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!
- [Summer Songs] Summer tracks recommended for teens: A roundup of the latest and classic hits
- [Classics] Timeless Summer Hits Recommended for All Ages [Summer Songs]
- [July Songs] A selection of Japanese summer tunes perfect for the start of the season!
- Summer Songs That Hit in the 2000s | A Look Back at Nostalgic Summer Tunes!
- [Summer Songs Recommended for Your 30s] A Selection of Nostalgic Hit Tunes!
- Get fired up for the hot season! Summer songs recommended for Gen Z
- Classic “summer songs” you’ll want to listen to in summer. Timeless J-pop summertime anthems perfect for summer guys and summer girls.
- [Summer Classics] When it comes to summer, it’s got to be this song! A roundup from timeless staples to the latest hit tracks.
- Masterpieces that color the hot season! Summer songs recommended for the Yutori generation
- A summer song sung by a male vocalist. Summer songs that are also useful for karaoke selection.
- Perfect for driving BGM and karaoke! Recommended summer songs for people in their 40s [2026]
- Famous and popular Japanese summer songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke
- [Recommended for your 20s] Songs that get the crowd going at karaoke | From the latest hits to timeless classics
Recommended summer songs for people in their 20s: Classic and popular J-Pop tracks (41–50)
Secret Summertsubaki fakutorī
Sung over a sparkling sound is a slightly bitter love story.
It’s a song performed by Tsubaki Factory from Hello! Project.
The track will be released in July 2025.
With a refreshing sound that conjures up images of a sun-drenched poolside and lyrics that depict the protagonist’s aching feelings as they waver in a forbidden relationship, the contrast really gets you.
The mix of exhilaration and immorality hits you right in the heart.
I think it’s perfect for a summer drive.
Recommended summer songs for people in their 20s: Japanese classics and popular tracks (51–60)
Ghost of the SeaYonezu Kenshi
A track released in 2019 that also served as the theme song for the film Children of the Sea.
Unlike glittery, flashy summer songs, it features a distinctive, grand, steady-paced arrangement.
Paired with the stunning animation in the music video, the song’s beauty stands out all the more—truly a summer number befitting a new era.
WeakendsDef Tech
Some of you may feel a bit sad that summer is coming to an end.
That’s why I recommend listening to “Weakends.” It’s a track released by Def Tech, and over the gentle sound of a ukulele, it portrays a love that wishes to stay together even after summer is over.
The song has a warm overall feel, so it’s relaxing to listen to and might even blow away those feelings of loneliness.
By the way, the title is a coined word that combines “weekends” and “weak.”
Summer IllusionOmoinotake
Omoinotake is a three-piece band that captivates fans with songs influenced by Black music such as soul, R&B, and hip-hop.
Their sixth digital-only single, “Natsu no Maboroshi” (Summer Illusion), was chosen as the theme song for the film Cherry Magic! THE MOVIE: 30 Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?! The contrast between the delicate, lingering piano-led ensemble and the emotional vocals evokes the bittersweet atmosphere of summer.
It’s a sentimental summer song that gently colors the passing season.
Only for you, clear skiesYorushika
Yorushika are a two-piece rock band who’ve gained popularity with rock tracks draped in literary lyrics and a clear, translucent singing voice.
Their song “Just a Sunny Day for You,” included on their second mini album, “No Encore for the Deserter,” is a major hit, with both its YouTube music video and streaming plays surpassing 100 million views.
The contrast between its airy melody and catchy guitar riffs creates a comfort that makes you want to keep listening.
It’s a pop tune perfect for a summer drive—one you’ll find yourself humming along to behind the wheel.
Magic hourRyokushokushakai
This song, which was also selected as an insert track for the drama “Midsummer Cinderella,” is a summer love song by Ryokuoushoku Shakai that overlays fireworks with the feeling of being in love.
It has an atmosphere that evokes the bittersweetness of summer’s end, doesn’t it? In the lyrics, they write with straightforward sincerity: “I’ll accept you in any form, like the water’s surface reflecting fireworks.” There are many other evocative expressions that intertwine love and fireworks, so please take your time listening while reading the lyrics.
Summer VacationGENERATIONS from EXILE TRIBE
A breezy summer tune from GENERATIONS, produced and lyrically penned by member Ryuto Kazuhara.
Released in July 2025, the track serves as the culmination of a six-month consecutive project.
With lyrics that free your heart—telling you not to worry about everyday rules and conventions—and a surf music-inspired sound, it’s impossible not to feel your spirits lift.
Break out of your constricting routine and stretch your wings under the sun! This magical song makes that wish come true.