songs themed around or set at the sea and the beach — sea songs

Ponytail and ScrunchieAKB48

[MV full] Ponytail to Shushu / AKB48 [Official]

It’s a track brimming with refreshing energy that instantly evokes the arrival of summer! You can almost picture a ponytailed girl dashing by, and the lyrics—like snapshots of a bittersweet first love and a radiant moment of youth—tickle the heart.

The up-tempo arrangement and catchy chorus make it a true summer anthem.

Released in May 2010 as AKB48’s 16th major single, it sold 513,000 copies in its first week—an achievement that, at the time, marked the first such feat by a female idol group in about nine and a half years.

It was also used as the ending theme for NTV’s “Naruhodo! High School.” The liberating visuals filmed in Guam are memorable too, perfect for seaside drives and summer leisure.

Put it on when you want to bask in youthful memories, and you’re sure to have a wonderful time!

Sea Breeze and SelfishnessHinatazaka46

Hinatazaka46 “Sea Breeze and Selfishness” MUSIC VIDEO

It’s a perfect summer track released by Hinatazaka46 in May 2025.

The song portrays a free-spirited girl and the boy who, despite being tossed around by her whims, harbors deep affection for her, all set against the glittering backdrop of a seaside summer.

While he’s bewildered by her selfish behavior, he ultimately can’t help but be drawn to her charm—feelings that are sure to tickle the listener’s heart.

Included as a coupling track on the single “Love yourself!,” it features an arrangement that makes effective use of acoustic guitar and percussion, heightening that resort-like vibe.

It’s ideal BGM for a summer drive, and if you play it while spending time by the ocean, it will make the atmosphere even more delightful.

Sweet and slightly bittersweet, it’s a song you’ll want to hear when you want to immerse yourself in the fleeting romance of summer.

Seaside BoundSKY-HI

SKY-HI / 「Seaside Bound」Music Video

Among SKY-HI’s body of work, the number that particularly shines with summertime imagery is his fourth single, released in July 2015.

On the Oricon Weekly Chart, it reached No.

11—the highest position for SKY-HI as a solo artist at the time.

Born from a renewed collaboration with trackmaker SONPUB, the song delivers a sleek sense of speed and a deft rap flow that make it a perfect track to hear under the summer sky.

Beyond its brightness and breezy feel, one of its greatest charms lies in the delicate portrayal of subtle emotional ebbs and flows—like waves washing in and receding—and the nuanced shadows of human relationships.

It also became familiar as the opening theme for the TV Asahi music program “BREAK OUT,” and was later included on the album “Catharsis,” which encapsulates SKY-HI’s musical growth.

Whether you’re driving along the seaside at dusk or wanting to savor the slightly bittersweet sentiment at summer’s end, its melody and world-building are sure to resonate.

Blue Coral ReefMatsuda Seiko

Blue Coral Reef

With a refreshing intro that brings summer to life, you can almost see the shining sun and the blue sea! Released in July 1980 as Seiko Matsuda’s second single and included on her debut album “SQUALL,” this song wraps you in a liberating feeling that makes your heart dance just by listening.

In the world of its lyrics, you can sense the anticipation of dazzling summer moments and the tingle of a bittersweet romance.

Widely loved as the CM song for Glico’s “Yolell,” it also lit up the music scene at the time, taking the top spot on the TV show “The Best Ten” for three consecutive weeks.

It’s a classic that’s perfect not only for a drive to the beach, but also for the start of summer or those moments when you’re excited to take on something new.

Everyday, KachushaAKB48

[MV full] Everyday, Kachusha / AKB48 [Official]

It’s a refreshing, up-tempo track that makes your heart dance—perfect for the season of dazzling sunlight! Using a headband as its motif, it strikingly portrays sweet-and-sour first love, the sparkle of youth, and a slightly bittersweet longing for the future.

Released in May 2011 as AKB48’s 21st single, the song also became widely known as the theme for Asahi Soft Drinks’ “WONDA” commercials.

It topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart, a testament to its popularity.

It’s the perfect song to boost your mood while driving along the coastline, and a great pick when you want to revisit a sweet yet bittersweet page of youth.

KokomiEVE

Shinkai – Eve MV

Singer-songwriter Eve began his career in 2009, mainly on Nico Nico Douga, and has since been featured for anime theme songs, rapidly gaining popularity—especially among young people—and becoming widely known.

The song titled “Shinkai” (Heart-Sea) uses the metaphor of the deep sea to express the depth of one’s feelings.

As we pursue promises made to someone and chase our dreams, many things happen along the way.

Sometimes those promises can’t be kept.

Even so, the words exchanged back then and the emotions we felt are never forgotten.

It’s a beautiful song that continues to resonate in the heart.

Barefoot SummerNogizaka 46

Nogizaka46 “Hadashi de Summer”

Released in July 2016 by Nogizaka46, this track features an exhilarating sound that heralds the arrival of summer and drew attention for being Asuka Saito’s first time in the center position.

In the lyrics, the anticipation for a special summer unlike any other, and the protagonist’s growing feelings as he’s captivated and playfully tossed about by the free-spirited “you,” are depicted alongside sparkling scenes.

Its brilliance makes you feel like you can’t help but dash off together.

The single topped the Oricon weekly rankings and was certified Million in November 2017.

It’s sure to be the perfect BGM for a seaside drive in summer or a carefree walk along the beach!