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

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.

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.

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.

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.

cherrysupittsu

Spitz / Cherry

A coming-of-age song named after a seasonal fruit.

Released in April 1996, this work sets the resolve to move forward after heartbreak to a fresh, vibrant melody.

With delicate word choice and a clear, translucent vocal, it beautifully balances sorrow and hope, making it one of Spitz’s finest masterpieces.

It’s a track you’ll want to hear from spring into early summer, carried by a refreshing breeze.

Whether you’re suffering from love or ready to take a step toward your dreams and hopes, this is a song you should definitely listen to.