RAG Musicartist
Lovely artist

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.

Songs Full of Bracing Freshness and Driving Speed by Rock Bands You’ll Want to Hear in Summer (41–50)

love hotelkuriipuhaipe

CreepHyp is a four-piece rock band led by Sekai Kan Ozaki.

The vocals by Ozaki are truly one of a kind, with a resonance that leaves a lasting impact—you hear it once and it sticks in your ears.

“Love Hotel,” included on their 2013 release ‘Fukikoboreru Hodo no I, Ai, Ai’ (Spilling Over with I, Sorrow, Love), feels like a song that captures a fleeting summer romance.

It’s a track that makes you keenly feel the lingering attachment and emptiness that follow love.

The lyrics that evoke a hotel come off as stylish somehow—an adult, sophisticated song.

Gather round! Party people!Yabai T-shatsu Yasan

Yabai T-Shirts Yasan – “Gather Around! Party People” Music Video [Major Version]
Gather round! Party people!Yabai T-shatsu Yasan

Yabai T-Shirts Yasan, who made their major debut in 2017—aka YabaT.

As the title “Party People” suggests, this signature track is wild and off-the-wall (lol).

It’s a must-play at festivals and a song anyone can get into and dance to.

ZessoMr.FanTastiC

Mr.FanTastiC – Desperate Run [MV]
ZessoMr.FanTastiC

A summer 2019 track by Mr.FanTastiC that bursts into an exhilarating ensemble right from the solid guitar tone at the start.

Another highlight is the striking voice of vocalist Megatera Zero, who shot to fame through “I tried singing” videos.

With an addictive melody line and guitar timbre, it’s a fast-paced, powerful song that gives you the energy to face each day.

Words Bubble Up Like Soda Popnever young beach

The refreshing, sparkling sound is pleasant to the ear.

It’s a track by never young beach, released as a single in May 2020.

It was used as the theme song for a theatrical original animated feature of the same name.

The lyrics well up from the heart, sung over a light, breezy melody.

It portrays fresh emotions—like a pure desire to convey heartfelt feelings directly, and a longing for the exchange of words.

It’s an anime song you’ll want to listen to under the dazzling summer sun, or when you want to express feelings that are hard to put into words.

Straight Up feat. KjThe BONEZ

The BONEZ – Straight Up feat. Kj -【Official Music Video】
Straight Up feat. KjThe BONEZ

A exhilarating rock number has been born.

The collaboration between The BONEZ and Dragon Ash’s Kj features an energetic sound and powerful vocals.

Centered on call-and-response between JESSE and Kj, the song explores themes of self-discovery and growth, friendship and unity, and hope for the future.

Released in July 2024, it ties in with the concurrently held “Straight Up Tour,” heightening fans’ anticipation.

The music video—featuring an impressive performance under a clear blue sky—has also been drawing attention.

It’s a refreshingly uplifting track perfect for summer; an ideal song for moments when you want to face yourself or set off on a new journey with your friends.

Heat haze of Augustmakaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Enpitsu “August Heat Haze” MV
Heat haze of Augustmakaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Enpitsu—known by the nickname “Makaen”—is a four-piece rock band whose emotional lyrics and melodies resonate with a wide range of listeners.

“Kagero in August,” included on their major-label first album, The Expectation for a Happy Ending, and also released as a digital single, was written specifically as the theme song for Taisho Pharmaceutical’s Coppertone commercial.

The opening, which begins with a lyrical guitar sound, evokes the bittersweet feeling of summer coming to an end.

With its arrangement that moves from a complex song structure into a liberating chorus, it’s a rock tune you’ll want to listen to in the summer.

Afterimages of a Summer DayASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION

AKFG – Summer Day, Afterimage - Spanish Subtitles
Afterimages of a Summer DayASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION

This is a track from their first full-length album, Kimi Tsunagi Five M.

The intro’s melancholic arpeggiated guitar is striking.

The lyrics, which vividly paint scenes, and the bittersweet melody evoke the end of summer.

It’s also a song that enjoys strong support from fans.