Classic summer hits that are easy to sing at karaoke. Recommended popular songs [2025]

The hottest summer in the worldPrincess Princess

Princess Princess 'The Hottest Summer in the World'

Princess Princess, pioneers of the all-girl rock band scene.

When it comes to their definitive summer song, this is the one.

The impassioned lyrics, which layer an uncontrollable crush over the blazing heat of summer, lift your spirits just by listening.

Interestingly, when the song was first released in July 1987, it went largely unnoticed, but a re-recorded version released two years later in July 1989 became a smash hit.

Its selection as the theme for a TV Asahi program further boosted its popularity.

The anecdote of a once-overlooked track capturing the spirit of its time only adds to the song’s allure.

With its clear, catchy melody line, it’s very easy to sing—so why not belt it out at karaoke and feel like the star of summer?

You and the summer music festivalSHISHAMO

SHISHAMO “You and the Summer Festival”

An unexpected mishap on a summer festival date becomes the catalyst that brings two people closer.

It’s a refreshing summer song by SHISHAMO, packed with the exhilaration of youth.

Released on July 2, 2014 as SHISHAMO’s first single, it was selected as the ending theme for TV Tokyo’s JAPAN COUNTDOWN in August and became a major hit, topping FM802’s OSAKAN HOT 100 for five consecutive weeks.

The music video, which uses real footage from festival scenes, is a captivating production that lets you feel the authentic heat unique to summer festivals.

It’s perfect for making summer memories with someone special.

summer festivalWhiteberry

Summer Festival – Whiteberry (Full)

This is the third single by the five-member girls’ band Whiteberry, used as the theme song for the TV drama “Fushigina Hanashi.” It’s also known as a cover of JITTERIN’JINN’s fourth single, which was a smash hit in 1990, and is one of Whiteberry’s signature songs.

Although the fast tempo can make it feel challenging, the melody has a relaxed rhythm, so it’s easy to sing at karaoke.

It’s a summer song that depicts scenes of summer everyone has likely experienced, making it easy to sing with heartfelt emotion.

August NightSilent Siren

[Silent Siren] 'August Night' MUSIC VIDEO full ver. [Silent Siren]

Silent Siren is a girls’ band formed by members who started out as reader models.

Their 10th single, released in August 2015, is a pop-rock tune that rides a fast-paced sound to convey the bittersweetness of summer and the frustration of love.

It captures that sweet-and-sour, tantalizing feeling right before love comes true, sung alongside the fleeting scenes of a summer night.

Many listeners may find themselves overlaying the protagonist—who longs to confess their feelings but can’t—with memories of their own youth.

In addition to being featured in a commercial for the Vantan Design Institute Summer Seminar, the single’s B-side became a TV drama theme song, helping to introduce the band’s appeal to a wider audience.

HOT LIMITT.M.Revolution

T.M.Revolution 『HOT LIMIT』

T.

M.

Revolution, the solo project of Takanori Nishikawa—now also known for his stoic, muscular persona.

When it comes to quintessential summer tracks, many would point to this song, released in June 1998.

Its playful, liberating lyrics, the flashy, characteristically digital sound crafted by Daisuke Asakura, and Nishikawa’s soaring high notes come together in perfect harmony—truly the very definition of summer.

At the time, it was featured in a commercial for Asahi Soft Drinks’ Mitsuya Cider, and the music video—shot on an ocean stage with Nishikawa wearing a striking black band-like outfit—made a huge impact.

The instantly memorable chorus that sticks in your head after just one listen makes it a perfect crowd-pleaser for karaoke.

Somewhere in the summerWANIMA

WANIMA "Somewhere in the Summer" OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

Perfectly capturing the exhilaration of summer’s beginning and the urge to dash off somewhere, this song comes from WANIMA, a rock band from Kumamoto.

It’s included on the single “Summer Trap!!,” released in July 2019, and many will remember it as the theme for Asahi Soft Drinks’ Mitsuya Cider commercial featuring Suzu Hirose.

The lyrics carry a positive message about casting off doubt and sadness and giving it your all, true to yourself.

The exhilarating, high-velocity sound feels just like the crystal-clear blue summer sky.

Paired with the music video’s nostalgic summer festival scenes, it sets the stage for the best summer to share with friends.

Smitten with you. (A Fickle Vacation)Yellow Magic Orchestra

Yellow Magic Orchestra – “Kimi Ni Mune Kyun“ (Official Music Video)

YMO is often associated with cool, synth-driven sounds, but this track really shines with its irresistibly catchy pop melody.

Released as a single in March 1983 and included on the album Naughty Boys, it also gained attention as a Kanebo cosmetics commercial song.

The theme centers on a faint budding romance sparked by the liberating atmosphere of summer—a flirtatious season that nudges the heart.

It portrays the sweet, slightly bewildering excitement of a protagonist surprised by feelings bolder than their usual self.

It’s a classic everyone knows, a killer tune guaranteed to bring the house down at karaoke across generations.