[Classics] Timeless Summer Hits Recommended for All Ages [Summer Songs]

In the Blueikimonogakari

Ikimonogakari “In the Blue” (Mitsuya Cider theme song) Music Video

It’s an Ikimono-gakari-style anthem that evokes the fizz and pop of a carbonated drink.

Since its release in March 2024, it’s also become familiar as the CM song for Asahi Soft Drinks’ Mitsuya Cider.

With a sound that embodies the “piercing sense of refreshment” aimed for by Yoshiki Mizuno and Kiyoe Yoshioka’s clear, soaring vocals, it offers a pleasant feeling that invites you into an endlessly open blue sky.

The lyrics, which resonate with the bonds of friendship and give you the courage to believe in yourself and move toward the future, are equally moving.

The song was released the same year in July as a double A-side single, Harubare!/Ao no Nakade, together with Harubare!, the opening theme for the anime Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin.

It’s an energetic number perfect for summer drives or when you want a boost for a new challenge.

Girls’ RuleNogizaka 46

Nogizaka46 'Girls' Rule' Short Ver.

There are countless idol songs that you want to listen to in the summer, and this Nogizaka46 track is truly a sun-soaked summer anthem.

Released in July 2013, this single marked a major turning point for the group, with Mai Shiraishi dazzling in her first role as center.

The lyrics boldly sing of friendship, love, and a free spirit unbound by anything, freeing listeners’ hearts and delivering that special summer exhilaration.

The music video—where the members strive to protect a pool—captures the very essence of youthful sparkle.

It also became familiar as a Rakuten commercial song and the opening theme of NOGIBINGO!.

Even now, it remains a timeless track—the perfect BGM for summers spent with friends.

The High-Class Mermaid of the ShoreKoizumi Kyoko

Kyoko Koizumi - Chic Mermaid of the Beach

With its sparkling synthesizer tones and subtly mysterious guitar cutting, this track is filled with the kind of excitement that feels like opening the door to summer.

The lyrics, inspired by Kyoko Koizumi’s “uncatchable quickness,” vividly evoke a protagonist shining under the sun.

The slightly grown-up choice of words is irresistibly cute, and it makes your heart race, doesn’t it? Released in March 1984 as Kyoko Koizumi’s ninth single, the song also made waves as a Kanebo Cosmetics commercial tune.

Thanks to this hit, she earned her first No.

1 on the Oricon charts and made her debut appearance at the 35th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen at the end of the same year.

It’s also included on albums such as Celebration.

Put it on as BGM for a summer drive or a burst of fun by the seaside, and your mood is sure to soar to the max!

Before GoodbyeAAA

AAA / "Before the Goodbye" Music Video

Lyrics that sing of a summer fling.

The feelings that surged in summer drift apart as the season ends.

It portrays that kind of youthful love.

Many listeners will surely relate.

The male and female parts are sung separately, making it sound like the two are exchanging their feelings.

Try listening while imagining the other person’s emotions.

This song won the Excellence Award at the 56th Japan Record Awards and was also performed on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

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kinya

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The Sun and the SunflowerFlower

Flower 'The Sun and Sunflowers'

When it comes to songs that gently cradle the uniquely sentimental feelings of summer, “Taiyo to Himawari” comes to mind.

Released in 2013 by the dance and vocal group Flower, it’s a dance tune with a beautiful yet heartrending melody line.

The poetic lyrics liken the self to a flower, conjuring up a variety of vivid scenes.

It portrays a fleeting summer romance that many will relate to.

This is a summery track graced by the group’s lush harmonies.

Experience a sound that perfectly matches a summer sunset.

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mutō

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Sound of SummerGReeeeN

GReeeeN – Summer Sound

A fireworks festival with the whole class.

And secretly, there’s someone you like among them…

“Natsu no Oto” is a song that captures exactly that kind of girl’s story.

She frets over which yukata to wear because she wants to look cute for him, her heart races every time their eyes meet at the festival, and she gets fidgety thinking, “When should I confess?” Summer won’t come back once it’s gone—if, like the girl in this song, you’re thinking about confessing your feelings, try listening to it before you head out or when you start to think, “Maybe I shouldn’t…” It’ll surely give you a little confidence and courage.

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sasashina

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GOGO SummerKARA

KARA – GO GO Summer!

KARA’s “GOGO Summer,” which heralds the arrival of summer, is a refreshing summer song with a dewy melody and breezy vocals that feel delightful.

Listening to this track, the scent of the blue sky and sea seems to gently spread around you, and a smile naturally comes to your face.

The lyrics, like snapshots of summer, will remind you of the sweet and tangy feelings of youth.

You can almost picture scenes of picnics and barbecues under the hot sun.

It also carries a fleeting quality that colors summer vacation memories, so anyone who’s experienced a summer romance has surely felt a pang of sadness in unguarded moments.

With its cool sound that makes you forget the heat and its exhilarating rhythm, even busy working adults can let their hearts loosen for a while and fully savor the season.

It’s also perfect as a cheer song for high school baseball, making it a highly recommended track that’s sure to stir nostalgia for your youthful days.