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

At the mercy of the seaYOASOBI

YOASOBI “At the Mercy of the Sea” Official Music Video

YOASOBI, a duo that turns novels into music, has been drawing a great deal of attention.

This song tells the story of meeting a ghost amid despair and finding hope to live.

The lyrics weave a tale so heartrending that many listeners find themselves deeply moved just by listening.

Ikura’s soft, gentle vocals resonate over the sophisticated accompaniment, stirring the heart even more.

Released digitally on November 18, 2022, the track was also a commercial success, ranking seventh on the weekly Billboard Japan and Oricon charts.

It’s a song you’ll want to play leisurely on a night by the sea.

Seaside BoundSKY-HI

SKY-HI / 「Seaside Bound」Music Video

Among SKY-HI’s body of work, the number that particularly shines with summertime imagery is his fourth single, released in July 2015.

On the Oricon Weekly Chart, it reached No.

11—the highest position for SKY-HI as a solo artist at the time.

Born from a renewed collaboration with trackmaker SONPUB, the song delivers a sleek sense of speed and a deft rap flow that make it a perfect track to hear under the summer sky.

Beyond its brightness and breezy feel, one of its greatest charms lies in the delicate portrayal of subtle emotional ebbs and flows—like waves washing in and receding—and the nuanced shadows of human relationships.

It also became familiar as the opening theme for the TV Asahi music program “BREAK OUT,” and was later included on the album “Catharsis,” which encapsulates SKY-HI’s musical growth.

Whether you’re driving along the seaside at dusk or wanting to savor the slightly bittersweet sentiment at summer’s end, its melody and world-building are sure to resonate.

Barefoot SummerNogizaka46

Nogizaka46 “Hadashi de Summer”

Released in July 2016 by Nogizaka46, this track features an exhilarating sound that heralds the arrival of summer and drew attention for being Asuka Saito’s first time in the center position.

In the lyrics, the anticipation for a special summer unlike any other, and the protagonist’s growing feelings as he’s captivated and playfully tossed about by the free-spirited “you,” are depicted alongside sparkling scenes.

Its brilliance makes you feel like you can’t help but dash off together.

The single topped the Oricon weekly rankings and was certified Million in November 2017.

It’s sure to be the perfect BGM for a seaside drive in summer or a carefree walk along the beach!

Blue Coral ReefSeiko Matsuda

Blue Coral Reef

With a refreshing intro that brings summer to life, you can almost see the shining sun and the blue sea! Released in July 1980 as Seiko Matsuda’s second single and included on her debut album “SQUALL,” this song wraps you in a liberating feeling that makes your heart dance just by listening.

In the world of its lyrics, you can sense the anticipation of dazzling summer moments and the tingle of a bittersweet romance.

Widely loved as the CM song for Glico’s “Yolell,” it also lit up the music scene at the time, taking the top spot on the TV show “The Best Ten” for three consecutive weeks.

It’s a classic that’s perfect not only for a drive to the beach, but also for the start of summer or those moments when you’re excited to take on something new.

Everyday, KachushaAKB48

[MV full] Everyday, Kachusha / AKB48 [Official]

It’s a refreshing, up-tempo track that makes your heart dance—perfect for the season of dazzling sunlight! Using a headband as its motif, it strikingly portrays sweet-and-sour first love, the sparkle of youth, and a slightly bittersweet longing for the future.

Released in May 2011 as AKB48’s 21st single, the song also became widely known as the theme for Asahi Soft Drinks’ “WONDA” commercials.

It topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart, a testament to its popularity.

It’s the perfect song to boost your mood while driving along the coastline, and a great pick when you want to revisit a sweet yet bittersweet page of youth.

Et cetera related to the seashorePUFFY

PUFFY 'Et Cetera Related to the Beach' OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

This song, released in 1997 as PUFFY’s fourth single, carries their ever-cute, laid-back image.

With lyrics by Yosui Inoue and music by Tamio Okuda, it sold over 1.

1 million copies, becoming a million seller.

Chosen as the song for Kirin Beverage’s “Tennen Sodachi” commercial, it’s a fun, uplifting track perfect for summer.

Thanks to the lyrics, the two members of PUFFY say that when they go out to eat crab, the restaurant staff thank them.

OKIDOKI feat.CHOUJI,Grace AimiBig Knot Records

OKIDOKI feat.CHOUJI,Grace Aimi (Official Music Video）

It’s a warm, uplifting track where Okinawan tradition and the present day intersect comfortably.

The performers are rapper CHOUJI and singer Grace Aimi.

Built on the gentle melodies of Okinawan folk music, the interplay of sprightly rap and soaring vocals conveys the joy of passing culture down across generations.

Its sound is both new and nostalgic, and it’s impossible not to feel your spirits lift.

Released in September 2023, the song even reached No.

2 on the charts in New Zealand, beyond Japan.

Put it on while driving along Okinawa’s beautiful coast, and you might just see emerald-green scenery rise vividly in your mind’s eye.