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 exhilaration and a sense of speed by rock bands you want to listen to in summer (151–160)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Summer TriangleNICO Touches the Walls
A summer song by NICO Touches the Walls with a bright, uplifting vibe that captures the momentum and exhilaration of youth.
Its refreshing feel makes it an obvious fit for a Calpis Water commercial.
The sound evokes youth with the breezy freshness of a clear summer sky and a driving sense of speed, as if you’re sprinting straight through.
The lyrics, which depict a summer-like, burning love, are also striking; the straightforward way of expressing feelings to the person you like further reinforces the youthful image embedded in the track.
Songs full of exhilarating freshness and driving speed by rock bands you want to listen to in summer (161–170)
Shanghai HoneyORANGE RANGE
ORANGE RANGE made their major debut in 2003.
They’re artists with roots in Okinawa.
The harmonies created by their three vocalists are truly one of a kind.
Some people may also associate them with being a band that sings about summer.
Shanghai Honey is an up-tempo summer song, released in 2003.
Summer is a season when encounters are something to look forward to.
The lyrics, which express that feeling from a male perspective, might make some listeners feel excited.
It really makes you look forward to summer even more, doesn’t it?