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!
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Summer songs recommended for people in their 20s: Japanese classics and popular tracks (71–80)
The Sun and the SunflowerFlower
Flower, the female dance and vocal group that unfortunately disbanded in 2019.
Their song “Taiyo to Himawari” (The Sun and the Sunflower) is their fifth single, released in 2013, and the title alone evokes a feeling of summer.
Despite its bright, poppy, summer-like title, it’s a song that sings of a sad, heartrending, secret love that can’t be spoken of.
For anyone experiencing unrequited love or a love that can’t come true, it’s a bittersweet summer track that’s sure to tighten your chest.
Our DiaryME:I
A heartwarming song that traces summer memories.
This track by ME:I is included on the single “Hi-Five,” released in August 2024.
Its relaxed melody and reflective lyrics about summer days really resonate.
Scenes like poolside moments and stargazing at a campsite are portrayed poetically, gently stirring listeners’ memories.
It’s perfect for when you want to look back on time spent with someone special—you’re sure to feel warm and cozy.
green plumkuriipuhaipe
Creephyp is captivating for its piercing lyrics, and vocalist Seikaikan Ozaki’s high-tone voice is also hugely popular.
Their song Aoume was released in May 2023, written specifically for a commercial for the dating and marriage-matching app Pairs.
It’s a number about summer love, and while the title “Aoume” (unripe green plums) is intriguing, listening while reading the lyrics makes you go “I see,” as the changing stages of plum fruit are used as a metaphor for the course of a romance.
It’s a summer tune with wordplay characteristic of Ozaki that really sticks in your ears.
Recommended summer songs for people in their 20s: Classic and popular Japanese tracks (81–90)
sea glassSaucy Dog
Saucy Dog, a three-piece rock band known by the nickname “Saushi.” They’ve performed “Itsuka” and “Yui” on THE FIRST TAKE, a YouTube channel centered on one-take recordings, and have been drawing increasing attention in recent years.
Their song “Seaglass” is a summer track that makes full use of vocalist-guitarist Shinya Ishihara’s sweet voice.
It’s pop, yet it exudes a deeply emotive atmosphere that evokes Japan’s sense of wabi and sabi.
It’s electrifying—an unmistakably Japanese essence you don’t find in Western music.
Every time summer comesatarayo
Atarayo, a three-piece band that captivates fans with its lyrical worldview under the tagline “a band that feeds on sorrow.” The track Natsu ga Kuru Tabi from their concept album Kioku no Hako features a brisk, translucent ensemble that feels wonderfully refreshing.
Its lyrics, which depict bittersweet memories that resurface with the arrival of summer, are likely to resonate with many listeners who see their own experiences reflected in them.
It’s a refreshing yet sentimental number that showcases the expressive range of their male–female twin vocals.
Summer Splash!arashi
Your heart will bounce to the light, buoyant rhythm! This track by the nationally beloved idol group Arashi is included on their ninth album, Boku no Miteiru Fuukei, released in 2010.
Chosen as the CM song for JAL’s “JAL Wakuwaku Aloha Project 2010,” it became a hot topic.
The sound conjures images of an endless blue sky, perfectly matching the refreshing message of the lyrics: “Let’s enjoy summer to the fullest!” It’s a feel-good pop tune that clears your mood, packed with the power to blow away the heat.
Summer TriangleNICO Touches the Walls
This song brilliantly captures the fleeting feeling of instant love and vivid summer scenes.
It begins with a momentary depiction of falling in love in just three seconds, and the overlapping heat of summer and the joy of romance leave a strong impression.
Released in May 2012 as the Calpis Water commercial song, it was also used as the opening theme for TV Tokyo’s “Rock Brothers.” Featuring NICO Touches the Walls’ signature fresh sound and vocals, it’s perfect as background music for drives or outdoor activities.
It’s also recommended for people in their 20s who want to liven things up at karaoke.
In conclusion
We introduced lots of Japanese summer songs recommended for people in their 20s.
In addition to tracks by currently popular artists, there were probably many songs you listened to often during your school days.
Some of them may have made you want to exclaim, “So nostalgic!” These songs are perfect not only as background music for drives or BBQs, but also for singing at karaoke.
So when you’re getting together with people your age, be sure to use the songs featured in this article as a reference for your playlist!