summer festivalWhiteberry1rank/position

Whiteberry “Summer Festival” MUSIC VIDEO

Whiteberry’s 2000 cover of “Natsu Matsuri” became a massive hit, reaching No.

3 on the Oricon singles chart.

The song was originally released in 1990 by JITTERIN’JINN, a band from the ‘Ikaten’ generation, and it was a big hit at the time as well.

It tells the story of memories of going to a summer festival with a girl the narrator had feelings for, and the unspoken emotions of the protagonist are truly heartrending.

With its upbeat, powerful vibe, it’s the perfect track to listen to in the summer!

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Mr.Children 「HANABI」 MUSIC VIDEO

It’s one of Mr.

Children’s signature songs, evoking the atmosphere of summer festivals that are inseparable from Japan’s summertime.

It speaks of parting with the lost “you,” and the sorrow and hope felt through that farewell.

The lyrics are striking for their focus on life’s choices and sacrifices—the idea that to gain something, one must give something up.

Released in September 2008, it was used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Code Blue: Doctor Heli Emergency Lifesaving.” It’s recommended for when you want to linger in the afterglow of a festival or when you find yourself at a crossroads in life.

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back number – Watagashi (full)

This is the sixth single by back number, a three-piece rock band whose heartrending vocals and lyrics resonate especially with younger listeners and have earned support from a wide range of fans.

Chosen as the opening theme for the music program “COUNT DOWN TV,” the track conveys a palpable sense of summer humidity through its atmosphere and arrangement.

The lyrics exquisitely depict scenes that many men have likely imagined at least once, linking with the imagery of a summer festival to make the pictures even more vivid.

It’s a festival song whose daring yet relatable lyrics and nuanced sense of temperature—something not seen before in J-pop—are perfectly balanced.

A Long, Short FestivalRingo Sheena4rank/position

Ringo Sheena – Long and Short Festival

The single Nagaku Mijikai Matsuri, released in 2015 by Ringo Sheena.

This song is a duet with Ryosuke Nagaoka, a.

k.

a.

Ukigumo, who is also the guitarist for Tokyo Jihen, the band Sheena belongs to.

It was also used as the theme song for Coca-Cola’s 2015 summer campaign, so many people have likely heard it.

With Japanese lyrics that convey the trademark emotional flair of “Ringo-bushi,” paired with a sound infused with Brazilian music, it’s a number that heightens the festive mood.

Sound of SummerGReeeeN5rank/position

GReeeeN – Summer Sound

If you’re thinking, “This is the summer I’ll finally tell the person I like how I feel,” I recommend GReeeeN’s Natsu no Oto (Sound of Summer).

Released in 2015 as a digital-only single, it was featured in Kirin’s Namacha campaign and is also included on the best-of album C, D desu to!?.

Just listening to scenes like picking out a yukata for your special someone before the big event of watching fireworks together will fill you with that sweet, bittersweet feeling.

Give Natsu no Oto a listen to summon the courage to confess!

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Da-iCE / “Star Mine” Music Video

This song, themed around fireworks—an essential part of summer festivals—symbolically expresses various phases of life.

Its lyrics, which encourage repeatedly taking on challenges without fearing failure, are striking, and like fireworks that color the night sky, they emphasize the beauty of living life’s greatest moments to the fullest.

Released in August 2022 as Da-iCE’s 22nd single, it won the Excellence Award at the 64th Japan Record Awards.

It has enjoyed major success, including surpassing 500 million views on TikTok.

It’s the perfect track not only for the summer festival season, but also when starting a new challenge or when you need to fire yourself up.

It’s a song packed with Da-iCE’s full appeal—be sure to give it a listen.

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Lecture on how to dance Bon Odori! The original Doraemon!! 'Doraemon Ondo'

Let’s enjoy Bon Odori! Here are some ideas for the Doraemon Ondo.

From kids to adults, try dancing the Doraemon Ondo together with Doraemon, beloved from anime and films.

Doraemon’s signature hand shape is also a key point in the choreography! The video even includes choreography for those who want to participate while seated, so be sure to check it out.

The moves are easy to dance in a yukata, too! Make summer memories with the Doraemon Ondo!