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 exhilarating, fast-paced energy from rock bands you’ll want to hear in the summer (1–10)
Blue and SummerMrs. GREEN APPLE
Mrs.
GREEN APPLE enjoys strong popularity, especially among students.
They are a five-member co-ed rock band that made their major debut in 2015.
The vocalist, Motoki Ohmori, is renowned for his high-tone voice.
Aoi to Natsu was written for the film Ao-Natsu: Kimi ni Koi Shita 30-Nichi and was released in 2018.
It’s a song with a refreshing melody that perfectly matches a love story woven by high school students.
The lyrics strongly convey the message that “you are the protagonist.” Make the most of your one and only summer.
lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE
This song packs a sense of exhilarating, fast-paced guitar rock with the bittersweetness of youth.
It was selected as the opening theme for the TV Tokyo anime “Oblivion Battery” in April 2024, marking Mrs.
GREEN APPLE’s first anime tie-in in about five years.
Created by Motoki Ohmori with the feeling of an answer song to “Ao to Natsu,” the track features striking, technically intricate guitar riffs that signal a return to the band’s roots.
The lyrics explore the finiteness of life, the struggles of adolescence, and the importance of loving one’s imperfect self.
It’s a refreshingly uplifting song, perfect for those who want to get fired up at summer festivals or reminisce about their youth.
You, the Sheep, and the BlueRADWIMPS
This song overflows with dazzling passion and a sense of exhilarating drive.
Included on the 2011 album “Zettai Zetsumei,” it was chosen as the theme for NHK’s soccer broadcasts and captured the hearts of many during J.League and Emperor’s Cup coverage.
It carries a powerful message: miracles aren’t something you wait for—they’re something you create with your own hands—encouraging a spirit of challenge.
The up-tempo rock sound and impassioned lyrics fuse beautifully, delivering a performance that shakes the listener to the core.
It’s a perfect track for those who want to feel the rush of summer or are striving toward a goal.
Songs brimming with freshness and a sense of speed from rock bands you’ll want to listen to in summer (11–20)
Because of the summerRADWIMPS
A quintessentially RADWIMPS summer song with a touch of wistfulness, “Natsu no Sei ni Shite.” Released on an EP in 2020, it was also featured in an Apple Music commercial.
It has a certain sentimentality, yet it still fills you with excitement.
The lyrics include parts that evoke other seasons, but the way they lead into “summer” conveys that special feeling only summer has.
It’s a perfect song for nights spent eagerly awaiting the season.
Trace that dreamYOASOBI
This song by YOASOBI beautifully portrays fireworks blooming in the summer night sky and budding romance.
The piano performance and wistful vocals are striking, giving it a refreshing feel as if capturing a fleeting moment of youth.
The wavering emotions of the two protagonists, caught between dreams and reality, are expressed through Ikura’s soaring voice.
Released in January 2021, the track drew attention as it was featured in an Otsuka Pharmaceutical commercial and as a movie theme song.
It has also surpassed 100 million streams, showcasing its popularity.
Highly recommended for those who want to reminisce about a summer romance or feel nostalgic about their youth.
sea glasssutoreitenaa
Straightener made their major debut in 2003.
They’re a four-piece rock band.
Their song “Seaglass” was released in 2016 and is included on the album GOLD DISC.
It’s a track that feels like the end of summer coming into view.
The bittersweet sound is lonely yet comforting, isn’t it? The rock-like sense of speed also makes the song’s atmosphere even cooler.
The end of summer can feel sad, yet it also puts you in an indescribably strange mood.
This song is recommended for anyone who wants to soak in those feelings.
Mega Lover of LoveMakishimamu Za Horumon
Maximum the Hormone is a four-piece rock band that whips fans into a frenzy with their aggressive loud sound and live performances.
Their 7th single, “Koi no Megalova,” which was used as the opening theme for the music show COUNT DOWN TV, cranks up the energy with the heavy low end created by drop C tuning.
The frenzied, rapidly shifting song structure and the exhilarating release of the chorus feel perfectly suited to the atmosphere of summer.
It’s a catchy rock tune that gets the band and audience moving as one at live shows.
