[Masterpieces to Enjoy During Summer Vacation] A collection of summer songs bursting with summer vibes

Midsummer Sounds Good!AKB48

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

This is a summer tune by AKB48 that was also used as the theme song for NTT Docomo’s “Ouen Gakuwari” campaign.

Set on a sun-drenched beach, it portrays the sparkling feelings of a protagonist who, buoyed by the liberating spirit of summer, becomes a little bolder in love.

The upbeat, fast-paced sound perfectly matches the positive lyrics about wanting to take the next step in a romance.

Released in May 2012 as the group’s 26th single, the song won the 54th Japan Record Award that same year.

It’s guaranteed to boost the mood to the max when played at summer get-togethers with friends or on a drive.

OrangeGReeeeN

GReeeeN – Orange

Conjuring up a scene bathed in the orange of dusk, this piece is a youthful love song that blends sweet-and-sour feelings with a sense of anticipation.

Many listeners may find themselves quietly thinking, “Love is wonderful,” moved by the exhilarating sound and lyrics that portray an overflowing, unstoppable rush of affection.

Released in April 2012 as a single by GReeeeN, it also became familiar as the song for Shiseido’s “SEA BREEZE” commercial.

On a summer walk home, why not recall that straightforward, earnest feeling of first love you’d nearly forgotten?

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.

I don’t need youth.Sangatsu no Phantasia

Sangatsu no Phantasia: “I Don’t Need Youth”

This is a song by Sangatsu no Phantasia that portrays the languor at summer’s end and the inexpressible anxiety unique to youth.

The lyrics, which strikingly capture the complex feeling of wanting to be an adult yet not quite being able to, really stand out.

Many listeners will relate to the urge to shout for no reason or to break free from who they are now.

The track is included on the March 2019 album “Girls Blue Happy Sad.” While it puts on a brave face by saying “I don’t need youth,” it’s a wistful and beautiful song that makes you feel a tender affection for yourself in the midst of it all.

Tangerine-Colored Summer VacationFukuyama Masaharu

Masaharu Fukuyama – Tangerine-Colored Summer Vacation (Fukuyama☆Great Summer Founding Festival, Inasayama)

This song by Masaharu Fukuyama, with its gentle acoustic guitar tones, awakens nostalgic memories of summer.

It was included on the album “f,” released in April 2001, and was re-recorded in 2015 as the theme song for the insect documentary film “Being Just Like Ants.” It depicts his own boyhood riding a train to his grandmother’s house, vividly conveying everything from the dazzling sunlight to the chorus of cicadas.

It’s a perfect track for those moments when you want to forget your busy daily life and immerse yourself in the sparkling summer vacations of your childhood.

Blue BookmarkGalileo Galilei

Galileo Galilei - Aoi Shiori (Blue Bookmark)

This is a song by Galileo Galilei that was used as the opening theme for the popular anime “Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day.” Released in June 2011, it features sparkling kalimba tones and a driving sound that evokes the exhilaration of summer.

At the same time, the lyrics conjure up poignant scenes that reminisce about days gone by and memories with friends.

It’s a track that brings back nostalgic times, and listening to it at the end of summer will make that bittersweet feeling sink even deeper into your heart.

Ah, summer vacation.TUBE

Ah, Summer Vacation / TUBE

When it comes to summer songs, TUBE still has a strong image, don’t you think? The track I’d like to introduce is “A Natsu Yasumi,” released in May 1990.

Many of you probably know this hit song of theirs, but apparently one of the members even said, “If we’re going to do this, I’m quitting!” because the song went so all-in on its style.

It’s surprising to hear there was a breakup crisis behind a hit, isn’t it? The lyrics bring back memories of youthful love, so I especially want students who are in love right now to give it a listen!

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