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

You, the Sheep, and the BlueRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – You, Sheep and Blue [Official Music Video]

This song overflows with dazzling passion and a sense of exhilarating drive.

Included on the 2011 album “Zettai Zetsumei,” it was chosen as the theme for NHK’s soccer broadcasts and captured the hearts of many during J.League and Emperor’s Cup coverage.

It carries a powerful message: miracles aren’t something you wait for—they’re something you create with your own hands—encouraging a spirit of challenge.

The up-tempo rock sound and impassioned lyrics fuse beautifully, delivering a performance that shakes the listener to the core.

It’s a perfect track for those who want to feel the rush of summer or are striving toward a goal.

Beautiful finsupittsu

Spitz / Beautiful Fin

This song was released in April 2023 as the theme song played in theaters during the summer.

Created as the theme for Detective Conan: Black Iron Submarine, its lyrics—true to the title—feature motifs of sea creatures and leave a strong impression, while Masamune Kusano’s crystal-clear vocals evoke a cool summer sea.

Combining Spitz’s characteristically melodic guitar sound with poetic expression, it’s a refreshing track that makes you forget the summer heat.

It’s a perfect song to soundtrack summer memories, whether on a seaside drive or on the way home from a summer festival.

Mela!Ryokushokushakai

Ryokuoushoku Shakai 'Mela!' Music Video / Ryokuoushoku Shakai – Mela!

This song celebrates the heart of someone who keeps their inner passion burning.

The lyrics portray the impulse born from the pure wish to “become a hero,” and the courage to act driven by that feeling, stirring the hearts of listeners.

Released digitally in April 2020, it was featured in Darya’s “Palty Coloring” commercial, and later adopted as a JRA commercial song in 2025.

It was also chosen as the theme for a dance project supporting high school dance teams across Japan who lost opportunities to perform during the COVID-19 pandemic, giving courage to many young people.

Its exhilarating, fast-paced feel makes it especially appealing to listen to in the summer.

Fanfaresumika

sumika / Fanfare [Music Video]

A refreshing song that carries a powerful message about breaking through the darkness of night to welcome a new morning.

It’s striking how the protagonist, once shut inside their shell, musters the courage to take a step into the outside world.

Many listeners will likely feel encouraged by the resolve to overcome hardship and trials and meet a new self.

Released in August 2018, the track was used as the opening theme for the anime film “I Want to Eat Your Pancreas.” It’s also included on the album “AMUSIC” and is known as one of sumika’s signature works.

A perfect song to listen to before heading out for warm-weather activities, and recommended for those moments when you need courage to try something new.

In the Blueikimonogakari

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

A refreshingly cool, exhilarating uptempo tune.

It portrays a coming-of-age story of young people who, while cherishing encounters and bonds with friends, discover their true selves—conveying an authentic, down-to-earth message characteristic of Ikimono-gakari.

Starting in March 2024, the song was also used in commercials as the theme for Asahi Soft Drinks’ 140th anniversary of Mitsuya Cider, and it was released as a double A-side single together with Harebare!, the opening theme for the TV anime Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin.

It’s the perfect track for karaoke with friends under the summer sky or for a refreshing change of mood.

Blue HabitatKitanitatsuya

Where Our Blue Is / Tatsuya Kitani

This song paints a fresh yet wistful memory of youth, like a summer sky.

Tatsuya Kitani released it in July 2023.

It was chosen as the opening theme for Season 2 of the TV anime Jujutsu Kaisen and received a Special Award at the 65th Japan Record Awards.

The refreshing melody and lyrics interweaving the pure relationships unique to adolescence, regret, and a sense of loss vividly rekindle memories everyone has experienced.

It’s a brisk yet slightly bittersweet summer youth song you’ll want to listen to.

Full-Power BoySukima Suichi

Sukima Switch – “Zenryoku Shonen” Music Video : SUKIMASWITCH / Zenryoku Shonen Music Video

This is a refreshing rock number that calls for pure passion and an all-out, take-it-on attitude.

Its message—urging us to live without forgetting the innocent mindset of our youth—resonates deeply.

Released in April 2004, the track was featured in a commercial for NTT DoCoMo in the Kansai region, boosting its popularity even further.

It was later included on the album “Sora Sou Clip.” This is a song you should listen to when adulthood’s busyness wears you down and your heart feels tired.

Belt it out at karaoke, and you might just reclaim your purest self and find the resolve to take on new challenges.