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

BoyhoodInoue Yosui

Boys' Time / Yosui Inoue (with lyrics)

In Inoue Yosui’s classic song, a gentle yet resonant melody intertwines with nostalgic lyrics, suffused with reflections on youth.

Idyllic summer scenes and memories alive in the mind are spun into poetic expression, tenderly enveloping those treasured moments we keep safe in our hearts.

Since its release in September 1990, it has continued to be loved as a movie theme and a commercial song, and in 1991 it was also used in a Sony Handycam commercial.

Included on the album “Handsome Boy,” this is a tune you’ll want to hum when everyone gathers together.

Why not spend a heartwarming moment as you share stories and let memories blossom?

Mount Fuji (Fujinoyama)

Mount Fuji (Fuji no Yama) 🗻 (♪ With its head above the clouds~) by Himawari 🌻×3 with lyrics | Ministry of Education Song [100 Selected Japanese Songs] | Fuji Mountain

This is a song of praise for a beautiful mountain beloved as a symbol of Japan, released in July 1910 as a Ministry of Education school song.

With its concise lyrics and distinctive melody, it has continued to be cherished across generations.

It is often sung on July 1, the opening day of the mountain-climbing season, and is a memorable piece that evokes the feeling of summer.

Treasured in school music education and community cultural activities, this work embodies respect for Japanese tradition and nature, and is surely a familiar, nostalgic song for older adults as well.

It’s perfect for a relaxed recreational moment to enjoy singing while reminiscing about the past through a nostalgic school song.

The Path of Starlit Shadowschiaki naomi

Starlit Pathway ~ Sung by Naomi Chiaki (Japan Record Award winner)

It’s a masterpiece whose moist tones and graceful melody seep into the heart.

Naomi Chiaki’s lustrous voice and delicate expressiveness beautifully paint a scene of a summer night sky.

Released by Victor Entertainment in December 1992, the song was used in a Yanase “Audi” commercial and later, in 2006, in a Kirin Beverage commercial.

It’s a perfect track for enjoying music in a calm mood.

It also makes a great conversation starter with seniors, offering a lovely time to share nostalgic Showa-era memories.

The season the sun gave usaoi sankakujougi

The Season Given by the Sun (with lyrics) Aoi Sankaku Jōgi

With its warm sound and heartwarming message about cherishing bonds with friends, this song shines as a theme for a coming-of-age drama.

Featuring the gentle tone characteristic of folk music, it resonates deeply alongside precious memories.

Released in February 1972, it is known as the theme song for the Nippon TV drama “Tobidase! Seishun” and stands as a signature work of Aoi Sankaku Jōgi.

It was later included in music textbooks and has become widely beloved as a school choral piece.

It’s a song that naturally brings smiles when everyone sings along together, sure to revive nostalgic memories.

It’s also perfect for summer recreation or for enjoying while doing exercises.

Let’s go, Shake!Terauchi Takeshi & Banīzu

Let's go, Shake!

A happy tune from March 1967 that weaves together a seaside coming-of-age romance and the explosive sound of electric guitar.

A classic that epitomizes the golden era of Group Sounds, it won fervent support in dance halls and go-go clubs, symbols of youth culture.

Known as a signature work by Takeshi Terauchi and the Bunnys, it was included on the album “Let’s Go ‘Fate’” and won the Arrangement Award at the 9th Japan Record Awards.

The energetic sound born from Terauchi’s exceptional guitar technique and the band’s tight cohesion makes this a gem that conveys the essence of surf rock.

Highly recommended for anyone who wants to relive the radiance of youth or explore the history of Japanese rock.

A Midsummer IncidentHirayama Miki

Miki Hirayama / Midsummer Incident ~ Now and Then

A bittersweet love story woven with a gentle, husky singing voice.

It’s a masterpiece that vividly captures the emotions of a man and woman traveling by car on a midsummer night.

Jun Hashimoto’s bold lyrics and Kyohei Tsutsumi’s funky sound are a perfect match, while Miki Hirayama’s vocal prowess further elevates the song’s appeal.

Released in May 1971, it reached No.

5 on the Oricon charts.

A remake in 1999 breathed new life into the track when it was used as the ending theme for the film Adrenaline Drive.

With its distinctly American groove and striking string arrangements, this song is perfect as BGM for driving scenes or for sinking into the bittersweet memories of summer.

I hope you are keeping well in the summer heat.kyandīzu

Summer greetings / CANDIES

The classic hit by Candies that enlivened our youth returns, carried by a lively melody that still evokes scenes of summer.

Released on June 21, 1977 as their 14th single, it was featured in a Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications commercial for midsummer greeting postcards, and had sold a total of 320,000 copies by the time of their farewell concert.

The song’s style is bright and pop, built on three-part harmonies in the chorus contrasted with unison and solo lines elsewhere.

The lyrics delicately depict the passion of wishing to turn back the clock to meet sooner, and the joy of moments by the seaside.

The radiant harmonies of the three members of Candies beautifully bring to life the feelings of young people savoring a hot summer to the fullest.

It’s a track that those who spent their youth in that era will surely find nostalgic.