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 go well with summer—like the sea and sky (1–10)
Beautiful finsupittsu
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.
Blue and SummerMrs. GREEN APPLE
A sparkling, youth-infused song by Mrs.
GREEN APPLE, written as the theme for the film “Blue Summer: 30 Days of Love.” With a driving sound that emphasizes the guitar tones, it conveys the momentum of youth.
The lyrics, which line up quintessential summertime moments, are also striking, directly expressing the joy of summer.
It’s a bright, refreshing track that evokes the image of sprinting full speed through the fleeting season so there are no regrets.
summer festivalWhiteberry
This is a famous song that portrays the feelings of a protagonist who, on a festival night spent with their lover in a yukata, can’t quite find the courage to hold hands in the crowd and, even while watching sparklers burn, can’t put their feelings into words.
Released in August 2000, it’s Whiteberry’s signature track—a cover of a JITTERIN’JINN song—that reached No.
3 on the Oricon charts.
It also served as the theme song for the TBS drama “Fushigi na Hanashi” and became the catalyst for their appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
It’s the perfect song for anyone who wants to feel the sweet-and-sour ache of youthful love and nostalgia for summers gone by.
HANABIMr.Children
“HANABI” is a masterpiece by Mr.Children themed around fireworks, a quintessential symbol of summer.
The album it appears on, “Shifuku no Oto,” is said to embody the band members’ sense that making music is a time of bliss.
Released as a single in September 2008, it also served as the theme song for that year’s drama “Code Blue: Doctor Heli Kinkyū Kyūmei.” Though it’s a love song, the lyrics capture the sense of loss at life’s crossroads or after losing something precious, alongside the strength to keep looking forward.
Like the fleeting yet beautiful fireworks that light up the summer night sky, it can be seen as a symbol of ideals and hope.
It’s the kind of song you’ll want to listen to at life’s turning points, or when you find yourself thinking of someone dear.
sunflowerAdo
“Sunflower” is a song filled with the wish to live straight and true, like a sunflower that blooms facing the sun.
Though we sometimes feel down, it carries the hope of embracing ourselves as we are and spending our days full of love and hope.
Ado released the track on July 11, 2023, as the theme song for the drama “18/40: Dreams and Love If We’re Together.” Its strong message has resonated with many listeners.
It’s an uplifting number that makes you want to listen under bright sunlight with someone you care about.
StarmineDa-iCE
This song, which captures the exhilaration of a fireworks festival, is the ultimate summer anthem themed around a special summer night for lovers.
The scenes of a fireworks show spent with a partner in a yukata vividly come to mind, and the lyrics depicting a mature summer romance make it a particularly memorable track.
Released in August 2022 as a digital-only single, it became a major sensation with over 600 million views on TikTok.
The YouTube music video became the fastest in Da-iCE’s history to reach 10 million views, and the song was selected for the Excellent Work Award at the 64th Japan Record Awards.
It’s perfect for anyone planning a date at a fireworks festival or looking to soak up the atmosphere of a summer matsuri.
fireworks (launched into the sky)DAOKO × Yonezu Kenshi
This representative work by DAOKO × Kenshi Yonezu overlays the fleeting beauty of summer fireworks with a moment of youth.
DAOKO’s translucent vocals and Yonezu’s rich voice blend exquisitely, delicately expressing the ache of young love and the emotions of parting.
Released in August 2017, it was created as the theme song for the animated film “Fireworks.” It topped the Billboard Japan Hot 100 and ranked third on the year-end chart, becoming a major hit.
It’s a must-listen for anyone with memories of summer festivals and fireworks displays, or those who want to reminisce about the bittersweet romances of their youth.