Love songs you want to listen to in summer. Love songs that color the summer.

Front memorySuzuki Emiko × Kameda Seiji

Emiko Suzuki × Seiji Kameda “Front Memory” — Theme song for the film “After the Rain”

On a summer evening, over a soundscape that feels somehow nostalgic, Emiko Suzuki’s powerful voice rings out.

Evoking the tenderness for seasons gone by and the ache of an unfulfilled love, yet portraying a protagonist who keeps looking forward, believing in a fleeting moment of brilliance, this song deeply moved many as the theme for the May 2018 film “After the Rain.” It’s a track you’ll want to add to a playlist full of summer memories—perfect for when you want to indulge in a touch of sentimentality or awaken those bittersweet recollections.

Sparklers ~An August Promise~sonā poketto

Sonar Pocket “Sparklers: August Promise” [MV Full]

A Sonar Pocket song whose wistful late-summer scenery and melodious sound seep into the heart.

Layered over the fleeting glow of sparklers, it delicately portrays memories of dates in Enoshima, holding hands beneath sunset skies, and the sweetly bittersweet recollections of a summer romance.

Released in August 2013 as their 14th single, the track was also aired on TV Asahi’s music program BREAK OUT.

Listen to this ballad on a beach at dusk while tuning in to the sound of waves, or while gazing up at the starry sky, and the beautiful memories of summers past will return, kindling a warm light in your heart.

Love♡Scream!AiScReam

AiScReam “Love♡Scream!” Official Lyric Video

This song portrays the sweet confusion of falling in love and a straightforward devotion to the other person.

It’s a debut single released by Lantis in January 2025, sung by AiScReam, a limited-time unit consisting of three Love Live! characters: Ruby Kurosawa, Ayumu Uehara, and Shiki Wakana.

The lyrics are striking in how they use ice cream flavors as a metaphor while expressing the feeling that “you’re the most important of all.” The trio’s beautiful harmonies layered over a poppy, bouncy sound make your heart skip with joy as you listen.

StarmineDa-iCE

Da-iCE / “Star Mine” Music Video

This song, which captures the exhilaration of a fireworks festival, is the ultimate summer anthem themed around a special summer night for lovers.

The scenes of a fireworks show spent with a partner in a yukata vividly come to mind, and the lyrics depicting a mature summer romance make it a particularly memorable track.

Released in August 2022 as a digital-only single, it became a major sensation with over 600 million views on TikTok.

The YouTube music video became the fastest in Da-iCE’s history to reach 10 million views, and the song was selected for the Excellent Work Award at the 64th Japan Record Awards.

It’s perfect for anyone planning a date at a fireworks festival or looking to soak up the atmosphere of a summer matsuri.

asking for the moonKANA-BOON

KANA-BOON “Naimono Nedari” Music Video

This is a fast-paced rock number themed around emotional misalignment between lovers.

It deftly portrays the complex, wavering feelings of a couple who harbor frustrations with each other—jealousy toward a boyfriend who stares at pretty women, dissatisfaction with selfish behavior, and other realistic relationship struggles that resonate.

A signature track included on the mini-album “If I Released a CD,” released in April 2013, it became a sensation in 2020 with a collaboration on the YouTube channel THE FIRST TAKE featuring Mossa from NECRY TALKIE, garnering over 10 million views.

It’s a recommended song for those struggling with their relationship or anyone looking to feel refreshed on a summer drive.

Stars swimmakaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Enpitsu “Hoshi ga Oyogu” MV

It’s a poignant rock number that captures a longing for a lost summer.

Layering the grief of losing someone dear with the restless urgency of the season, it portrays a struggle against a fate that vanishes as fleetingly as fireworks.

Released in April 2022, the song was written as the opening theme for the TV anime Summertime Rendering, and is also included on the album The Place Where the Soul Belongs.

It’s the perfect track for moments at summer’s end when you’re thinking of someone special or looking back on youthful memories.

At the star-street stationtuki.

tuki. “At the Station of the Starry Town” Official Music Video

A gem-like ballad by tuki.

that sings of feelings for a loved one separated by distance and the hope of reunion.

Released in June 2024, this song is also included on her first album, “15,” which she created at the age of 15, and it’s filled with raw, genuine emotion.

The lyrics, carried by her clear, transparent voice, express a brave resolve that refuses to lose hope for the future despite the loneliness and pain of being unable to meet.

They will deeply resonate with those in long-distance relationships or spending much time apart from someone dear.

Listen to it on the night of Tanabata, gazing up at the starry sky, and it will surely stay close to your heart.