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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Recommended summer songs for people in their 20s: Japanese classics and popular tracks (11–20)
Melancholy, resplendentkuriipuhaipe
When it comes to summer songs by CreepHyp, this has got to be the one! The opening line of the chorus is truly brilliant, letting each listener picture their own summery scene.
Throughout the song, it sings of a powerful love and the ache that comes with it.
Released in May 2013 as the theme for Shiseido’s ANESSA commercial, it captured the hearts of many.
It’s a perfect recommendation for anyone struggling with a summer romance.
Magic of a Summer Nightindigo la End
A bittersweet ballad from indigo la End that portrays summer love.
It opens with a distinctive scat-influenced intro, then unfolds into a stylish track woven from glossy guitar riffs and piano accompaniment.
The lyrics depict lingering feelings for a past romance that resurfaces on summer nights, likely resonating with many listeners.
Released in June 2016, the song beautifully captures the melancholy at summer’s end.
With a mature allure, it’s recommended for those with rich romantic experiences or anyone who enjoys a mellow atmosphere.
A perfect song to listen to leisurely on a summer night.
catch the waveDef Tech
Def Tech is another artist that’s essential for anyone in their 20s feeling nostalgic.
“My Way,” included on their 2005 mini-album Def Tech, was a huge hit and incredibly popular among music fans at the time.
Among their songs, this is one that’s especially perfect for summer.
As the title suggests, the lyrics revolve around surfing, but they also carry warm, encouraging words that feel like a gentle push forward when you listen.
At the same time, the track itself stands out for its simple, cool production, making it a great recommendation for those who want something sleek and stylish.
Song of PointillismMrs. GREEN APPLE
A song created with Sonoko Inoue as the featured vocalist, used as an insert track in the film “Ao-Natsu: Kimi ni Koi Shita 30-nichi” (Blue Summer: The 30 Days I Fell in Love with You).
With its gentle vocals over a mellow accompaniment, it has an exceptionally soft, soothing atmosphere.
The movie portrays a love story unfolding over a certain summer vacation, and the lyrics—crafted to match that storyline—leave a strong impression.
The touching words have a way of piercing straight to the heart, which is part of the song’s charm.
If you’re in love or have someone special in mind, how about making this your love song to spend the summer with?
Flowers blooming in the night skyMEGARYU
If you have memories of a summer festival date, this will probably resonate with you.
It’s a track by MEGARYU, a reggae duo from Gifu Prefecture, included on their first album, Updraft, released in 2005.
Watching fireworks with someone you love… just imagining it makes your heart race—a wonderfully romantic situation.
The mellow arrangement and the duo’s harmonies make for an exceptionally pleasant listen.
If you play it together with your partner, you might just be reminded of how important they are to you.
summer skyGalileo Galilei
A summer song by the hugely popular rock band Galileo Galilei that captures the glow of youth.
Yuki Ozaki’s plain-spoken, earnest vocals beautifully express the bittersweetness of summer’s end and the anticipation of new beginnings.
Released in June 2010, the track was also used as the opening theme for the anime Big Windup! The Summer Tournament Arc.
With its dreamy guitar sound and pulsing bassline, it’s perfect as background music for summer drives and outdoor trips—and it’s guaranteed to get everyone hyped when you’re hanging out with friends of the same generation.
Recommended summer songs for people in their 20s: classic and popular Japanese tracks (21–30)
Pareo is emerald.SKE48
A refreshing track that evokes the youthfulness of summer.
Told from a male perspective, it captures a boy’s pure feelings as he falls for a girl wearing an emerald-green pareo.
From the intro, a sparkling vibe glistens before quickly shifting into an uptempo, high-energy sound that’s quintessentially SKE48.
Released in July 2011, the song also drew attention for its music video filmed in Hawaii.
Watching the members enjoy the beach lets you feel the radiance of summer.
It’s perfect for hyping up a karaoke session or as a summer driving soundtrack.