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

Our Summer DreamYamashita Tatsuro

Our Summer Dream

This is a song by Tatsuro Yamashita that evokes a nostalgic feeling, like a summer evening.

The beautiful melody woven by piano and strings makes it feel as if you’re watching a film from start to finish.

The lyrics seem to carry images of Japan’s lost pastoral landscapes and a gentle wish for the future, and listening to it may slowly warm your heart.

It’s a track with a warm theme that conveys bonds with loved ones and a sense of hope.

Released as a single in August 2009, it moved many people as the theme song for director Mamoru Hosoda’s animated film “Summer Wars.” It’s perfect for a summer drive with the windows down, feeling the breeze, and just as fitting for nights when you want to sink into a slightly sentimental mood.

Sing it at karaoke, and it’s sure to resonate with everyone.

astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN

BUMP OF CHICKEN “Stargazing”

It’s a memorable masterpiece with a melody that makes you want to hum as you look up at the night sky.

In this work woven by BUMP OF CHICKEN, the protagonist gazes at the stars while reflecting on their future, the anxieties they carry, and a faint glimmer of hope.

Even as they struggle with questions that have no answers, their determination to move forward is something that deeply resonates with listeners.

Released in March 2001 as their third single, it drew major attention as an insert song for the drama “Tentai Kansoku” that same year.

It’s also included on the album “jupiter.” When you’re lost or need a gentle push, listening under the starry sky will surely give you the courage to take a new step.

Emo-ish summerLucky Kilimanjaro

Emo-ish summer

An emotional number by Lucky Kilimanjaro that vividly brings summertime scenes to mind.

The shimmering tones of the synthesizer and the breezy rhythm paint a bright picture of the early thrills of romance and the unstoppable swell of emotion.

The lyrics capture a heart swaying in the special atmosphere of summer, wrapping listeners in a feeling that’s a little bittersweet yet warm.

Released as a single in July 2020, the track built anticipation as a follow-up to their major-label first album, “!magination.” Its exposure on NTV’s Sukkiri and as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s Netapare further raised its profile.

It also received extensive radio play, including three consecutive weeks in the TOP 5 on J-WAVE’s TOKIO HOT 100.

It’s a perfect song to listen to while relaxing by the seaside to the sound of waves, or in the sentimental mood of twilight.

Give it a listen in those kinds of moments.

I want to become the wind.THE BOOM

THE BOOM 'I Want to Be the Wind' Meihou Plateau Music Festival

“Summer’s here! It’s samba time!” That’s the kind of phrase that might just burst out when you hear this exhilarating number by THE BOOM.

Driven by Kazufumi Miyazawa’s desire to “create a Japanese samba,” the song’s rich tapestry of percussion instantly sweeps listeners into the joyful whirl of a carnival.

Its lyrics carry a straightforward, heartfelt message: no matter the hardships, happiness can be found as long as you’re with the one you love—and even amid harsh realities, life itself is something to celebrate.

Released in March 1995 as a single from the album Far Eastern Samba, the track was also featured in commercials for DC Card and J-PHONE, adding color to many people’s summers.

Put it on for a drive, outdoor fun, or any summer event, and it’s guaranteed to lift your spirits!

Season in the SunTUBE

Season in the Sun TUBE (HD quality)

This is TUBE’s quintessential summer anthem, packed with the faint wistfulness that comes as summer draws to a close and the radiant, sun-like energy that still blazes on.

Vivid scenes of the endless blue sea and bittersweet young love unfold in your mind, instantly transporting you to summer the moment you press play.

Released in April 1986 as the band’s third single, it was also included on that year’s album THE SEASON IN THE SUN.

You might recognize it from Kirin Beer and Suntory commercials.

Peaking at No.

6 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart, this track is sure to set your heart ablaze whenever you feel like reminiscing about days of youth gone by!

TSUNAMISazan Ōrusutāzu

Tsunami – Southern All Stars

Like waves that surge and recede, this is one of Southern All Stars’ signature songs, painting an overwhelming swell of emotion you can’t control.

The lyrics, which layer the deep sorrow of heartbreak and a sense of helplessness over the irresistible force of nature, have touched countless hearts.

Beginning quietly with a piano melody and then enveloping you in grand strings as the feelings rise, the song was released in January 2000.

Embraced as the theme for the TV show segment “Mirai Nikki III” on “UNNAN no Hontoko!”, it became a work remembered both in records and in memories, winning the Grand Prize at the 42nd Japan Record Awards that same year.

On nights when you’re weighed down by unbearable sadness, listen to this song—surely it will stay close to your heart.

Summer Love Sensationmakaroni enpitsu

macaroni empitsu “Summer Love Sensation” MV

A song by Macaroni Enpitsu that captures the dazzling brightness of summer love and the sudden pangs of wistfulness that come with it.

It conjures vivid summer memories, like a fireworks date in yukata or a quiet moment in a cool room.

Released in August 2017 as the band’s first CD single, the track was also included on their album “CHOSYOKU” released the same year.

It was further selected as the ending theme for TV Tokyo’s music program “MelodiX!” for August 2017.

Whether you’re in the midst of a summer romance right now or reminiscing about one that has passed, doesn’t it feel like this song gently whispers, “It’s going to be okay”?