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

KokomiEVE

Shinkai – Eve MV

Singer-songwriter Eve began his career in 2009, mainly on Nico Nico Douga, and has since been featured for anime theme songs, rapidly gaining popularity—especially among young people—and becoming widely known.

The song titled “Shinkai” (Heart-Sea) uses the metaphor of the deep sea to express the depth of one’s feelings.

As we pursue promises made to someone and chase our dreams, many things happen along the way.

Sometimes those promises can’t be kept.

Even so, the words exchanged back then and the emotions we felt are never forgotten.

It’s a beautiful song that continues to resonate in the heart.

The Sea and Your StoryReika Mirai

The Sea and Your Story

Contrary to the refreshing image that evokes a summer sea, this work is a song that conveys a deeply introspective message.

Through loneliness and sorrow, it embodies a strong will to face oneself and seek out happiness.

Released in November 1998, the song was Reika Mirai’s debut single and was also used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Jinbei.” It debuted at No.

7 on the Oricon Singles Chart and became a major hit, with total sales exceeding 300,000 copies.

The lyrics, which emphasize the importance of overcoming the challenges and hardships encountered on life’s journey to achieve self-discovery and growth, are sure to resonate with listeners.

The strong and fleeting onesCocco

Cocco – The Strong and Ephemeral Ones [Video Clip Short]

Cocco is a singer-songwriter with many faces—actor, picture book author, essayist, and novelist—who continues to captivate fans with works that portray emotions with stark realism.

Her major second single, “Tsuyoku Hakanai Monotachi” (“The Strong and the Fragile”), used as the theme song for Japan Airlines’ JAL Hawaii Campaign, became a massive hit that made her name known to listeners across generations.

Comparing life’s challenges to the ocean, the lyrics depict the strengths and weaknesses of being human, touching on life themes that feel timeless in any era.

The contrast between the sprightly off-beat rhythm and the beautiful melody is deeply moving, making it a comforting song you’ll want to keep listening to.

The Summer When You Were ThereMr.Children

Mr.Children 'The Summer You Were There'

Mr.

Children are a four-piece rock band that has racked up numerous million-selling singles and albums—so much so that there are few people who don’t know their name today.

Their first single, Kimi ga Ita Natsu, which was originally produced during their amateur days, was released as a single cut from their major-label debut, the first mini-album EVERYTHING.

The lyrics, which evoke a story of a summer romance by the sea, are likely to resonate with many listeners’ own experiences.

It’s a sentimental summer tune marked by a pop sensibility laced with melancholy, featuring memorable melodies and ensemble work.

Quiet seaMacaroni Enpitsu

Macaroni Enpitsu “Quiet Sea” MV

This is a track that conceals a core strength beneath its calm surface.

Created by Macaroni Empitsu, it was unveiled as a surprise on the opening night of their landmark concert at Yokohama Stadium in June 2025.

Its pop-rock sound, perfect for celebrating the band’s 10th anniversary, slowly seeps into the heart.

The emotive vocals and delicate keyboards weave a sonic landscape like ocean currents that embody both serenity and power.

Put it on when you want to step away from the bustle of daily life and spend some time reflecting on yourself.

I Want to Be Embraced in a Sea of Tears ~SEA OF LOVE~Southern All Stars

Southern All Stars – I Want to Be Held in a Sea of Tears ~SEA OF LOVE~ [Official Music Video] Short ver.

When it comes to summer, many people surely think of Southern! Among Southern All Stars’ many summer hits like “Katteni Sindbad,” this song, “Namida no Umi de Dakaretai ~SEA OF LOVE~,” is also highly recommended.

Released in 2003 after several years of hiatus, it’s their 47th single.

It lightly sings of a fleeting seaside romance—a song that evokes the romance of summer.

Summer Days of 1993class

Summer Days of 1993

It’s the debut single by the male duo class and a long-running hit.

It sold over 1.

7 million copies, making it a million-seller.

It’s a classic, but some feminists criticize the lyrics.

I remember back when I was a student, a female teacher in her twenties saying something like, “What is this guy using as his criteria for judging women?”—basically a “Where do you think you’re looking?!” kind of reaction.