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 (161–170)
Wings Named YouKobukuro
It was released as Kobukuro’s 13th single.
The song was written as the theme for the TV Asahi drama “Regatta: Kimi to Ita Eien,” featuring a sound full of summery drive.
Compared to Kobukuro’s previous songs, it’s more up-tempo and serves as a summer-themed message song.
Overdrivesaidāgāru
When you look back now, it’s often the case that those ordinary days of your school summers feel like pure youth.
The song that brings back that student-summer feeling is “Overdrive” by Cidergirl.
Its sound is hot yet pleasant—evoking the image of “refreshing sweat.” It makes you feel like reliving your youth once more this summer.
Start to shine and run forwardSambomasutā
Hot summers call for hot bands.
Sambomaster is one of the groups that continues to lead Japanese rock, and their music is perfect for summer.
Listening to their sparkling sound and uplifting lyrics makes you feel like you can relive your youth at any age.
Mahoro in SummerHarukamirai
Harukamirai is a four-piece rock band drawing attention for their beautiful high-tone vocals—rich in falsetto—and their fiery live performances.
“Natsu no Mahoro,” included on their second album THE BAND STAR, features sentimental lyrics that look back on a summer that has passed.
The opening choral work and the driving ensemble will likely awaken many listeners’ memories of youth.
It’s an exhilarating yet bittersweet upper tune, marked by an emotive melodic line that leaves a strong impression.
Drive along the beachValee Bowies
There are a few classic leisure activities for summer, and taking a drive along the seaside is one of the season’s great pleasures.
The perfect BGM for times like that is “Nagisa wo Drive” by Volleyboys.
Its nostalgic sound, reminiscent of old-school rock, really puts you in a wistful mood.
It’s the perfect track to color your summer memories, don’t you think?
At the Height of Midsummer CicadasPinku Ribon-gun
A track marked by lyrics brimming with manly spirit and a powerful, soaring vocal performance.
It carries the message of living life to the fullest, like cicadas in the midsummer heat.
From the band sound to the chorus, everything is unabashedly masculine—a hot, hard-driving rock tune.
Perpetual Summer Vacationfurenzu
This is the perfect song for anyone who wants something sophisticated and danceable.
It has a vibe that recalls ’90s J-pop, and even adults who are tired of today’s music might find themselves hooked.
They’re also a great live band, so if you get the chance, definitely go see them.