[2026] Classic songs and love songs themed around or set at the sea and the beach — sea songs
When you hear “songs of the sea,” what kind of tunes come to mind?
Chances are, the first thing you imagine is bright, open, summery anthems perfect for the season, right?
In this article, we’ll introduce a variety of sea-themed songs from different angles—not only upbeat tracks that get you going, but also mellow, heartfelt pieces, including songs set by the sea that portray feelings like love.
We’ve also included some fresh, breezy tracks ideal for coastal drives.
That liberating mood, romance blossoming in the great outdoors, moments spent by the ocean, and those times when your thoughts drift to the sea…
Be sure to find the sea songs that match your mood in the moment, and enjoy a wonderful time listening.
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[2026] Famous songs and love songs themed around or set by the sea and sandy beaches: Sea Songs (21–30)
The strong and fleeting onesCocco
Cocco is a singer-songwriter with many faces—actor, picture book author, essayist, and novelist—who continues to captivate fans with works that portray emotions with stark realism.
Her major second single, “Tsuyoku Hakanai Monotachi” (“The Strong and the Fragile”), used as the theme song for Japan Airlines’ JAL Hawaii Campaign, became a massive hit that made her name known to listeners across generations.
Comparing life’s challenges to the ocean, the lyrics depict the strengths and weaknesses of being human, touching on life themes that feel timeless in any era.
The contrast between the sprightly off-beat rhythm and the beautiful melody is deeply moving, making it a comforting song you’ll want to keep listening to.
I Want to Be Embraced in a Sea of Tears ~SEA OF LOVE~Sazan Ōrusutāzu
When it comes to summer, many people surely think of Southern! Among Southern All Stars’ many summer hits like “Katteni Sindbad,” this song, “Namida no Umi de Dakaretai ~SEA OF LOVE~,” is also highly recommended.
Released in 2003 after several years of hiatus, it’s their 47th single.
It lightly sings of a fleeting seaside romance—a song that evokes the romance of summer.
The Sea and Your StoryMirai Reika
Contrary to the refreshing image that evokes a summer sea, this work is a song that conveys a deeply introspective message.
Through loneliness and sorrow, it embodies a strong will to face oneself and seek out happiness.
Released in November 1998, the song was Reika Mirai’s debut single and was also used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Jinbei.” It debuted at No.
7 on the Oricon Singles Chart and became a major hit, with total sales exceeding 300,000 copies.
The lyrics, which emphasize the importance of overcoming the challenges and hardships encountered on life’s journey to achieve self-discovery and growth, are sure to resonate with listeners.
Everyday, KachushaAKB48
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.
SUMMER SONGYUI
When summer is just around the corner, this is the song I want to listen to as I gear up for it and get fully into the summer mood: YUI’s “Summer Song.” YUI’s voice really lifts that feeling of waiting for summer and makes you want to head to the beach.
The song was released in 2008 as YUI’s 12th single.
It even came with the catchphrase “YUI’s summer song!!,” making it a perfect recommendation for the season.
It makes you think, youth is wonderful—I want to go to the ocean and see fireworks, too.
sea glasssutoreitenaa
This is a song I can’t help but want to listen to whenever summer is coming to an end: Straightener’s “Seaglass.” When I first heard it, I thought it had a somewhat unusual flavor for Straightener.
The track is the band’s 21st single, released in 2016.
It’s a hugely popular number that instantly cranks up the summer mood when you hear it at summer festivals and the like.
As the title “Seaglass” suggests, the lyrics are filled with summer memories—those moments that feel a little bittersweet and make your heart ache when you look back on them later.
Stay aquamarineKarurosu Toshiki & Omega Toraibu
This is a romance-filled song that describes a woman he yearns for as “Aquamarine.” The melody matches that mood, exuding a retro chic vibe that feels straight out of the early bubble-era ’80s.
Carlos Toshiki’s distinctive vocals are also captivating.
It was released when I was so young that my memories are hazy.
I imagine many people felt there was something strikingly cool about the group name Carlos Toshiki & Omega Tribe at the time.