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

sunflowerFukuyama Masaharu

Masaharu Fukuyama – Sunflower (Full ver.)

A richly emotive piece by Masaharu Fukuyama, where the sound of the piano gently resonates in the heart.

Like a large flower blooming toward the sun, it weaves memories of a beautiful summer with a lover who gave a dazzling smile, expressed in a melody that is both aching and warm.

The song was included on the triple A-side single “Niji / Himawari / Sore ga Subete sa,” released in August 2003, which held the No.

1 spot on the Oricon charts for five consecutive weeks.

Originally written for Kiyoshi Maekawa, the track was later performed by Fukuyama himself with a new arrangement.

When you find yourself longing for summers gone by, this song may quietly stay by your side.

Youth and youth and youthaimyon

Aimyon – Youth and Youth and Youth [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

This is a song by Aimyon that was used in 2021 as the commercial theme for Kirin Beer’s “Tanrei Green Label.” The track originally appeared on her single “Kimi wa Rock wo Kikanai,” released in August 2017.

The imagery of a love for someone you can only meet in dreams mingling with the languid air of summer is striking.

Many listeners likely relate to those bittersweet feelings that resurface from everyday triggers—like how the smell of curry can make you feel fond of someone.

Perhaps the song’s true meaning resonates even more deeply when you listen to it as an adult.

Summer rainKobukuro

Summer rain

This is a song by Kobukuro that was used as the opening theme for the TV Tokyo anime Cross Game.

You can almost picture two people huddling under a single umbrella, illuminated by summer lightning.

The piece portrays a bittersweet emotional sway between the rain that tries to wash away memories of a past love and the vivid, summer-dream-like memories that remain nonetheless.

It was released in April 2009 as the B-side to the single Niji (Rainbow) and is also included on the album CALLING.

It’s a captivating work that lets you savor both the exhilaration of summer days and a sudden, nostalgic loneliness at the same time.

The Door to SummerMatsuda Seiko

Seiko Matsuda – The Door of Summer (from Seiko Matsuda Concert Tour 2019 “Seiko’s Singles Collection”)

It’s a classic that carries the sparkle of summer’s arrival and the thrill of a budding romance.

Just listening to it makes your heart skip and gives you the urge to dash off somewhere, doesn’t it? Released in April 1981 as Seiko Matsuda’s fifth single, this track is also included on the acclaimed album “Silhouette.” Its hope-filled lyrics and Seiko’s endlessly soaring high notes blend perfectly, as if gently giving listeners a push forward.

It was also featured at the time in a Shiseido “Ekubo” commercial, enchanting many with her voice.

Isn’t it just perfect for opening the door to a new season or when you want to refresh your mood?

Love is a fire festivalJunretsu

Love is a fire festival

Set against the night of a port town, this piece sung by Junretsu vividly portrays the blazing scenes of love.

Blending the sentiment of mood kayō with the dynamism of rock, it becomes a powerful number that stirs the listener’s heart.

The passionate feelings of two people nestled together by the harbor at night are sung with dramatic intensity, flaring up like festival flames.

Included on a single released in September 2017, it was later selected for the November 2018 album “Junretsu Best Vol.2 2015–2018.” It’s the perfect track when you want to elevate the festival mood or immerse yourself in a passionate love song on a night in.

You can almost picture Junretsu’s signature performance, and just listening is sure to set your heart dancing.

A Little Love SongMONGOL800

MONGOL800 / A Small Love Song

A straightforward love song by MONGOL800, a rock band from Okinawa.

Its pure lyrics remind us just how precious the people close to us truly are, touching the hearts of many.

Released in September 2001 and included on the album MESSAGE, which sold over 2.8 million copies, the song spent 14 consecutive weeks at No.

2 on the Oricon karaoke chart.

Its enduring popularity is evident in its use as the ending theme for the TV anime Teasing Master Takagi-san and as a motif for a 2019 film.

Put it on as driving music, and you’ll find yourself singing along under the blue sky.

A Little Love SongMONGOL800

A Small Love Song – MONGOL800 | With Lyrics

This is a timeless song by MONGOL800, whose straightforward lyrics and exhilarating, fast-paced melody strike a chord.

Portraying the warmth of having someone precious right by your side and a clear hope for the future, this piece gently accompanies listeners in their everyday lives.

The song is included on the album “MESSAGE,” released in September 2001, which, despite being an indie release, sold over 2.8 million copies.

It has served as a motif for films and as an ending theme for TV anime, making it a track beloved across generations.

Be sure to give it a listen during summer drives or while spending time with friends.