Hot! Summer hit songs that boost the summer vibe
There are lots of summer songs with summer as their theme, but do you have a favorite one?
In this article, we’ll introduce plenty of upbeat, high-energy summer tracks that are sure to get you pumped!
They’re perfect not only for karaoke, but also for barbecues, beach or river outings, and as background music for a drive!
From recent releases to slightly nostalgic classics, we’ve gathered a wide variety across eras and genres.
Be sure to pick your favorites and make your own playlist.
[Hot!] Summer Hit Songs to Boost Your Summer Mood (1–10)
Glaring SummerNaniwa Danshi
A dazzling, sun-bright summer anthem has arrived! This track was pre-released as a digital single in June 2025.
Its choreography, which blends summery vibes with disco, is a major highlight, showcasing high-energy dance perfectly suited for midsummer in both the intro and the chorus.
The song has also been featured in a ROUND1 commercial and is slated to be included on the album “BON BON VOYAGE,” set for release in July.
It’s perfect for hyping things up at the beach with friends or as the soundtrack to your summer memories!
Naughty SunORANGE RANGE
It’s a refreshing rock number that blows away the feeling of being overwhelmed by the summer heat.
Released in July 2007, the track combines ORANGE RANGE’s signature mixture rock with retro-pop elements, delivering a bright, energetic sound themed around the sun.
Chosen as the opening theme for the Fuji TV drama “Hanazakari no Kimitachi e ~ Ikemen Paradise ~,” it became a major hit, reaching No.
3 on the Oricon weekly chart.
This song is perfect for summer drives, seaside outings, or anytime you want to amp up the energy with friends.
mermaidWednesday Campanella
Wednesday Campanella’s summer song is a refreshing track that tells the story of a mermaid’s adventure.
The image of a mermaid crossing the seven seas and enjoying festivals is striking, perfectly conveying the carefree vibe of summer.
Released in July 2023, the song was also used as a campaign track for Coca-Cola’s experiential music platform, Coke STUDIO.
The cover art is a highlight too, featuring a sea-inspired collage with Utaha appearing as a mermaid.
It’s an energetic, poppy tune perfect for summer outings and drives—be sure to add it to your playlist.
Trace that dreamYOASOBI
A song packed with YOASOBI’s charm unfolds a bittersweet love story set on a summer night.
Ayase’s piano-driven rock serves as the foundation, perfectly matched by ikura’s clear, translucent vocals.
It portrays the prophetic dream the two share and their mingled anticipation and anxiety about confessing their feelings, conveying the heart-throbbing excitement of youth.
Released in January 2021, the track was also used as a commercial song for Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s Calorie Mate and served as the theme song for a live-action film adaptation of a novel.
It’s the perfect track for making summer memories.
Nagisaimase
Influenced by 80s city pop, this track is a refreshing number characterized by softly bittersweet lyrics from a female perspective.
It portrays a beautiful, fleeting love story like one by the shore, and as you listen, the scenes seem to unfold before your eyes.
Released in May 2023, the song was created by imase, who drew inspiration from 80s city pop.
The music video captures a retro 80s vibe that perfectly matches the mood of the track.
It’s a recommended song for summer drives or relaxing at the beach.
Loco LotionORANGE RANGE
When it comes to bands that evoke summer, ORANGE RANGE is a must.
Among their tracks, the 2004 single “Locolotion” is a perfect fit for the season, with a dance beat that makes you want to start moving and lyrics that bring to mind a tropical vibe.
It’s a song packed with the charm of this Okinawan group, and it became a hit, topping the Oricon singles chart for two consecutive weeks.
Be sure to crank up “Locolotion” when you’re at the beach or by the pool to get yourself hyped!
Summer Colorsyuzu
Natsuiro, sung by Yuzu, is a summer song that lifts your spirits the moment you hear its acoustic guitar intro.
Released in 1998 as their debut single, it’s a classic summer anthem that even topped Oricon’s “Songs You Want to Listen to This Summer” ranking.
Nineteen years after its release, in 2017, it was featured as the commercial song for Lotte’s Sou ice cream.
Its brisk beat and refreshing sound perfectly capture the summer vibe, and just like the lyrics say, it’s a track that makes you want to hop on a bicycle and take off.