Youthful songs to listen to in summer. Classic summer hits and recommended popular tracks.

Stars swimmakaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Enpitsu “Hoshi ga Oyogu” MV

This song, created by Macaroni Enpitsu, serves as the opening theme for the TV anime “Summer Time Rendering.” Its exhilarating yet solid rock sound leaves a strong impression, capturing themes of summer’s restless impatience and a fate that vanishes as fleetingly as fireworks.

The lyrics convey a fierce resolve to confront an unavoidable destiny, the sorrow of losing someone dear, and a determination to keep looking forward nonetheless.

Released digitally in April 2022, the track is also included on the EP “Tamáshii no Ibasho” (“Where the Soul Belongs”).

Mirroring the anime’s edge-of-your-seat developments, this piece is perfect for summer nights when you want to steep yourself in a touch of melancholy or relive the story’s emotional impact.

NatsuneYuuri

“Natsune” acoustic ver.

This is Yuuri’s rock ballad that captures that heart-tightening sense of longing you suddenly feel at summer’s end.

The pure wish to “stay together forever” flows through his emotive vocals and the beautiful melody, resonating deeply with listeners.

Released as a single in September 2021, the song was created for the Hulu original drama “Dry Flower – Room 707 -.” It reached No.

23 on the Billboard JAPAN Hot 100 for the week and is included on the album Ichi.

It’s the kind of song that might really hit home when you’re soaking in a slightly sentimental summer twilight or quietly reminiscing about an old romance.

Magic hourRyokushokushakai

Ryokuoushoku Shakai 'Magic Hour' Official Video / Ryokuoushoku Shakai – Magic Hour

On a summer evening at dusk, when the sky is dyed with a magically beautiful gradient, it stirs a bittersweet, slightly wistful feeling, doesn’t it? This piece by Ryokuoushoku Shakai gently accompanies such a scene—a heartwarming song about mutual love.

In the lyrics, the cherished person is likened to fireworks blooming gloriously in the night sky, while the singer likens themselves to the water’s surface quietly reflecting those fireworks, depicting a steadily growing, honest and pure emotion.

Its hauntingly nostalgic, beautiful melody evokes the wistfulness of summer’s end—an enchanting track that makes the heart flutter.

Released in August 2023, the song colored the story as an insert track for Fuji TV’s Monday 9 p.m.

drama “Midsummer Cinderella,” and is also included on the album “Channel U.” If you share this song with someone you love while holding your joyful summer memories close, it might deepen the bond between you even more.

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.

rainbowAqua Timez

Aqua Timez “Niji” Music Video (Theme song for the drama Gokusen Season 3)

The charm of this song, which carries a message of hope resonating with the summer season, lies in its strong longing for the “seven-colored bridge” that appears beyond overcoming hardships.

The lyrics, themed around bonds and love, depict a new beginning that comes after shedding tears, conveying a powerful message that any trial can be overcome through mutual support.

Released in May 2008, the song was chosen as the theme for the Nippon TV drama Gokusen: Season 3.

It ranked No.

2 on the Oricon weekly chart for two consecutive weeks, and its full-length mobile download version surpassed 300,000 downloads within five days of release.

It’s a recommended track for those facing a turning point in life or seeking a more positive mindset.

Full driveKANA-BOON

KANA-BOON “Full Drive” Music Video

This track features a four-on-the-floor beat around 180 BPM and a melody full of exhilarating drive.

Released in May 2014, it’s also included on KANA-BOON’s second album, TIME.

Created with the idea of crafting a song with a powerful first impact that would be embraced by more listeners, as envisioned by Maguro Taniguchi, it reached as high as No.

6 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

Bursting with energetic rock sound, it’s perfect for drives or anyone looking to amp up their summer.

The high-speed melody delivers a rush like stepping on the accelerator, so give it a listen whenever you want to boost your mood!

Naughty SunORANGE RANGE

ORANGE RANGE “Ikenai Taiyō” Music Video

It’s a refreshing rock number that blows away the feeling of being overwhelmed by the summer heat.

Released in July 2007, the track combines ORANGE RANGE’s signature mixture rock with retro-pop elements, delivering a bright, energetic sound themed around the sun.

Chosen as the opening theme for the Fuji TV drama “Hanazakari no Kimitachi e ~ Ikemen Paradise ~,” it became a major hit, reaching No.

3 on the Oricon weekly chart.

This song is perfect for summer drives, seaside outings, or anytime you want to amp up the energy with friends.