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 (31–40)
A wish in summerPenthouse
Penthouse is a six-member coed city-soul band formed in a University of Tokyo music club, active under the concept of exploring music that adds a touch of style to everyday life.
Their digital single Natsu ni Negai wo, released for streaming on July 12, 2023, draws you into its world from the opening, featuring a refreshing string sound.
The lyrics portray the feeling of being unable to express your emotions as time slips by, and combined with summer’s sentimental atmosphere, they’re sure to tug at your heart.
With its driving beat and stylish arrangement, this pop tune is a comfortable listen that turns up the heat for the season.
Shaka Beach ~Laka Laka La~UVERworld
This is the eighth single by UVERworld, a six-member rock band from Shiga Prefecture that captivates listeners of all genders with their passionate messages.
Featuring a samba rhythm unusual for UVERworld, a fusion of emotional vocals and rap, and a driving, high-energy rock chorus, the song showcases the band’s breadth and depth of musicality.
With a summery feel and straightforward lyrics, it’s the perfect track for twenty-somethings looking to make the most of their summer.
Live the summerRyokushokushakai
If you’re a music lover in your twenties, there’s a good chance you often listen to rock bands.
For those people, of course, but also for anyone who doesn’t usually listen to much rock, I recommend the band Ryokuoushoku Shakai, which has been gaining attention in recent years.
Vocalist Haruko Nagaya’s crystal-clear, beautiful voice and strong singing ability, combined with the band’s exhilarating performance and addictive melodies, are truly captivating! On top of that musical appeal, this song’s lyrics give you a sense of momentum and drive that feels uniquely summery.
water lily blossomShonan no Kaze
When it comes to artists who brought reggae into Japanese living rooms, you have to mention Shonan no Kaze! They dominated the J-pop scene in the 2000s, and their many songs are still essential for getting the crowd going at karaoke.
Among them, their signature track—and a must when introducing summer songs—is “Suirenka.” Many people can still vividly picture the music video of them swinging towels on a summer beach.
If you want to go all out and have a blast with a summery vibe, this track is highly recommended! And when you listen to or sing this song, don’t forget to get your towel ready to spin!
You and the summer music festivalSHISHAMO
When it comes to youthful summer songs, this is the one! SHISHAMO’s “Kimi to Natsu Fes.” SHISHAMO has become a regular at summer festivals, and when this song plays at a summer fest, everyone gets hyped.
It’s a fresh, heart-fluttering love song—you can easily picture two slightly awkward people going on a date to a summer festival, and even if you’ve never had that experience, it still makes your heart skip! The adorable contrast between wanting to see your favorite artist and worrying about what he’ll think of you—it’s just so cute.
Recommended summer songs for people in their 20s: Classic and popular J-Pop tracks (41–50)
A Long, Short FestivalShiina Ringo
It’s a cool dance tune suffused with the sultry heat of a summer night and a fleeting, ephemeral vibe.
The track is a duet featuring Ukigumo, the guitarist from the band Tokyo Jihen, on vocals.
The rhythm incorporates elements of Brazilian music, and the interplay of the two Auto-Tuned voices is irresistibly captivating.
The lyrics portray a man and woman’s cat-and-mouse game set during a festival night, along with a sense of urgency toward a season that slips away in an instant—evoking Shiina Ringo’s distinctly mature worldview to the fullest.
Released in August 2015 as part of a double A-side single, it was used in Coca-Cola’s summer campaign commercial, making it a familiar tune in many households.
It’s a number you’ll want to listen to on a slightly muggy summer night, soaking in a sentimental mood.
summer hazeatarayo
Atarayo’s “Natsugasumi” is poignant for its unfulfilled promise—“the vow of eternity made beneath the fireworks.” Released in 2021 as a digital-only single, it’s also included on their first album, The Moon Remains Silent in the Polar Night.
The lyrics are emotional and heartrending, recalling the ordinary days spent with you while mourning that summer we can never return to.
It’s a quintessential Atarayo track, fitting for a band often called “the group that grows by feeding on sorrow.”
