Ballads to Listen to in Summer | Exquisite Summer Songs That Embrace Bittersweet Longing

Summer loverSHISHAMO

SHISHAMO 'Summer Lover'

Among the songs by SHISHAMO, one of the quintessential all-female bands, there are several that sing about summer, but when it comes to summer ballads, this one is unmissable.

Asako Miyazaki’s vocals here aren’t her usual high-energy style; instead, they have a calm, supple quality that perfectly suits the song’s relaxed tempo.

Coupled with the poignant lyrics about choosing to end a fleeting summer romance, you’ll feel a gentle tremor in your heart as you listen.

The whole track sinks in deeply, but the a cappella part Miyazaki sings in the latter half is especially unmissable.

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Hane Keisuke

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summer rainPan no Mimimi

Mimimi Panno – Summer Rain (Official Music Video)

Delicately expressing the ache of young love, this song is a gem of a ballad by Mimimi Panno.

Set against a backdrop of summer rain, it beautifully depicts faint memories of a romance and the ebb and flow of tender emotions.

Panno’s clear, expansive vocals capture both the sparkle and the poignancy of youth, resonating deeply with listeners.

Released in August 2023, this ambitious work marks Panno’s first attempt at writing lyrics herself.

It’s recommended for anyone who wants to feel the loneliness at summer’s end and the subtle emotional shifts of being in love.

Give it a listen, and you’re sure to be swept back to your own youth, your heart swelling with nostalgia.

Ghost in the FlowersYorushika

Yorushika – Ghost in a Flower (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

This song, which carries an air of nostalgia, is a summer-themed ballad sung by Yorushika.

True to their style, it’s crafted as a rock ballad featuring the piano, and the melody in the chorus—making full use of falsetto—creates a deeply emotional atmosphere.

The lyrics are sprinkled with many summer-like scenes, and it’s lovely to let your imagination wander about the story woven into them.

Be sure to listen while reading the lyrics.

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Hane Keisuke

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Marigoldaimyon

Marigold

This song captivates with a refreshing yet wistful feel that pairs perfectly with summer memories.

Released by Aimyon in August 2018, it became the first track by a Japanese artist to surpass 100 million streams the following year, making it a favorite across generations.

Its melody, which conjures vivid summer scenes, may stir a gentle sense of nostalgia.

Depicting summertime moments spent with someone special, it’s the kind of music that even elementary school children can enjoy and feel at ease with.

It’s perfect for summer outings or dusk—be sure to give it a listen!

Feel feat. IO, Tsubaki & Yo-SeaDJ CHARI & DJ TATSUKI

Feel feat. IO, 唾奇 & Yo-Sea [Official Video] / DJ CHARI & DJ TATSUKI

A mellow track crafted by DJ CHARI and DJ TATSUKI, perfect for summer evenings.

IO’s smooth flow, Tsubaki’s deep voice, and Yo-Sea’s beautiful hook blend exquisitely, gently resonating with listeners.

The track feels both nostalgic and fresh, delivering an undeniably emotional experience.

Released in April 2018, it was also included on that year’s acclaimed album “THE FIRST.” It’s ideal as BGM for a summer drive date or for relaxing by the seaside, setting the perfect mood.

This summer, let yourself be carried by its soothing melodies and enjoy a wonderful time.

LAST SUMMER SONGhyakuzoku

Mukade – LAST SUMMER SONG

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to at the end of summer, with a bittersweet yet beautiful melody that lingers in your heart.

The words spun by Mukade gently portray sentimental feelings for a season that has passed and important emotions that remained unspoken, resonating softly with the listener’s heart.

Released in September 2024, this song distills the charm of Mukade as a solo artist, created after he won the 15th BAZOOKA!!! High School RAP Championship in April 2019 and continued his energetic activities with works like the mini-album “Orange.” Give it a listen at a sunset beach or in those moments when memories suddenly come flooding back.

Unchanging ThingsOku Hanako

Unchanging Things

It’s a ballad in which Hanako Oku’s piano tones and clear, translucent voice gently nestle close to the listener’s heart.

The piece centers on treasured memories from days gone by and feelings that never change, and it almost seems to convey the aching wishes of the film’s characters.

Featured as an insert song in the animated film The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, released in July 2006, it moved many people and can be heard on the single Garnet and the album TIME NOTE.

If you listen to it when you’re feeling a touch of loneliness at summer’s end, or when reminiscing makes you long to see someone again, the worldview of the lyrics will surely resonate with you.

It’s the perfect song for those moments when you want to tuck away memories of someone dear and indulge in a slightly sentimental mood.

Please take your time and savor it!