Recommended Summer Songs for People in Their 60s: Classic and Popular J-Pop Hits [2026]

Love Letter on the Seashoresawada kenji

Kenji Sawada / Love Letter on the Beach (1981)

It’s a classic song that conjures up the scene of a late-summer beach and the aching emotion of parting from a loved one.

The restrained, ballad-like melody heightens the sense of heartbreak.

With lyrics that weave in exotic resort towns like Amalfi and Nice, it feels like a scene from a film.

The literary gesture of a whistle as a final declaration of love shakes the listener’s heart with bittersweet poignancy.

Conveying the protagonist’s helpless longing through Kenji Sawada’s delicate yet powerful vocals, this track was released in May 1981 as his 33rd single.

Chosen as the summer campaign song for Max Factor, it reached No.

8 on the Oricon charts.

The B-side, “Bye-Bye Jealousy,” was later included on the album S/T/R/I/P/P/E/R.

When you feel sentimental about a summer romance that has passed, this song is sure to stay close to your heart.

Morning of the PegasusIgarashi Hiroaki

Pegasus Morning - Hiroaki Igarashi

The clear tones of the acoustic guitar and piano are striking, and just hearing the intro gives you a refreshing, cleansing feeling, doesn’t it? This is the song that brought Hiroaki Igarashi, hailing from Hokkaido, wider recognition, and it perfectly captures the breezy atmosphere of the early 1980s.

The lyrics, which sing of setting off toward a future full of dreams and hope, carry a gentle warmth that gives listeners an encouraging nudge.

Released as a single in 1980 and included on his debut album NORTHERN LIGHTS – Hokuto Shichisei, this work stands as a representative piece from Igarashi’s early career.

It was also aired on NHK’s Minna no Uta, which likely helped it become widely beloved.

It’s the kind of song that can give you a refreshing boost when taking a new step forward or on a morning when you’re feeling a bit low.

It may even make some listeners’ hearts ache with nostalgia as they remember summers from back then.

Summer is comingDaikoku Maki

Summer Is Coming / Maki Ohguro

With the crisp, catchy rhythm of timbales that seems to herald the arrival of summer, this is a standout track by Maki Ohguro.

Released in April 1994, the song is also included on the album “Eien no Yume ni Mukatte.” Its charm lies in the straightforward lyrics that capture the slightly stubborn feelings of a protagonist who can’t quite be honest despite the expectations around marriage.

It also reached living rooms nationwide as the opening theme for COUNT DOWN TV and as a Sapporo Beer commercial song.

It’s a perfect pick to amp up a summer drive and to give courage to anyone who wants to move forward at their own pace.

Last Summer WhisperAnri

ANRI Anri Anri “Last Summer Whisper” Music Video 45th Anniversary Version

It’s a timeless song that instantly brings back that indescribable, sentimental feeling at summer’s end.

Over the mellow, urban soundscape crafted by Toshiki Kadomatsu, Anri’s crystal-clear vocals drift so comfortably, evoking the sweet memories and bittersweet afterglow of a love that has passed.

Listening to it feels like a scene from your own personal movie coming back to life.

This track appears on Anri’s album “Heaven Beach,” released in November 1982, and is remembered among fans as the work born from her first landmark collaboration with Toshiki Kadomatsu.

The entire album is themed around summer imagery, and this song shines as a quintessential expression of that world.

I recommend it not only to those who want to relive the sparkling days of that era’s summers, but also to younger listeners who wish to savor the refined atmosphere unique to city pop of the time—ideally at dusk, with a quiet listen.

It might just make everyday life feel a touch more cinematic.

The season of bare feetMatsuda Seiko

The season of bare feet

With a freshness like a spring breeze, this was Seiko Matsuda’s debut single that ushered in the 1980s.

Released in April 1980, it peaked at No.

12 on the Oricon Weekly Chart and was also beloved as the Shiseido “Ekubo” commercial song.

Her innocent vocals and the light, lively melody set many hearts aflutter.

The lyrics depict the budding feelings of a faint summer romance and a racing heartbeat, vividly reviving the sweet-and-sour days of youth just by listening.

The track was included on her memorable first album, “SQUALL,” serving as the prologue to her brilliant career.

It’s a classic that anyone nostalgic for those summers—or anyone who wants to experience the sparkling atmosphere of the ’80s—should definitely hear.

With the setting sunZa Wairudowanzu

With the setting sun

A refreshing melody that captures scenes shining against the blue sky makes this song especially memorable.

Drummer Yoshiaki Ueda takes the lead vocal, captivating listeners with his distinctive style of singing while playing.

Released in May 1967 as The Wild Ones’ third single, it’s also known for having lyrics written by all the members.

The bright, open sound of the 12-string electric guitar remains unfaded, a classic that symbolizes the golden age of Group Sounds.

It’s a track you’ll want to play on an evening drive or while spending time with friends.

Midsummer FruitSazan Ōrusutāzu

Southern All Stars / Manatsu no Kajitsu (Midsummer Fruit) with lyrics

Since its release in 1990, this love ballad by Southern All Stars has been covered by many musicians and cherished ever since.

Also serving as the theme song for Keisuke Kuwata’s film “Inamura Jane,” the track is filled with the beauty and bittersweetness of summer love, giving you that tight, aching feeling in your chest when you listen.

The intensity of a passionate romance—and the pain when it ends—feels enveloped and purified by the beautiful melody and sound, making it an evergreen summer song that never fades with time.

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