[Make Your Summer Pop] A High-Energy J-POP Playlist to Boost Your Mood! [2026]

I want to become the wind.THE BOOM

THE BOOM 'I Want to Be the Wind' Meihou Plateau Music Festival

“Summer’s here! It’s samba time!” That’s the kind of phrase that might just burst out when you hear this exhilarating number by THE BOOM.

Driven by Kazufumi Miyazawa’s desire to “create a Japanese samba,” the song’s rich tapestry of percussion instantly sweeps listeners into the joyful whirl of a carnival.

Its lyrics carry a straightforward, heartfelt message: no matter the hardships, happiness can be found as long as you’re with the one you love—and even amid harsh realities, life itself is something to celebrate.

Released in March 1995 as a single from the album Far Eastern Samba, the track was also featured in commercials for DC Card and J-PHONE, adding color to many people’s summers.

Put it on for a drive, outdoor fun, or any summer event, and it’s guaranteed to lift your spirits!

Season in the SunTUBE

Season in the Sun TUBE (HD quality)

This is TUBE’s quintessential summer anthem, packed with the faint wistfulness that comes as summer draws to a close and the radiant, sun-like energy that still blazes on.

Vivid scenes of the endless blue sea and bittersweet young love unfold in your mind, instantly transporting you to summer the moment you press play.

Released in April 1986 as the band’s third single, it was also included on that year’s album THE SEASON IN THE SUN.

You might recognize it from Kirin Beer and Suntory commercials.

Peaking at No.

6 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart, this track is sure to set your heart ablaze whenever you feel like reminiscing about days of youth gone by!

Whimsical Romanticikimonogakari

Capricious Romantic – Ikimonogakari [A Cappella]

This is a charming song by Ikimono-gakari that delivers the bursting joy of love coming true and that unstoppable “I love you!” feeling, carried by straightforward lyrics and a bright melody.

You can really sense the protagonist’s giddy excitement, as if they could even say something a little bold.

The piece was produced in December 2008 as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Celeb to Binbo Taro” and was released as a single.

You can also find it on the album “My song Your song.” Even the slight loneliness you feel at summer’s end will be filled with a warm sense of happiness when you listen to this track.

It might be one of those songs that brings you a wonderful moment of dreaming about the future together with someone special.

I can see you againKetsumeishi

Ketsumeishi “I Can See You Again”

This is a song by Ketsumeishi that captures both the anticipation of reuniting with someone special as summer arrives and the fleeting moments of bittersweet longing.

The rap and beautiful melody intertwine pleasantly, and you can almost picture your heart fluttering as you realize the person you haven’t seen for a while has become even more charming.

Released in June 2007 and included on the album “Ketsuno Police 5,” the track became etched in many people’s memories as the theme for Shiseido ANESSA’s commercial, featuring Yuri Ebihara in sun-drenched summer scenes.

It reached No.

2 on the Oricon Weekly Chart—a number that resonates with sweet-and-sour summer memories and the wish to meet again.

Ocean living roomSuzuki Suzuki

Sea Living – Suzuki Suzuki [Official Music Video]

With the uniquely beautiful harmonies only siblings can create, Suzuki Suzuki deliver a perfect song to color the summer of the Reiwa era.

Its fresh, up-tempo melody lifts the listener’s spirits and whisks you away to glittering summertime scenes.

Upon its release in August 2021, the track became a hit, inspiring over 110,000 related videos on TikTok, and it topped the Billboard JAPAN charts for two consecutive weeks in September of the same year.

It’s also included on the album “313.” Ideal for a seaside drive or lively moments with friends, this is a song that’s sure to boost your mood.

Midsummer’s Sounds good!AKB48

[MV full] Midsummer’s Sounds good! (Dance ver.) / AKB48 [Official]

Set against a midsummer beach scene, this is a quintessential AKB48 summer song that vividly captures youthful romance.

Sprinkling in classic summer staples like suntan oil and swimsuits, it breezily sings about the heart‑pounding moment of falling in love.

Yoshimasa Inoue’s bright, energetic melody fully conveys the liberating feel of summer.

Released in May 2012, it also became familiar as the theme song for NTT Docomo’s “Ouen Gakuwari” student discount commercials.

Perfect for amping up leisure moments like drives with friends or a day at the beach.

Clap along and sing together, and the atmosphere will instantly shift into full-on summer mode.

Bluebirdikimonogakari

Ikimonogakari "Blue Bird" Music Video

A powerful number that sings of a strong will for freedom under the theme of “longing for the blue sky and the resolve to take flight.” Written and composed by Yoshiki Mizuno and delivered through Kiyoe Yoshioka’s transparent vocals, it brilliantly captures the determination to break through the status quo and head toward a new world.

Released in July 2008, it was featured as the opening theme for the anime Naruto Shippuden.

Debuting at No.

3 on the Oricon Weekly Chart, it became Ikimono-gakari’s first Top 3 entry—a milestone release.

It’s an energizing track recommended for those striving toward their dreams or about to take a new step in life.