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[Sunflower Songs] A selection of classic and popular tracks that give you energy in the hot summer

Under the blazing summer sun, the sunflower gazes straight up at the sky.

Many of us have surely been moved by its powerful presence.

In this article, we’ll introduce recommended masterpieces and popular songs from among the many tracks themed around sunflowers.

We’ve gathered everything from songs that perfectly match the fresh, summery image of the flower to bittersweet pieces that completely transform how you think about sunflowers.

If you’re curious about “What songs feature sunflowers?”, be sure to read to the end!

[Sunflower Songs] A selection of classic and popular tracks that give you energy in the hot summer (31–40)

The color of sunflowersGARNET CROW

GARNET CROW – Color of the Sunflower (HIMAWARI NO IRO) Lyric
The color of sunflowersGARNET CROW

Himawari no Iro (The Color of Sunflowers), included on GARNET CROW’s 2006 album THE TWILIGHT VALLEY.

Many songs about sunflowers express admiration and hope for their nature of blooming toward the sun, but I feel this one is the complete opposite.

It seems to say, just like someone on the verge of breaking before achieving their goal, “It would be fine to wither while gazing at the unreachable sun.” The sound is dark and the lyrics tackle a heavy theme, but it’s a cool track I’d love everyone to listen to at least once.

sunflowerFukuyama Masaharu

Masaharu Fukuyama – Sunflower (Full ver.)
sunflowerFukuyama Masaharu

Masaharu Fukuyama has done a self-cover of “Himawari,” a song he originally wrote for Kiyoshi Maekawa in 2002.

The opportunity arose when Maekawa appeared as a guest on Fukuyama’s radio show, “Masaharu Fukuyama’s All Night Nippon Saturday Special: Soul Radio,” and asked him to write a song.

The piece reflects on memories of someone who resembles a straight, earnest sunflower—someone preserved in cherished recollections.

sunflowerYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Sunflower (Cover by Tatsuki Fujisue / Vocals: HARAKEN) [Full/Subtitles/Lyrics Included]
sunflowerYonezu Kenshi

Himawari (Sunflower) paints a scene of sunflowers blooming under the sun with the cool, artful melodies characteristic of Kenshi Yonezu.

It’s included on the 2020 album STRAY SHEEP.

Unlike the lively image of sunflowers, the lyrics evoke a poignant farewell to someone dearly admired, making it a heartrending song.

Holding on to feelings for that person, let’s walk our own path tomorrow and the day after.

Even while carrying pain, it leaves us with a sense of hope for tomorrow.

sunflowerChilli Beans.

Chilli Beans. – Sunflower (Official Music Video) [TV Anime “Hell Teacher Nūbē” Ending Theme]
sunflowerChilli Beans.

Released in July 2025 as the ending theme for the TV anime Hell Teacher Nūbē, this track stands out with a nostalgic sound that evokes an after-school scene: a classroom at dusk and the echoing chime signaling the end of the day.

Blending Chilli Beans.’ signature Western-style arrangements with J-pop catchiness, the song captivates with lyrics from a student’s perspective, expressing trust and gratitude toward a beloved teacher.

Its warm, uplifting message—respect for a protective presence and hope for tomorrow—resonates deeply.

Coming right on the heels of their June release of the 5th EP, the outside wind, it’s a song that showcases the band’s momentum.

A bittersweet yet refreshing tune perfect for late summer, it’s recommended for those who want to reminisce about their school days or relive the feeling of youth.

sunflowerKiroro

Kiroro’s seventh single, released in 2000.

It was used as the theme song for NHK’s “One Heart, One World” World Heart Exhibition.

This is a song we want women to hear who are struggling with feelings like, “I hate that I can’t be honest, but I can’t change.” By the time you finish listening, you might find the courage—like the song’s protagonist—to “share your feelings with a smile, like a sunflower.”

[Sunflower Songs] A selection of masterpieces and popular tracks that give you energy in the hot summer (41–50)

Sunflower -Growing Sunflower-SPEED

SPEED / Sunflower -Growing Sunflower- (short ver.)
Sunflower -Growing Sunflower-SPEED

“Himawari -Growing Sunflower-” is a song released by SPEED in 2010.

Since the concept of the song is “departure,” it’s a track you’ll want to listen to when moving on to the next step.

Their smash hit “my graduation” had “graduation” as its theme.

It might be interesting to listen to the two songs back to back.

A bouquet for the you of yesterdayforte minor

Delicate Lyric World: A skilled band recreates the unique worldview of rising singer-songwriter Fumino Ishiguro. forte minor “A Bouquet for Yesterday’s You”
A bouquet for the you of yesterdayforte minor

The plaintive, resonant guitar tone lingers in your ears, doesn’t it? This track is by forte minor, a band centered around singer-songwriter Ayano Ishiguro.

Where there are meetings, there are farewells—of course.

But if you let the fear of parting hold you back, you won’t encounter or discover what truly matters… It’s a message song that helps you realize that.

When the sunflowers appear, images of a summer evening by a room’s window well up in your mind.

Take your time and listen closely to this nostalgic piece.