Recommended summer songs for people in their 70s: A collection of nostalgic summer tunes [2025]

White Coral ReefZu Ni Vu

White Coral Reef Shiroi Sangosho / Zoo Nee Voo (1969)

The blue expanse of the sea, flocks of soaring seagulls, and white coral reefs.

Released by Zoo Nee Voo in April 1969, this song is a masterpiece that portrays pure love against a backdrop of tropical scenery.

Initially a B-side, it followed an unusual path to becoming the A-side thanks to strong listener support.

It was a major hit, peaking at No.

18 on the Oricon charts and selling a total of 177,000 copies, and is known as the group’s signature song.

The white coral reef, depicted as the ultimate destination to visit with a lover, is truly a symbol of genuine love.

Why not spend a pleasant summer moment, overlaying it with memories of nostalgic youth?

Season of LovePinky and the Killers

Season of Love

This song is memorable for its lyrics that portray a bittersweet love and for its period-specific melody.

The lyrics were written by Tokiko Iwatani and the music composed by Taku Izumi, drawing inspiration from experiences in a café in Paris, France, as well as stories from the younger days of Fubuki Koshiji.

Released as a single in 1968, it became an instant hit, ranking high on many music charts.

Even decades after its release, it continues to be covered and used in films and commercials.

In particular, the striking phrases scattered throughout the lyrics, which symbolize a love that has ended, are rendered with a fresh, distinctly feminine sensibility, making this the perfect song for moments of reminiscence.

This classic has accompanied the youth of those now in their seventies—please enjoy it once more as you indulge in your memories.

summer vacationTakuro Yoshida

summer vacation

When the summer sun pours down, don’t you find that memories sleeping deep in your heart suddenly come back to life? The scenes of summer vacation you were absorbed in as a child, the warm smiles of the people you spent it with… Takuro Yoshida’s work gently embraces those fragile yet dear memories—a perfect classic for summer.

Released in 1972 and issued as a single from the album “Genki Desu,” this song has been covered by many artists, including Kaori Sakaue and Kosetsu Minami, and remains a timeless masterpiece loved across generations.

Surrender yourself to its gently flowing melody, and that summer of long ago will vividly return.

Sing it with someone special, and you’re sure to create wonderful new memories.

Memories of a Summer DayTeruko Hino

Memories of a Summer Day — Teruko Hino

An inspiring classic by Teruko Hino, perfect for listening while recalling the face of someone dear from the past.

Carried by her clear, gentle voice, the melody—set against a wintry seaside—stirs the heart as it looks back on warm memories with a former lover.

Reflecting on the passage of time, the lyrics delicately weave a tender yet beautiful longing that is sure to resonate deeply with listeners.

Since its release in 1965, this song has not only been cherished for many years but also became the pivotal piece that led to Hino’s first appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

On a winter’s day, if you listen to this song while gazing alone at the night sea, the bittersweet memories of a distant love will surely come flooding back.

You may find yourself recalling the smile of that special person, with your eyes growing warm.

Angel's TemptationJun Mayuzumi

Tenshi No Yuwaku

In “Angel’s Temptation,” Jun Mayuzumi sings with depth about heartbreak, a rite of passage everyone faces in life.

The emptiness of losing someone you love, lingering attachment, and the inner struggle to move on are portrayed vividly against a poignant melody.

Happiness, likened to orange-tinted clouds, fades away, leaving only tears behind.

Even so, the desire to throw oneself into a sun-warmed embrace suggests a hopeful expectation for new love.

With lyrics by Rei Nakanishi and music by Kunihiko Suzuki, this classic has continued to resonate across generations for more than half a century since its 1968 release.

Scarred KaruizawaBread and butter

Scarred Karuizawa

Bread & Butter’s debut single, released in 1969 and considered one of their signature songs.

Set on a summer night in Karuizawa, it portrays the poignancy of a fleeting romance.

The Iwasawa brothers’ beautiful harmonies bring to life the image of a lover clad in a black lace gown.

As the end of summer approaches and you feel like reminiscing, listening to this song may bring back fond memories.

Seaside BoundThe Tigers

Seaside Bound

“Seaside Bound” is an iconic song that embodies the passionate summers of youth.

With a catchy, rhythmic melody, it conjures images of a couple in love singing and dancing against a backdrop of blue ocean.

The lyrics, which cast the sun as a goddess of love and the sea as a friend, evoke the unique sense of freedom and excitement found only on the summer shore.

Released as The Tigers’ second single less than three months after the band formed, it became a massive hit, selling 400,000 copies.

As a song that symbolizes youth culture of the late 1960s, it continues to be beloved by many.

It’s an eternal summer anthem, highly recommended for couples driving to the seaside and for anyone wishing to bask in summer memories.