RAG MusicNostalgic Youth songs
A wonderful youth song

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

When you think of summer, you think of youth! That’s the image most of us have, right?

During summer break, we go out to all sorts of places or throw ourselves into club activities… Not only current students, but adults too probably have all kinds of memories, don’t you?

In this article, we’ll introduce plenty of songs that are perfect for a summer that feels full of seishun—that youthful spirit!

We’ve gathered tracks packed with different shades of youth—friendship, romance, dreams—so you’re sure to find something that really hits home.

Alright, let’s dive in and start listening!

Youth songs to listen to in summer. Classic summer hits and recommended popular tracks (11–20)

Only for you, clear skiesYorushika

Yorushika – Just Clear Skies for You (MUSIC VIDEO)
Only for you, clear skiesYorushika

A perfect song for those who feel nostalgic about summer memories.

Included on the mini-album “No Encores for Losers,” released in May 2018, it became a smash hit with over 100 million views on YouTube.

The handclaps in the chorus and the brisk rhythm are striking, and the faint sense of melancholy gives it an addictive vibe.

It sings of the desire not to grow up and the emotions that waver as time keeps moving forward.

Best enjoyed at summer dusk; on a hot, humid day, you might find yourself even more immersed in the world of its lyrics.

Trace that dreamYOASOBI

YOASOBI “Tracing That Dream” Official Music Video
Trace that dreamYOASOBI

A March 2022 number from YOASOBI.

Carried by shimmering piano tones, it evokes the freshness of summer and the delicate feelings of youthful romance.

The world where precognitive dreams and reality overlap is heart‑pounding for listeners, too.

It was featured as the song in Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s CalorieMate commercial and used as the theme song when the novel that inspired the track was adapted into a live-action film.

With over 100 million streams, it has captured many hearts.

Set against the backdrop of a fireworks festival, the story of trying to make the dream of staying forever with the one you love come true is irresistibly moving.

How about this piece to accompany a summer romance—full of sparkle and excitement?

Super SummerNiziU

「Super Summer」 Image Movie
Super SummerNiziU

When it comes to songs that color a youth-filled summer packed with events, “Super Summer” comes to mind.

Released in 2021 by NiziU, a girl group behind numerous commercial jingles in Japan, the track is an electro-pop number infused with colorful synth tones.

It features their dazzling choral work, with an irresistibly cute, bursting chorus.

Enjoy the singing and dancing over a breezy, upbeat rhythm! It’s a dance tune that will make summer vacations with friends or a significant other even more exciting.

Unchanging ThingsOku Hanako

This is a piece with a beautiful piano melody, perfect for those summer evenings when you want to sink into a slightly sentimental mood.

Through the lyrics—almost as if a character in a film were speaking directly to you—feelings of nostalgia for irreplaceable days gone by and a deep, unwavering affection for someone precious, unchanged by time, come straight through via Hanako Oku’s clear, translucent voice.

If you’ve ever had those sudden moments when a memory rushes back and your chest tightens, this will really resonate.

The song is included on the single “Garnet,” released in July 2006, and can also be heard on the album “TIME NOTE,” released in March 2007.

It is also known for coloring some of the most moving scenes as an insert song in the feature-length animated film The Girl Who Leapt Through Time.

It’s a work I hope you’ll experience at least once in a summer filled with youthful memories—friendship, first love, and more.

My Past Life, Many Lifetimes AgoRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – Zenzenzense (movie ver.) [Official Music Video]
My Past Life, Many Lifetimes AgoRADWIMPS

As a youth anthem perfect for summer, this song continues to be loved by many.

Created by RADWIMPS, it’s also well known as the theme song for the blockbuster 2016 animated film “Your Name.” The lyrics, carried by a driving, exhilarating melody, convey the powerful feelings of two people drawn together by fate since long ago and the earnest determination to overcome any obstacle to find each other.

Just listening to it brings the film’s story back to life and is sure to stir your heart.

It will give you courage when you’re thinking of someone special or striving toward your dreams.

You are the seaMy Hair is Bad

A three-piece rock band, My Hair is Bad, has won fans with lyrics that lay bare raw psychology and vivid scenes, along with solid musicianship honed by supporting numerous bands on tour.

This track opens their fourth album, “boys,” and its lyrical lines that conjure up images of school days, together with the high-velocity energy befitting an album opener, really get you pumped.

The love you encounter during the dense, all-consuming time of youth helps you grow as a person and remains a beautiful memory that never fades, even in adulthood.

It’s a number that brings back memories of those delicate romances experienced on the border between childhood and adulthood, and it carries both the heat and the refreshing breeze of summer.

Youthful songs to listen to in summer. Classic summer hits and recommended popular tracks (21–30)

Summer MemoriesKetsumeishi

A song that captures memories nurtured in the summer heat with outstanding lyrics and a soothing melody.

It vividly portrays fun times by the sea and precious moments with friends.

Released in July 2003, this track remains one of Ketsumeishi’s signature songs, cherished by many fans.

It also sings of the sadness of summer’s end and the anticipation of the next one, resonating deeply with listeners.

Perfect for when you want to look back on summer memories or reminisce about your youth.

Listen to it on a hot summer day, and it’s sure to leave you feeling refreshed!