Recommended summer songs for people in their 20s: classic and popular J-pop tracks
When summer comes around, don’t you often find yourself wanting summery background music as you head out for drives and enjoy the outdoors more? And when you go to karaoke, many of you probably want to hype things up with songs that capture the season and make you feel the summer vibe.
So in this article, we’ll introduce some popular summer tunes! This time, we’re focusing on songs recommended for people currently in their 20s, gathering a wide range centered on tracks you likely listened to back in your school days.
Use this article as a guide to pick songs you can enjoy when you get together with people from the same generation!
Recommended summer songs for people in their 20s: Famous and popular Japanese tracks (1–10)
The Story You Don’t Knowsupercell
Supercell is a creative unit led by composer ryo that features guest vocalists for each work.
Their debut single, Kimi no Shiranai Monogatari, featuring singer-songwriter Nagi Yanagi on vocals, is also known as the ending theme of the TV anime Bakemonogatari.
Its lyrics, which portray the heartache of unrequited love, are likely to resonate deeply with people in their twenties who have only recently left their student years behind.
With its gentle melody that colors the summer, it’s a pop tune you’ll want to keep listening to.
cotton candyback number
The three-piece rock band back number captivates fans with bittersweet lyrics that vividly paint a scene and an emotional vocal style.
Their sixth single, “Wata Gashi,” which was used as the opening theme for the music program COUNT DOWN TV, is especially memorable for its melody overflowing with a summer-like sense of wistful humidity.
The timid reluctance to take a step forward and the imagination that spins out into daydreams are feelings many listeners—especially men—will find relatable.
It’s a perfect number for a summer moment, with a sentimental story that ends up mirroring your own emotions.
Blue and SummerMrs. GREEN APPLE
Mrs.
GREEN APPLE is a rock band that enjoys immense popularity, especially among younger generations.
This song is one of their signature tracks, and it instantly evokes summer and youth! The intro, driven by a sparkling, fast-paced sound, leaves a strong impression, and from the very first notes you can feel the essence of summer and the scent of youth.
Of course, the uplifting lyrics—depicting the struggles and worries unique to young people—are also a major draw.
It’s a song that lets you fully savor summer through both music and words, making it perfect for background music or karaoke.
fireworks (launched into the sky)DAOKO × Yonezu Kenshi
A song by female singer DAOKO, chosen as the theme for the film “Fireworks, Should We See It from the Side or the Bottom?”.
The track was produced by singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu, who later made a self-cover version on his own album that also became well-known.
Carried by a blend of piano, strings, and electronic elements, her clear, translucent vocals create an atmosphere that evokes a lively yet somehow wistful summer night sky—making it a perfect number to listen to at summer’s end.
secret base ~What You Gave Me~ZONE
A classic summer song that most people in their twenties have probably heard.
Beyond the way it captures the loneliness at the end of summer, the chorus melody and lyrics are especially memorable, and many people likely think of this song when asked to name a “summer song.” It’s a karaoke staple as well, but if you listen to the track while reading the lyrics again, you’ll appreciate its appeal even more.
