Songs of Summer from the Showa Era: A comprehensive introduction, from nostalgic Japanese hits to timeless favorites still popular today
Summer is packed with fun events like seaside drives, camping, and all-you-can-eat buffets.
And to make summer even more exciting, the right BGM is essential, isn’t it? If you’re struggling with your summer playlist, why not try some classic Japanese hits from the Showa era? In this article, we introduce a variety of “summer songs” mainly from the 1960s to the 1980s—ranging from Showa pop and Group Sounds to New Music, city pop, idol tunes, and rock bands.
For some, it’ll be a nostalgic trip; for younger listeners, a fresh discovery.
Enjoy!
Summer Songs of the Showa Era | A comprehensive introduction to nostalgic Japanese hits and timeless favorites still popular today (1–10)
The hottest summer in the worldPRINCESS PRINCESS
When it comes to summer songs by Princess Princess—the legendary girls’ band that defined the Showa era—nothing tops “The Hottest Summer in the World.” Released in 1987 as their eighth single, it didn’t sell much at first, but when it was re-released in 1989 after the band broke through, it hit No.
1 on the Oricon singles chart.
The 2001 TV drama The Hottest Summer in the World, starring Goro Kishitani, was actually inspired by this song.
With its refreshing, summery sound and exhilarating drive, it’s a track you should definitely give a listen!
A Tale of Two in Summer: Never-Ending SummerSugiyama Kiyotaka & Omega Tribe
A song that captures the breath of summer.
Released in 1985 by Kiyotaka Sugiyama & Omega Tribe, this track beautifully portrays a refreshing seaside scene and the budding anticipation of young love.
Its melody evokes blue oceans and shimmering sunlight, while the lyrics overflow with the exhilaration of summer.
It was a major hit at the time, ranking second on TBS’s The Best Ten year-end chart in 1985.
Perfect for reminiscing about summer memories or for a coastal drive.
Carried by Kiyotaka Sugiyama’s clear, transparent vocals, why not weave your own summer love story?
Season in the SunTUBE
TUBE is a band that can be said to symbolize summer.
Among their many songs themed around the season, “Season in the Sun” is often cited as one of their signature tracks.
Its refreshing sound evokes calm seaside scenes and clear blue skies, making you imagine feeling the summer breeze with your whole body.
Layered over the gentle instrumentation, the soaring vocals are another highlight, conveying excitement for the season and the joy of summer.
It’s a song filled with positive emotion, expressing the idea of enjoying the limited time of summer to the fullest and spreading that sense of fun to everyone around.
Forever with youKayama Yūzō
When it comes to summer songs, many of them evoke clear blue skies, don’t they? That’s why I’d like to introduce “Kimi to Itsumademo.” This song, created by Yuzo Kayama, is well known for winning the Japan Record Award and being used as a movie theme song.
Its lyrics tell a love story set against a summer dusk, depicting the deep love and bond between a man and a woman.
Be sure to listen to it at twilight and let yourself drift into that mood.
Since it’s a song that has been sung for many years, you can also enjoy comparing performances from its original era to more recent renditions.
Chaco’s Seaside StorySazan Ōrusutāzu
A classic summer song that celebrates the blue sea and youthful days.
This track by Southern All Stars was released in January 1982 as their 14th single.
Its lyrics charmingly depict a refreshing story of two people falling in love, paired with an uplifting, danceable melody.
Keisuke Kuwata’s playful vocal delivery is also striking, and the singing style—said to have been inspired by Toshihiko Tahara—became a hot topic.
At the 1982 year-end Kōhaku Uta Gassen, Kuwata’s performance imitating Haruo Minami stirred controversy, though Minami himself reportedly took it graciously.
It’s the perfect song for seaside dates or reminiscing about summer memories.
Last Summer WhisperAnri
It’s an irresistible track with a sophisticated, mellow groove that conjures up bittersweet end-of-summer scenes.
Anri’s clear, soaring vocals delicately convey the sentimental feelings toward the passing season and the faint afterglow that lingers in the heart.
This stylish vibe hasn’t faded since the song appeared on the album “Heaven Beach,” produced by Toshiki Kadomatsu and released in November 1982.
For some, listening to this piece will bring back memories of summers past; for younger listeners, it’s sure to feel fresh and exciting.
It’s a classic that suits both a drive-date soundtrack and a quiet night spent alone.
Summer LoveOzaki Kiyohiko
This is a single released by Kiyohiko Ozaki in 1987.
With his refreshing vocals expressing a summer romance, the lyrics—depicting boating under dappled sunlight and a single-minded love—blend perfectly with the pop sound of the ’80s.
Regarded as a signature work from the middle period of Ozaki’s career, it became a popular song frequently featured on music programs.
It is also included on the album “Memories of Summer Love.” Highly recommended for those who want to look back on the bittersweet memories of their youth—listen to it by the summer seaside, and your heart is sure to dance.