A collection of summer-like songs: tracks that go perfectly with summer, like the sea and the sky.
As summer approaches, you start craving summery songs—like those themed around the ocean and sky! But when you actually try to think of summer tracks, the right ones might not come to mind right away.
So in this article, we’ll introduce a bunch of songs that feel like summer all at once.
We’ve gathered not only tracks with the word “summer” in their titles or lyrics, but also songs whose melodies or words evoke the season.
You’re sure to find songs that will elevate your summer! Listen through in order and find your favorites!
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A collection of summer-like songs. Tracks that pair well with summer—like the sea and sky (31–40)
The Summer When You Were ThereMr.Children
This is Mr.
Children’s very first single, known for its refreshing guitar sound.
It blends the melancholy of late summer with faint memories of young love, making listeners’ hearts ache in the sweetest way.
It’s as if the melody itself carries the purity of youth and nostalgia for days gone by.
Released in August 1992, the song was featured again in 2017 as the theme for NTT Docomo’s 25th anniversary commercial, etching itself into many hearts once more.
Play it on a summer drive or by the seaside at dusk, and you’ll be wrapped in a feeling that’s bittersweet yet warm.
It’s also perfect for when you want to bask in the sweet-and-sour memories of youth.
Life is BeautifulHirai Dai
A heartwarming song that’s perfect for peaceful moments by the sea.
Dai Hirai’s gentle voice, paired with soothing sounds of ukulele and acoustic guitar, quietly reminds us just how precious the small joys of everyday life are.
The message embedded in this piece—“Life is beautiful”—guides the heart toward those sparkling moments we tend to overlook in our busy days.
Released in June 2016 as the title track of the acclaimed album “Life is Beautiful,” it also became well-loved as the theme for House Foods’ “Java Curry” commercial.
Whether you’re lost in thought on a beach at sunset or standing at a turning point in life, this song is sure to resonate deeply with the listener.
rainbowAqua Timez
The charm of this song, imbued with a hopeful message that resonates in the summer season, lies in its strong yearning for the “seven-colored bridge” that appears beyond overcoming hardships.
With lyrics themed around bonds and love, it portrays a new beginning that arrives after tears are shed, 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 ringtone downloads topped 300,000 within five days of release, reflecting its popularity.
It’s a recommended track for those facing a turning point in life or seeking a more positive outlook.
SUMMER TIME LOVEEXILE
EXILE made their debut in 2001 with the single “Your eyes only ~Aimai na boku no rinka ku~.” Released in 2007, “SUMMER TIME LOVE” is a dance-pop track highlighted by EXILE TAKAHIRO’s cool vocals—he had just joined the group in 2006.
Its irresistibly sing-along, catchy melody pairs perfectly with the crystal-clear synthesizer arrangements characteristic of early EXILE, making it a great fit for summer drives and more!
sea glassSaucy Dog
Saucy Dog, a three-piece rock band affectionately known as “Saushii,” has been gaining increasing attention in recent years, performing their songs Itsuka and Yui on THE FIRST TAKE, a YouTube channel built around one-take recordings.
Their track Seaglass is a summer song that fully showcases vocalist-guitarist Shinya Ishihara’s sweet voice.
It’s pop, yet brimming with a deeply emotional atmosphere that evokes the Japanese aesthetics of wabi and sabi.
That uniquely Japanese essence—something you won’t find in Western music—really hits the spot.
Summer-themed songs roundup: tracks that go perfectly with summer—like the sea and sky (41–50)
cotton candyback number
Back number is a three-piece band that has produced many hit songs, including Hanataba released in 2011 and Takane no Hanako-san released in 2013.
Their 2012 release Watagashi is a supreme summer song that perfectly suits the setting of a summer festival.
With its minor-key chord progression, the track has a slightly kayōkyoku-like vibe that makes it especially interesting.
The more you listen, the richer it becomes—surely a hidden gem among their songs.
Feeling great!!mihimaru GT
mihimaru GT is a musical duo consisting of hiroko on vocals and rap, and miyake handling backup vocals, lyrics, and composition.
Their 2006 release “Kibun Jōjō ↑↑” is a dance-pop track that perfectly suits summer and makes you want to start dancing.
Unusually for J-pop, it features frequent record-scratch sounds, and many people may remember how fresh it sounded at the time.
Even now, the song’s appeal hasn’t faded at all—just hearing the intro naturally lifts your spirits!