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 101–110: Uplifting, fast-paced tracks by rock bands perfect for summer listening
equalsumika
That crisp, cutting guitar tone feels great! This is a track by sumika, a four-piece rock band from Kanagawa Prefecture.
It was released in 2019 as a double A-side single, “Equal / Traveling.” The lyrics convey a straightforward message: be honest with your feelings.
It served as the opening theme for MIX, a baseball anime set 30 years after Touch.
The hottest summer in the worldPurinsesu Purinsesu
Among the songs by Princess Princess, a girls’ band that was especially active from the late ’80s through the ’90s, this track particularly evokes the feeling of summer.
Its sound is striking for the way it gradually builds from a relaxed atmosphere, conveying a sense of excitement as summer draws near.
The release in the vocals when the chorus hits is another highlight; the powerful, soaring voice strongly communicates the joy of savoring summer.
The lyrics also include words that evoke the fashion and trends of the time, conjuring images of reminiscing about summer memories.
RewriteASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION
Let’s make this hot summer even hotter by listening to their blazing rock.
ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION’s “Rewrite.” Their classic rock sound that unleashes the smoldering teen spirit is just like the Japanese Beatles.
Crank up this track and blow away the summer heat!
ultra soulB’z
B’z’s ‘ultra soul’ was selected as the official theme song for the 2001 FINA World Championships in Fukuoka and has often been used at professional baseball games and other events.
Released as a single in 2001, it topped the Oricon singles chart for two consecutive weeks and became one of B’z’s signature songs.
It’s a rock tune that incorporates techno beats and Latin sounds, making it a perfect number for summer.
The title call at the end of the chorus always gets you hyped up, no questions asked.
Drowning in summerBocchi
Let me introduce Drowning in Summer, a track that’s been spreading by word of mouth, especially on social media.
It’s a summer song by the rock band Bocchi.
Set on a summer day, it depicts someone reflecting on a past summer romance.
If you watch the music video along with it, it’s easier to grasp: the song alternates between a past summer and the present one.
This structure really heightens the bittersweet feeling and the fleeting nature of memories.
Also, the overall high-pitched sound palette suits summer perfectly.
Songs (111–120) by rock bands full of exhilarating, fast-paced energy perfect for summer listening
Yes, SummerdaysGLAY
GLAY, a four-piece band that took the 1990s J-POP scene by storm with a musical concept that was neither pop nor rock.
Their 6th single, “Yes, Summerdays,” used in a Camellia Diamond commercial, opens with a lyrical guitar riff that really sticks in your ears.
The somewhat wistful melody evokes the sentimental atmosphere of summer—something more than just heat.
With features like an acoustic guitar solo and a string interlude, the dramatic arrangement makes this an emotional number.
guitar bagGalileo Galilei
Known as the inaugural champions of the teen-exclusive rock festival Sengoku Riot, the four-piece rock band Galileo Galilei thrilled fans by resuming activities with a new lineup in 2022.
Guitar Bag, included on their fifth album Bee and The Whales, is a refreshing number with a breezy ensemble.
Its lyrics evoke a scene of sunflowers in full bloom and conjure the image of a great presence that watches over you no matter what.
It’s a pop tune that blends the coolness of summer with a sentimental atmosphere, featuring a chorus that feels like the world opening up before your eyes.