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 Refreshing, High-Energy Drive by Rock Bands to Listen to in Summer (31–40)
astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN
This is BUMP OF CHICKEN’s second major-label single, a song that helped boost the band’s popularity.
Inspired by this track, the drama “Stargazing” (Tentai Kansoku) was produced, and the song was used as an insert track.
Its energetic, refreshing sound is pleasing to the ear, and the narrative quality of the lyrics is also one of its charms.
While looking back on summer memories of going stargazing, the song also conveys a poignant sense of longing for someone far away.
Summer NudeMagokoro Burazāzu
This song, which beautifully captures the poignant scenery at summer’s end, is a 1995 release by Magokoro Brothers.
Its distinctive melody line and lyrics depicting summer scenes have captured the hearts of many.
With delicate expressions of summer nights, seaside happenings, the brilliance of youth, and the bittersweet feeling of a summer slipping away, it has a charm that resonates deeply with listeners.
In 2010, it was also used as insert music in the TV Tokyo drama “Moteki,” and it remains beloved across generations.
It’s a track that may truly move you when you’re looking back on summer memories or experiencing a farewell with someone dear.
Ms. SeptemberRADWIMPS
Rather than the height of summer, it’s more like late August—that slightly lonely time when you can feel summer ending—and that’s exactly when you want to listen to RADWIMPS’ “September-san,” isn’t it? The lyrics gently wipe away that post-festival emptiness that settles in after summer passes, soothing the heart.
The quiet melody that stays close to a sentimental mood, and each delicate guitar note that tightens your chest in a sweet ache, somehow feels precious.
Try finding a song that matches how you feel in each moment of summer!
Baby BabyKami wa saikoro o furanai
A single with a crisp, summery sound and lyrics that truly resonate.
Released in June 2024, this track is filled with feelings born during a live-house tour.
It’s an up-tempo tune that also packs pop elements perfect for sing-alongs, making it ideal for anyone who wants to feel united with the crowd at a live show.
Songs by Kami wa Saikoro wo Furanai are known for creating a sense of unity with listeners through the deep resonance between melody and lyrics.
This work is no exception—you can expect a nostalgic yet fresh thrill, like opening an album full of summer memories.
Mela!Ryokushokushakai
This song celebrates the heart of someone who keeps their inner passion burning.
The lyrics portray the impulse born from the pure wish to “become a hero,” and the courage to act driven by that feeling, stirring the hearts of listeners.
Released digitally in April 2020, it was featured in Darya’s “Palty Coloring” commercial, and later adopted as a JRA commercial song in 2025.
It was also chosen as the theme for a dance project supporting high school dance teams across Japan who lost opportunities to perform during the COVID-19 pandemic, giving courage to many young people.
Its exhilarating, fast-paced feel makes it especially appealing to listen to in the summer.
Songs Full of Bracing Freshness and Driving Speed by Rock Bands You’ll Want to Hear in Summer (41–50)
You and the summer music festivalSHISHAMO
SHISHAMO is a three-piece all-female rock band.
By appearing on shows like NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, they bring their music to a wide audience.
Vocalist Asako Miyazaki has a girlish singing voice that blends impressively well with intense rock sounds.
Their 2014 release “Kimi to Natsu Fesu” (You and the Summer Fest), as the title suggests, is a song themed around a romance at a summer festival.
The girl in the song ultimately turns her feelings in a positive direction.
Reading the lyrics might just make you want to fall in love this summer.
End of the Summer RetreatWurtS
Singer-songwriter WurtS not only produces his own music, but also self-produces the artwork and video.
“Geka,” included on the digital EP “MAGICAL SOUP,” is a feel-good track featuring an ensemble built around catchy guitar chopping.
Its stylish lyrics and melody perfectly match the atmosphere of summer.
Modern yet tinged with nostalgia, it’s an impressive pop tune that makes an ideal summer BGM.
