[Summer Love Songs] Hot and Heart-wrenching! Carefully Selected Summer Tunes of Love That Set Your Heart Ablaze

fireworksaiko

aiko - “Hanabi” music video

When it comes to cute yet sometimes heart-wrenching love songs, you can’t leave out Aiko.

Her song “Hanabi” is her third single, released in 1999.

Even though it came out over 20 years ago, it’s a classic summer tune loved by those who adored it back then and by younger listeners who didn’t know it at the time.

Aiko’s lyrics are packed tight with the feeling of “I love you,” and many of her love songs are incredibly empowering.

This song is one of those, filled with that same energy—a summer love song.

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utatane

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fireworks (launched into the sky)DAOKO × Yonezu Kenshi

DAOKO × Kenshi Yonezu 'Uchiage Hanabi' MUSIC VIDEO

Uchiage Hanabi, which became a hot topic through the collaboration between Kenshi Yonezu and DAOKO, was released in 2017 and served as the theme song for the animated film Fireworks (Should We See It from the Side or the Bottom?).

It’s a song you often hear in commercials and on TV, and it’s become a staple of summer.

It even makes you want to promise to go to a fireworks festival together with someone.

Fireworks are so beautiful and extravagant—truly a hallmark of summer—but thinking about their end brings a touch of sadness.

That bittersweet feeling is woven into this song.

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sodasumika

sumika / Soda [Music Video]

A song by sumika that blends the fizzy, sparkling refreshment of a carbonated drink with a chest-tightening wistfulness.

It’s said that vocalist Kenta Kataoka wrote this passionate piece in almost a single night, channeling regret over a relationship left unresolved by a “misguided sense of kindness.” If you’ve ever struggled to express your feelings, you’ll feel that frustration all too keenly.

The track was included on the mini-album “I co Y,” released by an indie label in November 2014.

It’s a love song that gently stays by your side—whether you’re basking in a joyful summer romance or weathering a slightly bittersweet one.

Because of the summerRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – Summer’s Fault [Official Music Video]

It’s a love song where the heat of summer blends with a bittersweet ache.

The blazing start of a romance and those sudden surges of helpless feelings—maybe the song captures that wavering heart that makes you want to blame it all on the magic hidden in the season of summer.

Released in July 2020, the track is also included on the EP “Natsu no Sei ep” (Because of Summer ep).

In the music video featuring Anna Yamada, Japan’s beautiful summer scenery and fireworks bring the world of the song to life.

Highly recommended for anyone whose heart flutters with “This summer for sure!” or who carries wistful summer memories.

It will meet you where you are and make your summer memories shine more vividly.

cotton candyback number

back number – Cotton Candy (Short ver.)

As expected, back number’s songs are full of masterpieces for every season, and their track “Wata-gashi” is a quintessentially them good-melody song.

When vocalist Iyori Shimizu’s voice carries those moving lyrics, it feels like summer takes off at a sprint.

Summer is full of events, and this is a song I especially recommend for summer festivals—listen to it while thinking of the person you care about.

I think you’ll find that the “you” who appears in the song overlaps with the person on your mind!

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Summer nuisancebokula.

bokula. – Summer Nuisance – [Official Music Video]

This is a track by the Hiroshima-born rock band bokula.

that vividly portrays the frustration and bittersweetness of being swept up in a summer romance.

Even as the protagonist understands that love is blind, they’re carried away by the unique heat of summer and lose their heart to the other person—a portrayal that tugs at the listener’s chest.

Released in August 2022 as the first installment of bokula.’s three-month consecutive digital release project, the song was later included on their January 2023 album, FUSION.

Whether you’re in the midst of a passionate love or holding onto a wistful memory, this song is sure to resonate with how you feel right now.

Roco LotionORANGE RANGE

ORANGE RANGE Locolotion VC HD

A feel-good party tune from Okinawa-born ORANGE RANGE! Just listening to it conjures up scenes of goofing around with friends under the blazing sun, and you can’t help but start moving your body.

This track is ORANGE RANGE’s sixth single, released in June 2004, and it became widely known as the song for Otsuka Beverage’s “MATCH” commercial.

It’s actually a cover of Little Eva’s “The Loco-Motion.” Put it on at the beach or while driving in the summer with friends or someone you like, and you’re sure to make the best memories! It’s the perfect song for anyone whose heart is fluttering at the start of a romance or who wants to make the most of summer.