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 (51–60)
Liberation CarnivalORANGE RANGE
ORANGE RANGE is a five-member rock band that has released numerous smash hits, including Shanghai Honey and Hana.
Their digital single Liberation Carnival, created in collaboration with the bourbon whiskey Jim Beam, features an open, summery ensemble that leaves a strong impression.
The rap and melody lines—driven by the three MCs to create dynamic development—amp up the heat of the season with passionate lyrics.
It’s a refreshing dance tune that’s both high-energy and coolly stylish, irresistibly catchy, and perfectly suited to the sun and sea.
Summertime CinderellaRyokushokushakai
Ryokuoushoku Shakai is a four-member co-ed rock band that’s expanding its fanbase with powerful high-tone vocals and songs brimming with fresh pop sensibility.
Their 7th single, “Summertime Cinderella,” was written as the theme song for the TV drama “Midsummer Cinderella.” The arrangement moves from a sentimental intro featuring piano and strings into a light, breezy A-melody, making you feel refreshed just by listening.
True to its title, the summer-evoking lyrics convey the arrival of the hot season, delivering a refreshing, upbeat tune.
A Little Love SongMONGOL800
A straightforward love song by MONGOL800, a rock band from Okinawa.
Its pure lyrics remind us just how precious the people close to us truly are, touching the hearts of many.
Released in September 2001 and included on the album MESSAGE, which sold over 2.8 million copies, the song spent 14 consecutive weeks at No.
2 on the Oricon karaoke chart.
Its enduring popularity is evident in its use as the ending theme for the TV anime Teasing Master Takagi-san and as a motif for a 2019 film.
Put it on as driving music, and you’ll find yourself singing along under the blue sky.
End of the Summer RetreatWurtS
This is a track by WurtS that feels like it captures that indescribable feeling at summer’s end in musical form.
Over a breezy city-pop sound, it sings of the restless anxiety lurking in everyday life in your mid-twenties and a sentimental longing for the passing summer.
The playful, rhyming word choices add a pleasing accent, making it a striking song where wistfulness and freshness coexist.
The track is included on the digital EP “MAGICAL SOUP,” released in June 2021, and—as the title suggests, which hints at the end of summer training—it also carries a sense of release.
While this particular song had no tie-in, “Wakattenai yo” from the same EP drew wide attention at the time.
It’s the kind of song that resonates even more when you listen during a sunset drive or when you want to be alone with your thoughts.
Recommended summer songs for people in their 20s: Classic and popular Japanese tracks (61–70)
Mahoro in SummerHarukamirai
This is a song you’ll want to listen to on a hot summer day, the kind that makes you suddenly drift into memories of the past.
Images of summer heat, a baseball field with white balls zipping through the air, and the 5:00 p.m.
siren evoke the sweet-and-sour memories of youth, giving you the courage to walk toward the future, tinged with a touch of regret.
The track appears on the album “THE BAND STAR,” released in July 2020, and its music video—based on the December 2019 live performance at Makuhari Messe—also leaves a strong impression.
It was selected as a recommended song by the music channel MUSIC ON! TV.
Whether you play it as background music on a summer drive or belt it out at karaoke, those fiery feelings from back then are sure to come rushing back.
Give it a listen!
StarmineDa-iCE
Like fireworks blooming gloriously in the night sky, Da-iCE’s track fires up our summer.
Crafted with TikTok virality in mind, this song grabs you from the very start with a powerful, unforgettable chorus.
As you listen, you’ll likely feel a natural surge of strength.
Released in August 2022, it won “MTV Breakthrough Song” at the MTV Video Music Awards Japan and also received an Excellence Award at the 64th Japan Record Awards.
It’s included on the album SCENE.
Perfect for making summer memories—and for those moments when you need the courage to take on a challenge.
mixMarushii
Known as the song from the Google Pixel 7a web commercial, this track by Marcy has captured the hearts of many.
Its delicate, emotional melody creates an atmosphere where the bittersweetness and warmth of late summer coexist.
It carefully depicts the subtle movements and tremors of the heart in love, gently resonating with listeners.
Released in August 2023, the song is also included on the album Candle.