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)
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.
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.
Sugar Song and Bitter StepUNISON SQUARE GARDEN
This is a compelling track featuring a breezy pop-rock sound and abstract lyrics.
The song’s words portray the chaos of modern society and depict the complexity of life through a contrast between sweetness and bitterness.
Released in May 2015, it gained popularity as the ending theme for the TV anime Blood Blockade Battlefront.
It debuted at No.
5 on the Oricon Weekly Chart and has become one of UNISON SQUARE GARDEN’s signature songs.
Recommended for those who want to get hyped at summer festivals or seek deep messages in catchy melodies.
Its uptempo rhythm perfectly matches the liberating feel of summer, making it an ideal song for summer drives or outdoor BGM.
MajesticB’z
How about a rock ballad whose lyrics capture the importance of conversations with someone you cherish? It’s a song by B’z, the beloved national rock duo of Tak Matsumoto and Koshi Inaba.
It’s included on their 21st album, NEW LOVE, released in 2019.
The song was written specifically for a Pocky commercial.
Be sure to give it a listen with someone you like, perhaps while sipping some iced tea.
WingsHAWAIIAN 6
How about some refreshing melodic hardcore? This is a track by HAWAIIAN6, a three-piece band formed in 1997.
It’s included on their fifth album, “Beyond The Reach,” released in 2017.
The song sings about the importance of moving forward step by step at your own pace, even if slowly.
If you’ve got something you want to push through this summer, add it to your playlist as an anthem of encouragement.
brand-newKANA-BOON
It’s a four-on-the-floor rock track brimming with a sense of speed.
It’s a song by KANA-BOON, a four-piece rock band from Sakai, Osaka, released in 2019 as their 13th single.
It was featured as the opening theme for the anime Sarazanmai and became a hot topic.
It’s the kind of song you’ll want to listen to while gazing up at the clear blue summer sky.
It’s also a track you’ll want to play when you’re feeling down.