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

Song of Athlete’s FootZa Fōku Kurusedāzu

The Folk Crusaders (The Zootrubi) / Song of Athlete's Foot (1968)

How about a quick mood lift with a song brimming with humor that makes you chuckle before you know it? It’s hilarious how the seemingly silly subject matter is sung in dead earnest to a dignified melody that quotes classical masterpieces—the gap is what makes it so good.

This track was released on record in July 1968 after gaining popularity on the radio, and it was later included on The Folk Crusaders’ classic album Kigen Nisen Nen.

The lyrics, which portray everyday trifles as grand proofs of love, were in fact a clever riposte to run-of-the-mill love songs—an intellectual bit of playfulness that’s so characteristic of them.

Listen to it with old friends, and you’re sure to crack a smile.

The sea for just the two of usKayama Yūzō

The Sea for Just the Two of Us / Yuzo Kayama

Yuzo Kayama, affectionately known as the “Young General,” is beloved by many, and for plenty of listeners this song conjures up shimmering images of the summer seaside.

Its sweet-and-sour lyrics, which depict a world for just the two of them, and the refreshing melody composed by Kayama himself under the pen name Yo Kusaku vividly bring back memories of youth.

Released as a single in February 1967, the track features The Wild Ones as the backing band.

It’s perfect not only for summer drives, but also for relaxing at home while you bask in the wonderful memories of your younger days.

A Summer Day in Lovetenchi mari

Mari Amachi - A Summer Day in Love (Single Version)

Among the summer songs sung by the national idol Mari Amachi, this piece is one of the first masterpieces that comes to mind.

It portrays the sweet, fluttering scenes of first love—waiting for someone you like on the tennis court—and just listening makes your heart skip a beat.

Released in July 1973, the song spent six consecutive weeks at No.

1 on the Oricon charts.

Beyond her adorable appearance singing in white tennis wear on that year’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, her crystal-clear voice and breezy melody evoke the very essence of youth in summer.

It’s the perfect track for when you want to let your heart drift back to days gone by.

My first loveOgawa Tomoko

Tomoko Ogawa “Hatsukoi no Hito” 1969

While its breeze-like freshness soothes, there’s a tinge of melancholy in the melody that seems to bring back memories of distant summer days, doesn’t it? This work by Tomoko Ogawa is a classic that paints the bittersweet memory of first love and the fragile feelings for someone you can no longer meet.

Released as a single in January 1969, it became legendary after her tearful performance on the TV program “Yoru no Hit Studio” in February of the same year.

The way her crystal-clear voice intertwines with the story behind the song deepens the poignant world of the lyrics in an irresistible way.

It’s the perfect song for a moment of reminiscing about the sparkling days of youth, isn’t it?

I just can’t stopYamamoto Rinda

Linda Yamamoto – Can't Stop No Matter What (Official Audio)

With her midriff-baring look and passionate dancing, Linda Yamamoto caused a sensational stir in the pop world.

This signature piece of her “action kayō” style sings of the surging joy of love—an eternal summer tune that lifts your spirits every time you hear it.

Set to a lively, samba-like rhythm, it vividly captures the exhilaration of breaking free.

Released in June 1972, the song became a major hit and was performed at that year’s 23rd NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

It’s the perfect track for rekindling the fiery feelings of youth or boosting your mood under the summer sun.

Rumors on the ShoreHirota Mieko

Rumors on the Shore

Let me introduce a classic that’s perfect for those summer evenings when you want to sink into a slightly sentimental mood.

You can almost picture the poignant scene of the protagonist standing alone on the shore, thinking of someone they can’t meet.

Mieko Hirota’s exceptional vocals beautifully capture the song’s melancholic yet elegant world.

Released as a single in July 1967, this piece is also known as the first hit composed by Kyōhei Tsutsumi.

Spurred by this success, Hirota made her return to the Kōhaku Uta Gassen after two years.

Why not listen closely and let it take you back to the bittersweet memories of your youth?

Seventeen SummersSakurada Junko

Seventeen Summers

Junko Sakurada, who took the world by storm with a singing voice like a gentle breeze.

When it comes to her summer songs, isn’t this the definitive track? The straightforward feelings of first love unique to a 17-year-old, wishing for “a summer to be special,” shine so brightly.

You can almost feel your heart tighten at the image of a girl, sweet-and-tart yet passionate, leaping without hesitation into the arms of the one she loves.

Released in June 1975, the song was also included on the classic album “Watashi no Sugao” (“My True Face”).

Its Popularity Award at the 17th Japan Record Awards shows just how many hearts it captured at the time.

It’s an eternal ode to youth, conjuring vivid scenes of dazzling summer days.