[Summer Anisongs] Iconic and Popular Anime Tracks That Feel Like Summer

ImaginationSPYAIR

SPYAIR “Imagination” TV anime “Haikyu!!” opening theme

It’s the opening theme of the passionate volleyball anime Haikyuu!!, which became hugely popular in Weekly Shonen Jump and was adapted into an anime.

The vocals build up toward the chorus, evoking images of characters dashing and leaping energetically across the court.

It’s a song that can truly be called one of SPYAIR’s signature tracks, now extremely popular among young people.

The sun says: Burn, chaos.Creeping Up from Behind Team G (CV: Kana Asumi, CV: Miyu Matsuki, CV: Yuka Ōtsubo)

(3D/Spatial Audio) Crawling Up! Nyaruko-san OP — The Sun Says: Burn, Chaos

It’s the opening theme of “Haiyore! Nyaruko-san.” It’s sung by the three voice actresses who play the heroines, so it’s very cute, but the lyrics are quite quirky and might fall into what you’d call a denpa song.

Still, it’s bright and energetic, with a vibe that makes you want to dash out under the midsummer sun, and listening to it really gets you pumped up.

Ghost in the FlowersYorushika

Yorushika – Ghost in a Flower (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

It’s a captivating piece with a beautiful melody that evokes fleeting memories of summer days.

In this number by Yorushika, memories of passing seasons and dear ones are portrayed like faint phantoms.

The summer scenes woven into the lyrics carry a nostalgic scent of summer, overlapping with the landscapes tucked away in each listener’s heart and stirring a gentle ache, don’t you think? Released in April 2020, the song touched many as the theme for the animated film “A Whisker Away.” It is also included on the acclaimed album “The Book of Theft.” Give it a listen when you want to be alone with your thoughts on a summer evening, or when you want to immerse yourself in a beautiful melody.

SPLASH FREESTYLE FIVE

Free! ED-Splash free

It’s the ending theme of the swimming-themed anime “Free!”.

The five main characters’ voice actors formed a unit and sing it.

The ending visuals feature the protagonists dancing with imagery of deserts and water, and the lyrics include many words related to swimming and summer.

It’s truly a song that’s perfect to listen to in the summer.

ReunionVaundy

Reunion

This is a number by singer-songwriter Vaundy.

It serves as the opening theme for the TV anime “The Summer Hikaru Died” and is set for release in July 2025.

Vaundy himself delved into the original work and created the song based on a sense of “unease about not knowing what will happen next.” The rock sound, tinged with a foreboding atmosphere, is distinctly Vaundy.

The lyrics reflect the joy of a long-awaited reunion while projecting an unshakable doubt and loneliness—the fear that the other person may no longer be the same.

It meshes seamlessly with the original’s raw, prickling mood and its delicate, complex emotional nuances.

Summer IllusionGARNET CROW

HD GARNET CROW Summer Illusion

Affiliated with Being, GARNET CROW frequently collaborated with anime.

Vocalist Yuri Nakamura’s androgynous voice and singular singing ability earned the band a passionate following.

In particular, they often tied up with Detective Conan, so if you’re of that generation, that association likely comes to mind right away.

This song, used as the 10th ending theme, is among their most popular works.

Its poignant melody evokes a summer sunset and leaves a strong impression.

It also served as the ending theme for one of the franchise’s films, making it a long-running hit.

fireworks (launched into the sky)DAOKO × Kenshi Yonezu

DAOKO × Kenshi Yonezu 'Uchiage Hanabi' MUSIC VIDEO

It’s the theme song for the film “Fireworks, Should We See It from the Side or the Bottom?”.

The poignant lyrics, packed with memories of a single summer, leave a strong impression.

DAOKO’s clear, translucent vocals and Kenshi Yonezu’s rich, low-toned voice complement each other perfectly, creating an indescribably addictive masterpiece.