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

Two People's Summer StoryKiyotaka Sugiyama & Omega Tribe

Two People's Summer Story - Kiyotaka Sugiyama & Omega Tribe (’85)

With a group name meaning “The Last Tribe,” Kiyotaka Sugiyama & Omega Tribe have released numerous songs themed around summer, the sea, and resorts.

Their fifth single, Futari no Natsumonogatari, used in Japan Airlines’ “JALPAK ’85” commercial, is also known as the group’s biggest hit.

The beachside scenes that evoke an image of mature romance capture the liberating atmosphere of summer.

With its crystalline sound and sprightly beat, it’s a refreshing, emotional summer tune.

whaleMasaki Suda

Masaki Suda 'Kujira'

A poignant seaside story sung by Masaki Suda.

The lyrics are striking, symbolizing an unknown world like the deep sea and the complexities of the human psyche.

Released in June 2024, the track blends pop and rock elements in a style characteristic of Suda.

His experience as an actor seems to carry over into his music, resulting in compellingly deep emotional expression.

With its ocean theme, it’s perfect for listening to while driving along the coast.

It’s a song that, while confronting loneliness and pain, conveys the importance of walking together and supporting one another.

Beach TimeTUBE

TUBE / Beach Time

A refreshing song you’ll want to listen to by the seaside in summer.

Its melody evokes the blue ocean and sky and the shining sun.

The lyrics capture the bittersweetness and passion of summer romance, and it might remind you of a date by the sea when you listen.

Released in May 1988, this track is beloved by many fans as one of TUBE’s signature summer songs.

Although it had no commercial tie-in, it gained popularity through word of mouth.

Perfect for drives and beach trips, and ideal for making summer memories.

If you listen while looking at the ocean, it’s sure to etch a wonderful page into your summer.

lighthouse keeperSaori Yuki, Shoko Yasuda

“The Lighthouse Keeper” — Saori Yuki & Sachiko Yasuda

As children, sisters Shoko Yasuda and Saori Yuki were active as nursery rhyme singers in a children’s choir, and today they perform out of a desire to pass down the beloved songs of old Japan.

Their song “The Lighthouse Keeper,” a Japanese-lyric adaptation of an English folk tune, is striking for its beautiful high tones carried by a piano melody.

The lyrics, depicting a lighthouse keeper who continues to shine a light on the sea in all its moods, may remind us to appreciate those presences we often take for granted.

Simple yet dreamlike in its ensemble, the piece paints a vivid seascape and is a pleasure to listen to.

Summer NudeMagokoro Brothers

Magokoro Brothers “Summer Nude” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

When it comes to iconic Japanese summer songs, many people would probably name this one first: “SUMMER NUDE” by Magokoro Brothers, released in 1995.

The song has been beloved for years—there was even a 2013 TV drama titled “SUMMER NUDE” inspired by it, and it was used as an insert song in the 2010 drama “Moteki.” Listening to it brings back nostalgic memories of playing at the beach, doesn’t it? In the music video, a man and a woman are shown flirting, and interestingly, the women who appear are the duo PUFFY!

You are the seaMy Hair is Bad

My Hair is Bad – You Are the Sea

Songs by My Hair is Bad are extremely popular, especially among younger listeners.

This track is a fast-paced piece that captures the moment a page of youth closes at the end of summer.

The lyrics recount memories of a summer classroom, the sound of the brass band, and a love that arrived ahead of the season, leaving a deeply bittersweet impression.

The song is included on the album “boys,” released in June 2019, and serves as the opening track.

In the music video, performance scenes by the band are interwoven with emotive imagery, expressing a worldview that depicts memories of a single summer.

It’s the perfect song for driving along the coastline while feeling the end of summer.

SummertimeRIRI, KEIJU, Nariaki Obukuro

RIRI, KEIJU, Nariaki Obukuro “Summertime” Music Video

A collaborative track by RIRI, KEIJU, and Nariaki Obukuro, produced as the tie-in song for Shiseido’s beauty suncare brand ANESSA.

The collaboration was sparked by Obukuro’s concept of bringing together a producer, a singer, and a rapper.

It’s a song that, while watching the ocean, interweaves the complex feelings of a man and a woman—bittersweet yet filled with a sense of true love.

Above all, it’s just incredibly cool!