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

H.A.N.A.B.I ~The Summer When You Were There~ZONE

ZONE “H.A.N.A.B.I ~The Summer You Were There~” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

It’s a classic song whose poignant, end-of-summer melancholy seeps into your heart, sung over a thrilling, fast-paced band sound.

This work was written and composed by Norihiko Machida, the creator behind the national hit “secret base ~Kimi ga Kureta Mono~.” The lyrics paint sparkling summer scenes—like the fireworks we watched together and memories of dashing up the stone steps of a shrine—stirring a wistful longing for days that can never return.

Released in July 2003 as their commemorative 10th major single, it reached No.

3 on the Oricon Weekly Chart and was later included on the album “N.” It’s the perfect track for nights when you want to soak in summer memories, and just as fitting for getting hyped with friends at karaoke.

secret base ~What You Gave Me~ZONE

ZONE “secret base ~What You Gave Me~” MUSIC VIDEO

This song is ZONE’s biggest hit and is beloved across generations.

In the music video, the scene where they see off a friend who’s moving far away is deeply poignant and memorable.

It’s perfect to sing while feeling sentimental at the end of summer, or to sing with friends as a way to reaffirm your bond.

The Summer When You Were ThereMr.Children

Mr.Children “The Summer You Were Here” MUSIC VIDEO

This song was single-cut from their major debut mini album “EVERYTHING,” becoming Mr.

Children’s very first single.

When it was released in August 1992, they were still relatively unknown and it didn’t achieve commercial success.

However, under the production of Takeshi Kobayashi, it embodies the early Mr.

Children sound—evoking a slightly bittersweet youthfulness and a nostalgic atmosphere—and is cherished as a classic among fans.

Twenty-five years later, in 2017, it received its first tie-in with an NTT Docomo commercial.

Since it doesn’t feature especially high notes, it seems to be relatively easy to sing, so try belting out the chorus as if releasing the feelings you’ve kept in your heart.

The Door to SummerSeiko Matsuda

The Door to Summer

A number by Seiko Matsuda that overflows with the heroine’s fresh resolve and fluttering excitement as she cuts her hair and steps into a new romance.

Released in April 1981, this track was also included on the classic album “Silhouette,” and truly stands as a song that symbolizes summer.

The brisk brass and buoyant piano create a sound that heightens anticipation for the coming season to a peak.

Used as a commercial jingle with only the voice, it became a catalyst for bringing her vocals into living rooms across the country.

It’s a song full of positive charm—perfect for enjoying karaoke with a sense of freedom, or for giving you a bright push when you want to take a new step forward.

fireworksaiko

aiko - “Hanabi” music video

The third major single by singer-songwriter aiko.

It’s the song that really made her widely known, and its light, upbeat pop sound over a shuffle beat feels great.

Although the pitch moves up and down a lot, the melody itself is relaxed, so you can probably power through it at karaoke.

With cute, summer-themed lyrics, it’s a karaoke song especially recommended for women.

Over DriveJUDY AND MARY

2. Over Drive – Judy and mary

There are times when you go to karaoke not just with friends or a partner, but also with your boss or seniors at work.

In those situations, picking a song that people of all ages and genders know is guaranteed to get everyone pumped.

That’s why I recommend JUDY AND MARY’s “Over Drive.” It was released in 1995, but it’s still a timeless classic.

That catchy chorus sticks in your head—honestly, it’s no exaggeration to say everyone knows it! It’s sung by the female vocalist YUKI, but the key isn’t too high, so men can sing it too.

Summer-colored FireworksSnow Man

Summer-colored Fireworks

“Natsuiro Hanabi” is sung alternately by the nine members of Snow Man with no overlapping parts, so it’s very easy to sing solo.

It’s a medium-tempo ballad that lets you breathe comfortably and sing with ease.

It’s highly recommended for those who want to sing at a relaxed tempo and feel good doing it.

The vocal range mainly sits around mid1 to mid2, so even if high notes aren’t your strength, you can sing it with confidence.

Ballads can be tricky to add dynamics to, and some people may end up singing them somewhat flatly.

In such cases, putting clear accents on slightly higher notes or at the beginnings of phrases will help create more contrast.

In “Natsuiro Hanabi,” the C-melody is the biggest highlight, so sing it with the feeling of projecting your voice far into the distance and enjoy yourself!