[2025] Iconic songs and love songs themed around or set by the sea and sandy beaches — sea songs

Sea, That LoveYuzo Kayama

Sea, That Love / Yuzo Kayama

This sea-themed song by Yuzo Kayama was actually included on an album of the same name released in May 1976.

Kayama composed the music himself, with lyrics by Tokiko Iwatani.

It portrays the sea as a “mother,” a presence that soothes a man’s loneliness and emptiness.

With its grand melody and moving lyrics, it’s a masterpiece that resonates with listeners.

It was re-released in March 2002 and has continued to be loved by people across generations.

It’s great for listening while driving, and if you listen while gazing at the sea, you’ll feel the song’s appeal even more.

OCEANB’z

B’z / OCEAN

A song themed around the vast ocean that portrays a journey of bonds, love, and hope.

The gently swaying image of the sea symbolizes love and support for a partner who walks the path toward the future together.

It carries a resolve to face any hardship side by side, and listening to it warms the heart.

Released in August 2005, the song was used as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “Umizaru: UMIZARU EVOLUTION.” It has been praised as a track embodying B’z’s signature blend of “grand scale and warmth,” and the production team reportedly offered the commission directly.

It’s a perfect song to play while driving by the ocean or spending quiet moments with someone special.

Surfing JohnnyKeisuke Kuwata

Keisuke Kuwata – Surfing Johnny (Full ver.)

This masterpiece by Keisuke Kuwata depicts the stirrings of love against the backdrop of the sea and sandy beaches.

It beautifully fuses surfing imagery with the poignancy of heartbreak.

The contrast between its upbeat melody and melancholic lyrics is striking, leaving a deep impression on listeners.

Released in July 2001, it debuted at No.

1 on the Oricon weekly chart and became Kuwata’s first million-selling solo single.

A fan favorite also featured in Coca-Cola and Uniqlo commercials, it’s perfect for summer seaside drives and recommended for those seeking to soothe the pain of a broken heart.

A gem of a song that colors a page of youth and lingers in the heart.

Sun and BikiniRIP SLYME

RIP SLYME – The Sun and the Bikini

A number by RIP SLYME that distills the sparkle and wistfulness of summer instantly whisks listeners away to the seaside.

Their first surf tune, its light rhythm and breezy melody are summer sun on the beach itself.

The lyrics’ portrait of the melancholy of a passing summer and a longing for a dazzling figure is sure to tug at the heart.

Released in July 2008 as their 15th single, it also includes SPLASH, the AXE men’s grooming commercial song, and Supa Sonic, familiar from the SoniQ sports drink commercial.

The track is featured on the album JOURNEY and on the best-of album GREATEST FIVE, released in July 2025.

It’s perfect as BGM for a coastal drive, for moments when you crave a sense of freedom, or when you want to linger over summer memories.

It will surely keep you company as you mourn the passing of summer.

BLUE BIRDAyumi Hamasaki

Ayumi Hamasaki / BLUE BIRD

It’s a refreshing summer anthem by Ayumi Hamasaki that conjures up vivid images of an endless blue sky and white sandy beaches.

Riding on a soaring melody, it sings of a positive resolve to overcome hardships and take flight into the future together with someone dear.

The wings depicted in the lyrics seem to symbolize hope and freedom, while the boundless blue sky represents an ideal future.

Released in June 2006 as her milestone 40th single, the song also became widely known as the commercial tune for Zespri Gold Kiwifruit at the time.

It debuted at No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart, bringing Hamasaki’s total number of No.

1 singles to 27 and setting a new all-time record for a female artist.

It is also included on the album Secret, among others.

Blast it from your car stereo on a summer drive and it’s sure to lift your spirits.

It’s also a song that can accompany you when you’re starting something new or cherishing irreplaceable moments with someone special.

Sea Breeze and SelfishnessHinatazaka46

Hinatazaka46 “Sea Breeze and Selfishness” MUSIC VIDEO

It’s a perfect summer track released by Hinatazaka46 in May 2025.

The song portrays a free-spirited girl and the boy who, despite being tossed around by her whims, harbors deep affection for her, all set against the glittering backdrop of a seaside summer.

While he’s bewildered by her selfish behavior, he ultimately can’t help but be drawn to her charm—feelings that are sure to tickle the listener’s heart.

Included as a coupling track on the single “Love yourself!,” it features an arrangement that makes effective use of acoustic guitar and percussion, heightening that resort-like vibe.

It’s ideal BGM for a summer drive, and if you play it while spending time by the ocean, it will make the atmosphere even more delightful.

Sweet and slightly bittersweet, it’s a song you’ll want to hear when you want to immerse yourself in the fleeting romance of summer.

Ponytail and ScrunchieAKB48

[MV full] Ponytail to Shushu / AKB48 [Official]

It’s a track brimming with refreshing energy that instantly evokes the arrival of summer! You can almost picture a ponytailed girl dashing by, and the lyrics—like snapshots of a bittersweet first love and a radiant moment of youth—tickle the heart.

The up-tempo arrangement and catchy chorus make it a true summer anthem.

Released in May 2010 as AKB48’s 16th major single, it sold 513,000 copies in its first week—an achievement that, at the time, marked the first such feat by a female idol group in about nine and a half years.

It was also used as the ending theme for NTV’s “Naruhodo! High School.” The liberating visuals filmed in Guam are memorable too, perfect for seaside drives and summer leisure.

Put it on when you want to bask in youthful memories, and you’re sure to have a wonderful time!