[Summer Songs] Summer tracks recommended for teens: A roundup of the latest and classic hits

Summer of LoveHirai Dai

Hirai Dai / Summer of Love (Lyric Video)

Delivered in May 2025 by Dai Hirai, this is a track that lifts the heart along with the summer sunshine.

Created to coincide with the beach festival he hosts, it’s the third installment in a series of four consecutive digital singles.

In an instant, it whisks listeners away to those peak summer moments that feel like they could last forever.

The surf music woven from gentle acoustic guitar and ukulele tones offers a comfort that’s quintessentially Dai Hirai.

This work seems to sonically capture the sparkle of summer—savoring the “now” with all your might, with neither beginning nor end.

Speaking of Dai Hirai, he has crafted many moving songs, including THE GIFT, widely known as the theme for the film Doraemon: Nobita’s Chronicle of the Moon Exploration.

It’s perfect not only for summer drives, but also for time with friends on the beach, or for moments when you want to soak in a solitary summer sunset.

Give it a listen and your body will start to move naturally—energy and smiles welling up—a true summer tune.

Stars swimmakaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Enpitsu “Hoshi ga Oyogu” MV

Powerfully voicing the anxiety of summer and the defiance of fate, this track is a true masterpiece of fast-paced summer rock.

Released by Macaroni Enpitsu in April 2022, it was written as the opening theme for the TV anime “Summer Time Rendering.” The lyrics portray feelings for a lost loved one, a sense of bereavement, and the struggle to confront destiny, carrying a profound message centered on a fate that vanishes fleetingly like fireworks.

With its robust rock sound, the song evokes the beginning of a story and a sense of uplift, making it a guaranteed mood-booster when listened to in the summer season.

Paradise BabyRIP SLYME

RIP SLYME – Rakuen Baby

This is a classic that lightly captures the sense of liberation and free-spirited romance you feel by the beach in summer.

Released in June 2002, the track blends hip-hop with bossa nova and samba rhythms, offering an innovative sound that transcends conventional genre boundaries.

The lyrics brightly depict the unique exhilaration of summer—sun-kissed skin, a longing for the ocean, and the flutter of seeing someone in a bikini.

It’s also featured on the album “TOKYO CLASSIC,” and became the first million-selling record in Japanese hip-hop.

Perfect for seaside drives, summer festivals, or relaxing by the pool.

All of the YouthFujifaburikku

Fujifabric – Youth of Everything

This is a memorable masterpiece distinguished by a gentle melody line that tenderly embraces the poignant scenery of late summer and the fleeting nature of youth.

Set against fireworks and twilight, it portrays the desire to cherish this moment intertwined with anxieties about a changing future.

Beautifully balancing Fujifabric’s refined musicality with the delicate world of its lyrics, the song was released in November 2007 as their 10th single and served as the lead single for the album TEENAGER.

It was featured as the opening theme for NTV’s Oto Moe! and later as an insert song in Fuji TV’s 2013 drama SUMMER NUDE, capturing the hearts of many.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to on nights when you wish to bask in precious memories, or when you need a gentle push before taking a new step forward.

Bewitch it4na

4na – Bewitch (Music Video)

You might have heard this stylish-sounding track somewhere before.

That’s because it was featured in the Home Tutor Try commercial, “If Summer Were Youth.” Despite the song’s sleek, cool vibe, the lyrics—set against a summer backdrop—carry a passionate message like “Let’s spend our time so we leave no regrets.” If you listen while reading all the lyrics, I think you’ll get a different impression, so give it a try.

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Hane Keisuke

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Cobalt on a summer afternoonAwesome City Club

Cobalt on a Summer Afternoon / Awesome City Club (MUSIC VIDEO) – Opening theme for the drama “She Was Pretty”

This is the 14th single by the three-piece band Awesome City Club, who have gained popularity with songs that reflect each member’s diverse musical background and the rich expressiveness of their male–female twin vocals.

Chosen as the opening theme for the TV drama “She Was Pretty,” the track offers a refreshing feel with a lively beat and pop melody that differs from their 2021 smash hit “Wasurena.” Its message—that it’s okay to make mistakes, as long as you enjoy the summer honestly and true to yourself—will surely resonate with high school students.

It’s a number that colors the summers of youth, featuring an excellent funky guitar sound beneath its crystalline sheen.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Brilliant RainKing Gnu

King Gnu – Rain Radiantly

King Gnu is a four-piece rock band.

I’d like to introduce their song “Ame Sansan” as a perfect fit for summer.

It was written specifically for the TV drama Old Rookie.

The lyrics depict the beauty and fragility of youth set against a summer backdrop.

With many images centered on summer rain, the song carries a cool, refreshing atmosphere.

At the same time, it includes a message that gives a push to those who are trying their best, making it a great pick both for relaxing and for when you need a boost.

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yamamoto

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