[Summer Anisongs] Iconic and Popular Anime Tracks That Feel Like Summer

Calendula Requiemkanon×kanon

Shiki OP2 full Calendula Requiem

This is the opening theme of the anime Shiki.

The original work is a horror-suspense novel, and the anime solidly conveys those elements as well.

It’s a series that not only explores the cause of the villagers’ mysterious deaths that continue through the summer, but also invites you to pay close attention to the backstories of its many characters.

This song perfectly aligns with the image of a certain character, so please enjoy it together with the anime.

ReunionVaundy

Reunion

This is a number by singer-songwriter Vaundy.

It serves as the opening theme for the TV anime “The Summer Hikaru Died” and is set for release in July 2025.

Vaundy himself delved into the original work and created the song based on a sense of “unease about not knowing what will happen next.” The rock sound, tinged with a foreboding atmosphere, is distinctly Vaundy.

The lyrics reflect the joy of a long-awaited reunion while projecting an unshakable doubt and loneliness—the fear that the other person may no longer be the same.

It meshes seamlessly with the original’s raw, prickling mood and its delicate, complex emotional nuances.

Stars swimmakaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Enpitsu “Hoshi ga Oyogu” MV

Hoshi ga Oyogu, chosen as the theme song for the anime Summertime Rendering—a sci-fi suspense set on a remote island—was released in 2022 by the rock band Macaroni Enpitsu, hugely popular among young people.

The track features a refreshing band sound that evokes “love” and “youth.” Its somewhat nostalgic, heartrending melody may bring you to tears.

It’s an emotional rock number with a dramatic progression.

Give it a listen while picturing summer scenery.

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Name of LifeKimura Yumi

Name of Life

It’s a single released in 2001 and the theme song for the film Spirited Away.

Since it adds lyrics to the soundtrack of the same anime, the melody is very familiar to fans of the movie.

At a concert by the composer Joe Hisaishi held at the Budokan, Ayaka Hirahara performed this song.

Starry Sky SpicaTamura Yukari

Nanoha Striker song [Starry Sky Spica]

It’s the ending theme of Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS.

It’s sung by Yukari Tamura, who plays the heroine.

The beautiful lyrics that evoke starry skies and jewels, along with the mystical atmosphere of the melody, are truly addictive.

While Yukari Tamura is known for her charming, cute voice, the powerful way she sings this song is wonderful as well.

Stand by Me: A Summer AdventureAiM

AiM – Stand By Me ~Hito Natsu no Bouken~

It’s the theme song of the movie for the anime Digimon Adventure 02.

The song’s theme is a summer adventure, and the lyrics are wonderful—they really paint a picture in your mind.

While it does express the excitement of setting out on an adventure, rather than being a purely upbeat track, it gives me a stronger sense of wistfulness and nostalgia.

Ghost in the FlowersYorushika

Yorushika – Ghost in a Flower (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

It’s a captivating piece with a beautiful melody that evokes fleeting memories of summer days.

In this number by Yorushika, memories of passing seasons and dear ones are portrayed like faint phantoms.

The summer scenes woven into the lyrics carry a nostalgic scent of summer, overlapping with the landscapes tucked away in each listener’s heart and stirring a gentle ache, don’t you think? Released in April 2020, the song touched many as the theme for the animated film “A Whisker Away.” It is also included on the acclaimed album “The Book of Theft.” Give it a listen when you want to be alone with your thoughts on a summer evening, or when you want to immerse yourself in a beautiful melody.