A song by a rock band bursting with exhilarating energy and a sense of speed that you want to listen to in the summer.
Every summer, countless music festivals are held all over the country, and I imagine many rock band fans feel that summer is the season of music.
In fact, many Japanese rock songs are themed around summer, so you could say rock and summer are inseparable! In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of Japanese rock tracks that are perfect for the summer, all in one go.
From fiery, hype-inducing tunes to refreshingly exhilarating tracks, we’ve picked songs to match whatever situation you want to listen in—so find the perfect track for your mood.
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Songs full of refreshing, high-speed energy by rock bands you’ll want to listen to in summer (81–90)
VISTAGOING UNDER GROUND
It was used as the commercial song for Asahi Soft Drinks’ “Mitsuya Cider.” GOING UNDER GROUND is known for rock tinged with a touch of bittersweetness, and this track is crafted to evoke youthful memories.
Its catchy melody and refreshing vocals are perfect for summer.
summer skyGalileo Galilei
Galileo Galilei, a band that sadly ended their activities in 2016.
Their 2010 release “Natsuzora” was also used as the theme song for the anime Big Windup!.
The anime tells the story of high school baseball players aiming for Koshien, and the song fits perfectly with that theme—a youthful summer anthem that makes your heart flutter.
You are the summer breeze.Bocchi
A three-piece band, Bocchi, who fly the banner “Music that stays by your loneliness.” The track they released in June 2024 is a perfect fit for Japan’s summer.
Shimmering summertime scenes and the bittersweet ephemerality of youth seep into the heart atop a breezy guitar-rock sound.
The lyrics delicately depict wavering heat haze, feelings toward days that slip away, and the small joys scattered through everyday life—sure to stir listeners’ own summer memories.
The song is also included on their first full-length album, “Sora ni Kaoru wa Natsu no Kage,” released in May 2025, and can be called a signature track that strongly reflects the album’s themes of “summer memories” and “the transience of youth.” Their self-produced shows have sold out one after another, and their first-ever solo show at Shibuya WWW in June 2025 sold out in five minutes—proof of their soaring popularity.
Under an endlessly wide blue sky it feels exhilarating; against a beautiful sunset it turns a touch sentimental—that’s its charm.
It’s the perfect number for when you want to reminisce about days of youth gone by, or as the soundtrack to a summer drive.
I want to become the wind.THE BOOM
“Summer’s here! It’s samba time!” That’s the kind of phrase that might just burst out when you hear this exhilarating number by THE BOOM.
Driven by Kazufumi Miyazawa’s desire to “create a Japanese samba,” the song’s rich tapestry of percussion instantly sweeps listeners into the joyful whirl of a carnival.
Its lyrics carry a straightforward, heartfelt message: no matter the hardships, happiness can be found as long as you’re with the one you love—and even amid harsh realities, life itself is something to celebrate.
Released in March 1995 as a single from the album Far Eastern Samba, the track was also featured in commercials for DC Card and J-PHONE, adding color to many people’s summers.
Put it on for a drive, outdoor fun, or any summer event, and it’s guaranteed to lift your spirits!
I’ll end up hating you.Kaneyori Masaru
Kaneyori Masaru is a three-piece girls’ rock band from Osaka that resonates with young listeners through down-to-earth lyrics and pop melodies.
Released in July 2024, this track is a passionate yet faintly bittersweet rock number, like the summer sun.
Brimming with feelings for someone they love, the song captures the flutter and sting of romance that makes you want to shout, “I’m going to end up hating you!” from anxiety and impatience, all set to a driving, exhilarating sound.
Vocalist and guitarist Mina Chitose’s powerful voice further fans the flames of summer excitement, seizing the listener’s heart and refusing to let go.
In 2023, the band made their major-label debut with the album “Watashi no Nocturne.” This new song will color your summer memories—perfect for a summer drive and as a sweet-and-sour anthem cheering on your love.
asking for the moonKANA-BOON
This is a fast-paced rock number themed around emotional misalignment between lovers.
It deftly portrays the complex, wavering feelings of a couple who harbor frustrations with each other—jealousy toward a boyfriend who stares at pretty women, dissatisfaction with selfish behavior, and other realistic relationship struggles that resonate.
A signature track included on the mini-album “If I Released a CD,” released in April 2013, it became a sensation in 2020 with a collaboration on the YouTube channel THE FIRST TAKE featuring Mossa from NECRY TALKIE, garnering over 10 million views.
It’s a recommended song for those struggling with their relationship or anyone looking to feel refreshed on a summer drive.
Songs full of exhilarating, fast-paced energy by rock bands you’ll want to listen to in summer (91–100)
We’ve gotta do what seems impossible.Sambomasutā
This song is packed with a fiery message that ignites the spirit to take on challenges.
It celebrates the courage to face any hardship head-on with positivity and the strength to keep believing in your own potential.
Characterized by a powerful rock sound that stirs the listener’s heart, it became familiar as the theme for Nissan’s Serena commercial in 2010 and was later chosen as an image song for the 2022 film “Cheer☆Dance.” Beloved by fans as a surefire crowd-pleaser at summer festivals, it has continued to be cherished by many as an anthem that gives you a push—when you hit a wall in club activities or exam studies, when you’re trying something new, or when you feel like giving up.