Recommended Summer Songs for People in Their 70s: A Collection of Nostalgic Summer Tunes [2026]

Angel’s TemptationMayuzumi Jun

Tenshi No Yuwaku

In “Angel’s Temptation,” Jun Mayuzumi sings with depth about heartbreak, a rite of passage everyone faces in life.

The emptiness of losing someone you love, lingering attachment, and the inner struggle to move on are portrayed vividly against a poignant melody.

Happiness, likened to orange-tinted clouds, fades away, leaving only tears behind.

Even so, the desire to throw oneself into a sun-warmed embrace suggests a hopeful expectation for new love.

With lyrics by Rei Nakanishi and music by Kunihiko Suzuki, this classic has continued to resonate across generations for more than half a century since its 1968 release.

The setting sun is crying.Za Supaidāsu

The Spiders / The Sunset Is Crying (1966)

A representative hit of the Group Sounds era, released in 1966.

Originally created as an insert song for the film “Namida-kun Sayonara,” it became a massive success, selling over 1.2 million copies.

The lyrics, which depict a heartrending farewell set against a sunset sea, are perfectly matched by Masakazu Sakai’s emotive vocals.

By portraying the deep-red sunset as the color of a passionate love’s end and intertwining natural imagery with the pain of heartbreak, the song resonates deeply with many listeners.

It’s a track that evokes the bittersweet romance of youth along with nostalgic summer memories.

Why not listen to it slowly at dusk?

The sea is in love.Za Riganīzu

The Sea Is in Love (The Liganes)

The signature song of The Riganies, celebrating the blue sea and a summer romance.

Released in July 1968 as their debut single, it stayed on the Oricon charts for 13 weeks and sold around 57,000 copies.

As a pioneering example of college folk, it drew attention and won strong support among students.

Set to a simple folk-style melody, the song earnestly recounts a love for the sea with an unaffected vocal delivery.

The spoken lines inserted in the interlude leave a striking impression, and as you listen, memories of youthful days may come flooding back.

It’s a track that lingers in the heart alongside summer memories—why not listen to it with someone special?

17 years oldMinami Saori

Saori Minami, 17 years old

Saori Minami’s debut song is a classic that captures the sparkle of youth and the innocence of first love.

The bittersweet wish to confirm their love together on an empty beach, paired with her beautiful vocals, deeply resonates with the listener.

Released in 1971, it became a major hit, selling about 540,000 copies.

At the end of that year, it won numerous awards, including the New Artist Award at the Japan Record Awards, and she also performed on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

The “empty beach” mentioned at the beginning of the lyrics is said to be Tomomi Beach on the Seto Inland Sea.

It’s perfect for when you want to look back on nostalgic summer memories or recall the sweet and bittersweet loves of your youth.

White Coral Reefzū nī vū

White Coral Reef Shiroi Sangosho / Zoo Nee Voo (1969)

The blue expanse of the sea, flocks of soaring seagulls, and white coral reefs.

Released by Zoo Nee Voo in April 1969, this song is a masterpiece that portrays pure love against a backdrop of tropical scenery.

Initially a B-side, it followed an unusual path to becoming the A-side thanks to strong listener support.

It was a major hit, peaking at No.

18 on the Oricon charts and selling a total of 177,000 copies, and is known as the group’s signature song.

The white coral reef, depicted as the ultimate destination to visit with a lover, is truly a symbol of genuine love.

Why not spend a pleasant summer moment, overlaying it with memories of nostalgic youth?

Sea, That LoveKayama Yūzō

Sea, That Love / Yuzo Kayama

This is a striking track with a grand melody that evokes the summer sea and lyrics that powerfully portray a man’s way of life.

Embraced by the great force of nature that is the ocean, it celebrates the importance of holding on to burning dreams, offering courage and hope to those who listen.

You can feel the strength and gentleness of a man who faces loneliness yet strives to move forward.

Included on the album “Umi Sono Ai” (The Sea, That Love), it has been cherished for many years since its 1976 release.

It’s an anthem of support that I hope all who struggle to weather life’s rough seas will listen to.

Crimson SunMisora Hibari

Crimson Sun

Released on May 25, 1967, this is a classic by Hibari Misora that passionately sings of a love as intense as the midsummer sun.

Covered by many artists, it has long been cherished as a hallmark of Japanese summer.

Set against a seaside of scorching sun and crashing white waves, the bittersweet emotions of two lovers are conveyed through Misora’s uniquely expressive voice.

From the lyrics, you can sense themes like the fleeting nature of summer romance and the premonition of parting.

It’s also recommended to listen while linking it to unforgettable summer memories with a loved one.

If it comes on during an evening drive, it’s sure to make your heart swell.