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 freshness and driving speed by rock bands you want to listen to in summer (131–140)
Blue JeanGLAY
Released in August 2004, the song was featured in a commercial and became a staple GLAY summer track.
With its summery sound and a limited first-press edition jacket packaged in denim—just like the title—it also drew attention.
TERU’s fresh, clear vocals further enhance the summer vibe.
Over DriveJUDY AND MARY
JUDY AND MARY, the rock band that unfortunately disbanded in 2001.
Their sound, centered around vocalist YUKI’s voice, has an irresistible pull, doesn’t it? Over Drive, released in 1995, is still used in modern commercials, so even generations unfamiliar with JUDY AND MARY have probably heard it.
Doesn’t the breezy, comfortable chorus melody ring a bell? Summer is a season that, for no particular reason, lifts your spirits and feels more special than the others.
This song is packed with the feelings you experience in moments like that.
MABOROSHI SUMMERKEYTALK
KEYTALK is a four-piece rock band that captivates fans with each member’s distinctive personality and the appealing gap between their coolness and approachability.
MABOROSHI SUMMER, included on the best-of album KTEP COMPLETE—which is composed solely of tracks from their concept EPs dating back to their indie days—is packed with catchy elements: a tight ensemble, a driving beat, and airy melodies.
The wistful lyrics echo the bittersweet side of summer, not just its heat.
The irregular meter that appears partway through adds an extra hook, making it a modern summer tune.
Dog DaysMAN WITH A MISSION
Summer festivals wouldn’t be possible without them! These are the tracks from MAN WITH A MISSION’s EP “Dead End in Tokyo European Edition,” which was originally scheduled for release only in Europe.
It’s now available in Japan as well, and it’s sure to fire up the summer stage.
OKINAWA CALLINGMONGOL800
A song inspired by THE CLASH’s “London Calling.” It was written specifically for an Okinawa FamilyMart commercial.
It’s a lively, happy track that showcases MONGOL800’s signature tropical vibe.
HANABIMr.Children
It’s a song by Mr.
Children that gives the impression of expressing a blend of freshness and bittersweetness associated with the end of summer.
It’s also well-known for being used as the theme song for the drama series “Code Blue: Doctor Heli Emergency Lifesaving.” The sound first leaves a strong impression with a poignant quality, as if struggling with the gap between ideals and reality, and it’s captivating how the momentum builds from there as if firming up a resolve.
Like the fireworks in the title, it’s a song that conveys a strong will to shine brightly, even if only for a moment.
The Summer When You Were ThereMr.Children
This song is about a slightly bittersweet memory of a past romance.
Mr.
Children in their early, freshly debuted days feel very refreshing here.
The moments spent with a former lover are tinged with a sweet-and-sour nostalgia and a touch of sadness, but it’s a summer song that makes you feel positive—encouraging you to move forward with those memories in your heart.