Lovely summer song

Famous and popular Japanese summer songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke

Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICKeisuke Hane
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. After working at a music studio and in wedding sound engineering, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with various instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in middle school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on personal music activities and professional experience, produces daily articles, including song introductions, features on music festivals around Japan, and live reports. Enjoys a wide range of music, from domestic and international rock to, more recently, a broad spectrum of J-pop.

What songs come to mind when you think of summer tunes?

Maybe you’re one of those people who think, “If I go to karaoke in the summer, I want to sing summer songs, but I can’t think of any!” and end up struggling to pick a track.

It’s true—“summer songs” cover a wide range, from tracks that get you hyped to ballads that capture the unique, mellow emotions of the season, making it hard to choose.

In this article, we’ll introduce plenty of summer songs for various situations.

From high-energy anthems to moving, mellow listens, we’ve selected popular karaoke picks.

Use this as a guide for choosing your songs!

Japanese summer-song classics and popular tracks to sing at karaoke (51–60)

sparkleFujii Kaze

Fujii Kaze – Kirari (Official Video)

Kirari Fujii Kaze

An ambitious work by Fujii Kaze with a striking vibe reminiscent of ’80s–’90s dance music.

Even amid life’s hardships and rapid changes, you can overcome them as long as you’re with the one you love.

The lyrics carry that uplifting message, perfectly matched with a breezy, lighthearted melody.

Released in May 2021, it was performed at the NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen in December of the same year via a remote appearance from his family home in Satoshō, Okayama Prefecture.

It’s the perfect track not only for July drives in the height of summer, but also for karaoke sessions indoors with the AC on.

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Stars swimMacaroni Enpitsu

Macaroni Enpitsu “Hoshi ga Oyogu” MV

Macaroni Enpitsu where stars swim

This moving song portrays the feelings of a protagonist who defies fate, centered on themes of summer’s restlessness and the fragility of destiny.

Its fleeting beauty—like fireworks racing across the sky as if stars were swimming—leaves a strong impression, and the lyrics, evoking loss, parting, and the resolve to embark on a new journey, are quintessential Macaroni Enpitsu.

Released in April 2022, the track was selected as the opening theme for the TV anime “Summer Time Rendering” and was later included on the album “Tama-shii no Ibasho” (Where the Soul Belongs).

With powerful instrumentation and an exhilarating melodic line, it’s perfect for belting out at karaoke and is highly recommended for those who want to sing their hearts out.

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Embracing SummerTUBE

TUBE “Embrace the Summer” MUSIC VIDEO

Embracing Summer TUBE

With a sound that evokes clear blue skies and a shining sun, this is a quintessential summer song from TUBE.

It conveys a love so intense it keeps you awake at night, expressed through passionate lyrics and melody.

The protagonist’s once-in-a-lifetime feelings are sure to stir memories of bittersweet love that many have experienced.

Released in May 1994, this smash hit topped the Oricon charts and sold 940,000 copies.

It was also featured in a Toyota Corolla Ceres commercial and has become a karaoke staple loved by many.

It’s the perfect track to share with close friends or colleagues as you reminisce and look back together on life’s milestones.

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Blue and SummerMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – Blue and Summer

Blue and Summer Mrs. GREEN APPLE

A youthful pop tune, reflecting the cool hues of the sky and the summer sunlight, has arrived from Mrs.

GREEN APPLE.

Woven with exhilarating guitar riffs and a lyrical melody, this track heralds the beginning of summer.

Released in August 2018 as the theme song for the film “Ao-Natsu: Kimi ni Koi Shita 30-Nichi,” it portrays an honest, relatable first love and a longing for summer.

The song carefully expresses the emotions of falling in love with a season one once felt indifferent to, gradually discovering its charm, and carries a powerful message about believing in human connection.

Performed at the 75th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen in December 2024, it has become a staple of the summer season.

It’s the perfect track for creating radiant memories of youth—like running along the seaside with friends and talking about love under a bright blue sky.

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Japanese summer song classics and popular tracks to sing at karaoke (61–70)

Midsummer’s Sounds good!AKB48

[MV full] Midsummer’s Sounds good! (Dance ver.) / AKB48 [Official]

Midsummer Sounds good !

A bittersweet song that blends the freshness of summer with a girl’s poignant, romantic feelings.

It’s an incredibly upbeat track, so the chorus really soars! The music video features vivid ocean blues, giving it a wonderfully summery, refreshing vibe—be sure to check that out too.

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Summer TriangleNICO Touches the Walls

NICO Touches the Walls 'Summer Triangle'

The Summer Triangle NICO Touches the Walls

Many people know this song because it was featured in a TV commercial.

While it has a rock flavor, its pop sensibilities are blended in just the right balance, making it addictive.

The flowing, lively melody feels great—and it’s undeniably cool!

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Et cetera related to the seashorePUFFY

PUFFY 'Et Cetera Related to the Beach' OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

Et Cetera About the Beach PUFFY

A signature song by PUFFY, composed by Tamio Okuda with lyrics by Yosui Inoue.

Its cute, catchy melody and laid-back choreography became a hot topic.

Be sure to include the choreography when you sing it at karaoke.

It’s a classic that radiates a refreshing, summery vibe!

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