[2025] A classic song themed around summer festivals. A song of summer memories.

fireworksTancobuchin

"Fireworks" / Tancobuchin (Music Video) [Official]

In summer, you feel like listening to refreshing songs, right? If you’re looking for something like that, I recommend Tankobuchin’s “Hanabi.” It’s a fireworks song with a breezy rock vibe that conjures up summer scenes just by listening.

The lyrics, themed around a faint summer romance, are so relatable—they’re sure to make your heart flutter!

HANABIIkimonogakari

Ikimonogakari – Hanabi

When it comes to Ikimono-gakari’s summer festival song after their return from hiatus in November 2018, it has to be HANABI! This track also served as the ending theme for the hugely popular TV Tokyo anime BLEACH, so many of you have probably heard it.

The fleeting beauty of fireworks is expressed through the piano’s gorgeous sound, making it a song that makes you want to head to a summer festival just by listening.

Those summer fireworksDREAMS COME TRUE

DREAMS COME TRUE – That Summer’s Fireworks – SENKOU-HANABI VERSION – (from DWL 2015 Live Ver.)

DREAMS COME TRUE, a band popular across all ages and genders, delivers a fleeting love song themed around fireworks in “Fireworks of That Summer.” The lyrics evoke empathy as they depict memories sparked by fireworks—recalling an ex-lover with lingering feelings after a breakup.

If you have memories of falling in love during summer festival season, be sure to give it a listen.

Wanna carnival?Naoto Inti Raymi

Naoto Inti Raymi – “Carnival?” (Live at Kyocera Dome / 2015.12.23)

Let’s boost the mood with a truly “upper-tune,” high-energy festival song! This track by singer-songwriter Naoto Inti Raymi—known for hits like “Mirai e” and “Brave”—was released in 2010 as his major-label debut single.

The positive lyrics, encouraging everyone to join hands in a circle and share smiles, are quintessentially Naoto.

It’s perfect as BGM when you want to brighten up a summer festival.

sparklerSonoko Inoue

Sonoko Inoue / Sparklers -Music Video- (Full Ver.)

Sonoko Inoue is a singer-songwriter popular mainly among junior and senior high school girls, who is also active as an actress.

The song in which she sings about the theme of summer festivals is Senko Hanabi.

Its fresh, fast-paced sound that evokes the unique atmosphere of summer, paired with nostalgic lyrics, perfectly matches the image of a summer festival.

Apple Fireworks and a Sea of SodaMafumafu

[MV] Ringo Fireworks and a Sea of Soda / Mafumafu [Original Song]

This song brilliantly blends the scenes of a summer festival with the darker sides of society, showcasing Mafumafu’s uniquely sensitive artistry.

The Japanese-style melody and rock elements are perfectly matched, and the high-tone vocals leave a strong impression.

It was released on Niconico in August 2014 and is included on the album “Ashita-iro World’s End.” While it takes summer traditions as its theme, the lyrics carry a profound message that prompts reflection on social contradictions and one’s inner self.

The line about not wanting to become an adult who laughs while drinking soda made from someone’s tears really lingers in the heart.

How about listening to it alone on a summer night and facing your own feelings?

summer festivalShikao Suga

Shikao Suga Summer Festival

It’s a ballad for the end of summer that evokes a sense of nostalgia at the distant murmur of a summer festival.

The piece is by Shikao Suga, a musician active as a singer-songwriter and a prolific provider of songs to famous artists.

It was included as the B-side to his eighth single, “Amai Kajitsu,” released in 1999.

The languid, wistful sound pairs perfectly with Suga’s mature vocals.

Even when you’re alone, having this song makes the loneliness strangely fade away.