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

HANABIIkimonogakari

Ikimonogakari – Hanabi

A song that served as the ending theme for the hugely popular TV anime BLEACH.

You can feel how the lyrics overlay the singer’s emotions onto fireworks that sparkle, flicker, burn, and fade into the summer night sky.

The words also evoke the image of the protagonist, Ichigo Kurosaki, fighting with unyielding strength to protect his friends, right up to the very end.

With its upbeat, driving tempo, the track conveys the heat of summer while also carrying both passionate intensity and a touch of melancholy.

Brimming with vitality, it’s the perfect song for summer!

God-tier SUMMER!!Haruka Amami (CV: Eriko Nakamura), Yayoi Takatsuki (CV: Mayako Nigo), Yukiho Hagiwara (CV: Asami Imai), Ami Futami / Mami Futami (CV: Asami Shimoda), Iori Minase (CV: Rie Kugimiya), Takane Shijou (CV: Yumi Hara)

God-tier summer

A song used as an insert track in episode 5 of the TV anime The Idolmaster, titled “Summer Vacation with Everyone.” The work is an anime based on the Idolmaster game series, in which you play as a producer at a talent agency and cultivate female idols.

Set in a talent agency, it tells the story of twelve female idols walking the path to stardom.

This track features appealing, smoothly crafted rhymes and a bright, summery, fun vibe, making it a song that lets you sink into the feeling of summer anytime, anywhere.

summer evening skyKousuke Atari

Natsume's Book of Friends ED 'Natsu Yūzora'

Released in 2008, this single served as the ending theme for Natsume’s Book of Friends.

It’s crafted to evoke feelings of nostalgia and poignancy, and is said to have been sung while savoring the wonder of summers felt in childhood.

The gentle sound of the guitar and the clear, soaring vocals soothe the listener’s heart.

Samurai Heart (Some Like It Hot!!)SPYAIR

SPYAIR “Samurai Heart (Some Like It Hot!!)”

A song used as the ending theme for the sci-fi, heartwarming, pseudo-period-comedy anime Gintama.

Born from Gintama’s over-the-top worldview, this is a high-energy, fast-paced upper tune.

The repeatedly appearing chorus sticks in your head and makes you want to hum along.

It sings of people laughing and crying in a world without any “answers,” trying their best to live while carving out their own path.

Both the lyrics and the melody evoke summer, making it a track that lifts your spirits!

Ephemeral Fireworkssupercell

Utakata Hanabi [supercell] [Subtitled]

It was used as an ending theme for Naruto Shippuden.

The ending sequence had a bittersweet mood, showing the heroine walking alone along the seaside.

The lyrics tell a slightly sad, story-like tale of love.

Words that evoke summer festivals blend well with the singer’s strong feelings for the other person, so it’s worth paying attention not only to the beautiful melody and vocals, but also to the lyrics.

silhouetteKANA-BOON

KANA-BOON “Silhouette” Music Video

KANA-BOON’s fifth major-label single, which served as the 16th opening theme for the TV Tokyo anime Naruto Shippuden.

The song makes excellent use of the vocalist’s high-tone mixed voice, making it very easy to listen to and highly recommended.

Become the windAyano Tsuji

Ayano Tsuji / Become the Wind [VIDEO MUSIC AYA~NO 2009]

It’s the theme song of Studio Ghibli’s film The Cat Returns.

Also used in commercials beyond the movie, this song is loved by people of all ages.

As you feel the refreshing breeze of summer, you can almost picture a scene of riding a bicycle up a path lush with greenery.