Love songs you want to listen to in summer. Love songs that color the summer.

Ms. Hanako on a high pedestalback number

back number – Takane no Hanako-san (full)

That exhilarating yet bittersweet summer anthem by back number.

The protagonist’s helpless crush—so intense that the person they like may not even remember their name—comes across with humor yet feels strikingly real.

Released in June 2013 as their eighth single, the song remains a fan favorite and is included on the album “Love Story.” In 2019, Iyori Shimizu performed it acoustically for Kirin’s Tanrei Green Label commercial, and it was also sung on the 2022 New Year’s Eve Kohaku Uta Gassen, showing its enduring appeal.

Put it on during a summer drive or on a night when unrequited love keeps you up, and it’s sure to resonate.

A Shortcut to SummerSakurazaka46

Sakurazaka46 'Short Cut to Summer'

Its sweet-and-sour, refreshing melody is striking, as if capturing the tender feelings of first love that blossom with the arrival of summer and the casual yet sparkling moments with friends.

This track is included on the fifth single, “Sakurazuki,” released in February 2023.

A love song perfect for summer, coloring a page of youth.

Be sure to listen to it in your favorite scene!

End of SummerShota Shimizu

Shota Shimizu “Natsunoowari” from SHOTA SHIMIZU LIVE TOUR 2023 “Insomnia” supported by Taica

This song is a lovely ballad that captures the unique loneliness everyone feels at least once at the end of summer.

Its bittersweet yet beautiful melody seeps deep into the heart, evoking memories of a summer romance that ended too soon and a nostalgia too delicate to put into words.

Shota Shimizu’s soulful, sometimes fragile vocals bring that scene to life with even greater clarity.

The track appears on Shota Shimizu’s fifth album, ENCORE, released in March 2014.

It’s perfect for listening alone on a late summer night.

fireworksaiko

Fireworks – aiko (Full)

This is a masterpiece whose sweet melody—like a slice of the summer night sky—and poignant lyrics about an unattainable love resonate deeply.

Released by aiko in August 1999, the song vividly portrays the fleeting yet beautiful scenes of love, like fireworks rising into the night.

Included on the album “Sakura no Ki no Shita,” it gently envelops those quiet moments before sleep or the times you gaze up at the night sky thinking of someone dear, with its delicate vocals.

It remains a song many wish to listen to alone on a quiet night, and one that continues to comfort those carrying the ache of a tender, unfulfilled love.

Summer memories scented by the windAAA

AAA / “Summer Memories Fragrant on the Breeze” Music Video

A song whose bittersweet yet beautiful melody seeps into the heart, like recalling an old love in a fleeting moment on a summer evening.

Don’t the memories AAA sings of—days of summer now gone and a fragile romance—spread through your chest like a pale watercolor? The track was included as the B-side to AAA’s single “Wake up!” released in July 2014, and later featured on the album “GOLD SYMPHONY” released the same year, as well as the following year’s best-of collection “AAA 10th ANNIVERSARY BEST.” It was used in Ito-Yokado’s yukata commercial, coloring the memories of many alongside the sights and sounds of summer.

For those who want to soak in a sentimental mood at summer’s end, this song will gently stay by your side, bringing you close to those sweet-and-sour memories of days gone by.

Emo-ish summerLucky Kilimanjaro

Lucky Kilimanjaro – Emo-ish Summer [Official Music Video]

This is a dance track by Lucky Kilimanjaro, marked by synths and claps that make your heart race from the intro.

Listening to it vividly brings to mind the thrill of the moment love begins—when the world starts to sparkle—along with a hint of bewilderment, all set against summer scenery.

You can feel the protagonist’s burning desire to be so captivated by the other person that nothing else matters, wanting to ignite the feelings of “this very moment” rather than think about the future.

Released as a single in July 2020, the song was featured on Nippon TV’s “Sukkiri” and served as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s “Netapare.” With a refreshing vibe that captures the excitement of early summer, it’s the perfect track to boost your mood or accompany a drive.

TorikoNissy

Nissy (Takahiro Nishijima) / “Toriko” Music Video

This is a song by Nissy that expresses the thrill of being in love and the irresistible pull toward someone special with a bright, pop sound.

Nissy’s sweet, soaring vocals and the heart-dancing, catchy melody convey the exhilaration of romance.

The track is filled with the flutter, poignancy, and pure, powerful feelings of love, sure to make listeners’ hearts skip a beat.

Released as a single in September 2018, it was created as the theme song for the film “Ano Ko no, Toriko.” and colored its bittersweet world.

It is also included on Nissy’s 5th-anniversary solo compilation, “Nissy Entertainment 5th Anniversary BEST.” At summer’s end, listening to it with the person you love as you look back on happy days may turn that tinge of sadness into a lingering sense of joy.

It’s also perfect for a newly mutual couple brimming with hopes for the future.