RAG MusicSummer-Songs
Lovely summer song

[Summer Songs Recommended for Your 30s] A Selection of Nostalgic Hit Tunes!

Do you have any songs you feel like listening to when summer comes around? There are all kinds of “summer songs”—tracks themed around blue skies and the sea, songs that depict a fleeting summer romance, and slightly bittersweet ballads perfect for nighttime.

In this article, we’ll introduce summer tunes especially recommended for people in their 30s.

Focusing mainly on Japanese pop from the 2000s, we’ve picked a wide range—from enduring summer classics still loved today to those songs you used to listen to back then.

Find the one track to spend this summer with!

[Summer Songs Recommended for Your 30s] A Pick of Nostalgic Hit Tracks! (71–80)

tropical nightTHE YELLOW MONKEY

THE YELLOW MONKEY – Tropical Night
tropical nightTHE YELLOW MONKEY

Nicknamed “The Yemon,” THE YELLOW MONKEY disbanded in 2004 and restarted in 2016.

Their music kept playing here and there even after the breakup, so there are likely many people in their 30s who continued listening throughout that period—or even became fans after they had disbanded.

Often associated with a mature rock image, their song Nettaiya (“Tropical Night”) is their fourth single, released in 1994.

As the title suggests, it’s a track that evokes a sultry, sweltering night.

Midsummer FruitSazan Ōrusutāzu

Midsummer Fruit / Southern All Stars. cover collabo by taka & makigon
Midsummer FruitSazan Ōrusutāzu

The 28th single by Southern All Stars, released on July 25, 1990.

Chosen as the theme song for the film Inamura Jane, it became a huge hit.

It continued to sell well afterward, and according to Oricon’s survey, it has surpassed 540,000 copies in total sales.

In official fan polls, it’s also been selected as the number one live request song, making it a hugely popular summer anthem.

Nagisasupittsu

Released in 1996, Spitz’s “Nagisa” is a youthful song whose freshness still hasn’t faded.

As Spitz’s fourth single, “Nagisa” topped the Oricon weekly chart and became one of their signature tracks.

For those now in their 30s, 1996—the year O157 food poisoning was rampant—was probably when you were in elementary or junior high school, maybe even before you really got into music.

It’s a bright, summery, and refreshing song, so be sure to give it a listen!

Kokoro-eroodo obu mejyaa

A refreshing melody that evokes the summer air and lyrics that resonate with the heart make this a captivating song.

Known as one of Road of Major’s signature tracks, it was released in August 2005.

It was also used as the opening theme for NHK Educational’s anime Major: 1st Season, making it popular among baseball fans.

Many people in their thirties likely remember hearing it when the anime aired during summer vacation.

The lyrics, which feel like they give a push to those striving toward their dreams, are especially memorable, making it a perfect song for anyone who wants to relive their youth or is currently working hard to achieve a dream.

Barefoot in summerNogizaka 46

Nogizaka46 is an idol group with a wide musical range, from stylish tracks to moving ballads.

They draw attention with vocals and dance that make the most of their beautiful looks.

Their 2016 release “Hadashi de Summer” is a bittersweet summer song that portrays a boy’s pure first crush.

The crisp synths riding an electronic beat evoke the feeling of summer.

Many listeners will relate to the lyrics about a man’s heart being tossed around by the one he likes.

Don’t miss the melodious chorus, where their radiant choral work shines.

If you’re in your 30s, it might even make your heart flutter with memories of your first love.

It’s a song where the momentum of a danceable track propels the feeling of love forward.

GarnetOku Hanako

Hanako Oku / Garnet (Solo Performance) [Music Video]
GarnetOku Hanako

Released in 2006 as the fourth single, it was chosen as the theme song for the animated film The Girl Who Leapt Through Time.

A narrated/solo performance version has been released.

It features a gentle singing voice and a calm piano sound.

It’s a deeply moving summer song.

The sky is just likeMONKEY MAJIK

The four-piece rock band MONKEY MAJIK released “Sora wa Marude” in 2007, which was also used as the CM song for Yokohama Tire’s “DNA.” Its refreshing, laid-back melody and the vocal harmonies are irresistible—it’s a song you’ll want to listen to over and over.