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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 Selection of Nostalgic Hit Tracks! (31–40)

Surfing JohnnyKuwata Keisuke

Keisuke Kuwata – Surfin' Johnny (Short ver.)
Surfing JohnnyKuwata Keisuke

Keisuke Kuwata of Southern All Stars—a band strongly associated with summer and beloved across generations—released the solo track “Naminori Johnny.” The song is his sixth single, released in 2001.

As the title suggests, it’s filled with a summery vibe, and many people may remember it from the Coca-Cola commercial it was featured in.

It’s a perfect song for a drive to the beach.

Often sung at karaoke, it’s a pop number that really gets the crowd going.

Love againglove

globe / 「Love again(from LIVE DVD globe the best live 1995-2002)」
Love againglove

The music unit globe is indispensable when discussing the J-POP scene of the 1990s.

Tetsuya Komuro served as the composer and later had a major influence on the Japanese music world.

Their 1998 release “Love again” is a song that portrays a moody, adult romance.

Its band sound, featuring glamorous trance-style synths, is cool, and you can savor KEIKO’s commanding vocals that envelop the dynamic sound.

Now that we’re in our thirties, why not give this sultry, alluring number a listen?

HOT LIMITT.M.Revolution

T.M.Revolution – HOT LIMIT | Official Music Video
HOT LIMITT.M.Revolution

Beyond his activities as a musician, Takanori Nishikawa also works as an actor and entrepreneur, and this is the eighth single from his solo project, T.M.Revolution.

The image of him wearing an outfit wrapped in black bands and singing on a red star-shaped stage floating on the sea left a powerful impression.

Coupled with visuals, the catchy, pop sound—quintessential Daisuke Asakura as producer and composer—helped propel the song to major success.

Although it was released in 1998, it has remained beloved across generations, even being featured in the 2016 TV anime ReLIFE.

Shanana☆MINMI

MINMI – Sha Na Na☆ -Trinidad & Tobago ver.-
Shanana☆MINMI

During the summer festival season, MINMI appears at many events.

She’s a woman who embodies summer, and many people probably associate her with songs that have a lively, summertime vibe.

Her track “Shanana☆” is a number that strongly evokes the peak of summer.

Released in 2007 as MINMI’s ninth single, it’s a staple at summer festivals where everyone spins their towels and gets hyped.

With its straightforward lyrics and powerful vocals, it’s a song you’ll want to listen to when summer comes.

HONEYL’Arc〜en〜Ciel

L’Arc en Ciel – Honey (live)
HONEYL'Arc〜en〜Ciel

L’Arc-en-Ciel is right at the heart of the generation now in their 30s! I bet lots of people covered their songs in bands or sang them nonstop at karaoke.

Among their tracks, HONEY has the strongest presence.

Let the song’s sense of speed be your engine and head out for a summer drive! Or, it’s also great to perform your cover at an outdoor event!

[Recommended Summer Songs for Your 30s] A Selection of Nostalgic Hit Tunes! (41–50)

ultra soulB’z

B’z is a solitary rock duo that has influenced countless musicians in Japan’s rock scene and continues to charge ahead at the forefront.

Their 31st single, “ultra soul,” chosen as the official theme song for the 2001 FINA World Championships in Fukuoka, still fires up fans as a live staple today.

The contrast between rock guitar and an ensemble that hints at techno and Latin vibes ties perfectly to the anticipation of a scorching summer about to begin.

It’s a rock anthem everyone knows—ideal for blasting on a drive or belting out together at karaoke.

Paradise BabyRIP SLYME

A five-member hip-hop group composed of four MCs and one DJ, RIP SLYME’s fifth single and one of their signature tracks.

The rapid-fire rapping contrasted with the catchy chorus makes it an addictive number.

With a beat that makes you want to dance and a sound that evokes the blazing sun, it’s a song that couldn’t be more perfect for summer.

It’s a nostalgic yet classic summer tune that reaffirms just how well the season of summer pairs with hip-hop.