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

I am gazing at this sea.STU48

STU48 “I’m Gazing at This Sea” (Setouchi PR Unit) Music Video / STU48 [Official]

The hidden gem of the 48 Group active mainly around the Setouchi region, STU48’s Type B coupling track for the single “Hitorigoto de Kataru Kurai Nara” is this song, “Boku wa Kono Umi wo Nagameteiru.” It’s a sea-themed song, but since STU48 tours major ports with their “shipboard theater,” the group itself is practically a symbol of the sea! The lyrics sing of the sea’s comfort—how it heals me even in hard or sad times.

While it’s an orthodox idol tune, it somehow conveys the vastness of the ocean drifting in the background.

Highly recommended.

Dance, fish.Tatsuro Yamashita

Tatsuro Yamashita “Soubo (The Masses)” / “Odoroyo, Fish (Dance, Fish)” Music Video

Singer-songwriter Tatsuro Yamashita, renowned as a meticulous craftsman of sound, has continually evolved his music in step with the times.

His 16th single, “Odoroyo, Fish,” drew attention when its remastered version was released on CD for the first time in 2020, 33 years after the original release.

The lyrics conjure images of sun and sea, and the urban atmosphere evokes the comfortable charm of classic city pop.

It’s a refreshing pop tune that brings to mind a clear, beautiful seascape.

Summer Colorsyuzu

Natsuiro – Yuzu (Full)

When it comes to Yuzu, many people immediately think of Natsuiro—and among their many great songs, this one is especially famous.

You can feel the fresh breeze of summer in it, and I bet many people find themselves wanting to listen to it once summer arrives.

While the track is known for its sense of speed, the lyrics depict scenes like gazing quietly at the sea and other familiar summer moments, evoking a strong sense of nostalgia.

It’s a song truly worthy of being called a classic of summer—and of the sea.

It was also their major-label debut single.

Flying FishFANTASTICS from EXILE TRIBE

【Music Video】Flying Fish / FANTASTICS from EXILE TRIBE

FANTASTICS from EXILE TRIBE is a dance and vocal group under LDH JAPAN that began activities in 2016.

Their 2019 release “Flying Fish” became popular for its music video featuring imagery of the ocean and sandy beaches.

With uplifting lyrics and a refreshing sound that match perfectly, it’s no exaggeration to call it the ultimate cheer-up song.

Life is BeautifulHirai Dai

Hirai Dai / Life is Beautiful (Music Video)

You might strongly associate him with love songs, but when it comes to Dai Hirai, it’s the sea—and when it’s the sea, it’s Dai Hirai.

He’s been consistently delivering surf music.

The title track from his 2016 album “Life is Beautiful” seeps into your heart with a gentle, tropical-tinged melody and Hirai’s vocals.

Centered on smooth acoustic guitar and light, airy ukulele tones, the acoustic sound fits perfectly with a laid-back moment.

It makes you want to listen while relaxing at an ocean-view hotel or by the shore.

Sometimes it might be nice to take life a little more loosely.

It’s a cozy mid-tempo number that’ll make you long for the sea.

Drive along the beachValee Bowies

Volleyboys “Driving on the Beach” (Official Music Video)

As the title suggests, it’s perfect BGM for a seaside drive.

It’s a song by the band Valley Boys (Bareebōizu), who promote themselves with the tagline “a choral, nostalgic, youth kayō orchestra.” It’s included on their 2019 album Aoi (Blue).

The retro-tinged sound and melodies are soothing—you’ll find your body keeping time before you know it.

Eternal, unchanging loveTetsuro Oda

Tetsuro Oda — Unchanging Love Forever

This is a classic summer song by Tetsuro Oda, renowned both as a singer-songwriter and a hitmaker.

It’s also well known for having been covered by many artists.

Oda’s dandy, suave vocals, the sparkling, refreshing melody, and the saxophone tones are all part of its charm.

It was used in a Pocari Sweat commercial, and even now, listening to it conjures up scenes of the sea.