Lovely summer song

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

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

Last updated:2025/9/9

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!

Top 10 Japanese summer song classics and popular tracks to sing at karaoke

fireworks (launched into the sky)DAOKO × Kenshi Yonezu

DAOKO × Kenshi Yonezu 'Uchiage Hanabi' MUSIC VIDEO

Fireworks (Uchiage Hanabi) - DAOKO × Kenshi Yonezu

When it comes to summer traditions, many people think of fireworks.

As the title suggests, “Uchiage Hanabi” is a poignant love song themed around fireworks.

It’s performed by two hugely popular artists—Kenshi Yonezu and DAOKO—both of whom have appeared on the Kōhaku music show, so their name recognition is outstanding.

It’s also a karaoke staple as a male-female duet song.

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Paradise BabyRIP SLYME

RIP SLYME – Rakuen Baby

Paradise Baby RIP SLYME

An appealing track with a refreshing bossa nova vibe centered around acoustic guitar.

Stylish rhymes add to the comfort, making it a perfect resort tune! It’s also a classic with huge popularity at karaoke.

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Summer loverSHISHAMO

SHISHAMO 'Summer Lover'

Summer Lover SHISHAMO

When you think of summer songs, you often picture fun and flashy tunes, but bittersweet summer songs are popular too.

SHISHAMO’s “Natsu no Koibito” is a particularly recommended track among those bittersweet summer songs.

It’s loved as a poignant love song wrapped in a uniquely summery, nostalgic atmosphere.

The melody is gentle and unhurried, so it should be easy to sing at karaoke.

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12 cm shouldert-Ace

t-Ace “12 cm Shoulders” feat. Baby Dee Beats (Official Video)

12 cm shoulder t-Ace

Rapper T-Ace, who calls himself a scumbag and even runs a YouTube channel called “Channel Kuzu,” released “12cm no Kata” in 2019—a refreshing love song perfect for summer.

The lyrics are said to be based on T-Ace’s real experiences, and many listeners might find themselves smitten by its slightly clingy, sensitive vibe.

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UMI（produced by C&K）TEE

TEE / C&K Produce “UMI (produced by C&K)” Music Video

UMI（produced by C&K）TEE

Speaking of summer, the sea comes to mind—and TEE’s “UMI” is the perfect summer song for karaoke.

Its laid-back sound evokes the beautiful seas of the tropics, and the ocean-themed lyrics make you want to savor the season just by listening.

With its relaxed tempo and easy-to-remember melody, it’s an easy pick even for people who aren’t confident with karaoke songs.

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fireworksaiko

aiko - “Hanabi” music video

Fireworks aiko

A signature song by aiko that sings of the bittersweet feelings of unrequited love.

It’s perfect for summer nights.

Beloved by fans for evoking a sweet, aching mood, this track masterfully captures a girl’s emotions.

The scenes of summer are depicted beautifully.

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All of the YouthFujifabric

Fujifabric – Youth of Everything

Yakamoto no Subete - Fuji Fabric

When it comes to summer, there’s a certain unique sense of nostalgia, isn’t there? Especially in the evenings and at night, many people probably find themselves reminiscing about their childhood.

A song I recommend that really captures that summer nostalgia is “Wakamono no Subete” by Fujifabric.

It’s a karaoke staple, too, so try singing it while you look back on the old days.

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