Hot! Summer hit songs that boost the summer vibe

Mahoro in SummerHarukamirai

Harukamirai – Summer Mahoro (Official Music Video)

This is a heart-thumping track by Harukamirai that vividly captures the blazing summer sun and the days of youth gone by.

The song leaves a strong impression with its protagonist looking back, amid the encroaching heat, on the self who once acted tough and the past when they couldn’t be a little more honest.

Alongside motifs like sunflowers and white baseballs, the nostalgia for those burning days and the resolve to step into the future ride on an energetic rock sound that’s sure to move listeners.

The track is included on the album “THE BAND STAR,” released in July 2020, and was also selected as a J-pop recommendation on MUSIC ON! TV that same month.

It’s perfect for summer drives or outings with friends, and if you want to rekindle that fiery feeling from back then, be sure to give it a listen!

August 888 — This is way too much summerRecitals

Recitals – “Month 888 ~It’s Way Too Much Like Summer~” [Official Music Video]

This is a song that instantly amps up the summer vibe.

Created by Recitals, a unit that sprang from the popular YouTuber group Tokai On Air, this track is packed with a catchy melody that makes your heart dance and playful word choices that are pure fun.

It’s like painting a picture of an endless summer—you can almost see the glittering scenes unfold before your eyes.

Released in August 2022, the song was also chosen as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s “Zenryoku! Datsuryoku Times” from August to September 2022.

Whether you’re on a summer drive, hanging out at the beach, or firing up a barbecue, this track will take your excitement to the next level.

Add it to your playlist and soak up the summer!

Ocean living roomSuzuki Suzuki

Sea Living – Suzuki Suzuki [Official Music Video]

Suzuki Suzuki captivates with the uniquely beautiful harmonies only brothers can create.

Their signature summer tune radiates a breezy freshness that makes your heart bounce just by listening.

It conjures a world that feels like music painting a shimmering seaside or an irreplaceable moment of youth.

With relaxed melodies tinged with chill-pop and R&B, the song seems to carry their warm desire to cherish life’s small joys, resonating strongly with many teens.

Released in August 2021 as their fourth original track, it sparked a big response, with over 100,000 related videos on TikTok.

The song is also included on the album “313.” It’s perfect for summer drives or time with friends by the ocean, and ideal when you want to soak in a refreshing mood.

A track for anyone who wants to feel the sparkle of youth.

Emo-ish summerLucky Kilimanjaro

Emo-ish summer

An emotional number by Lucky Kilimanjaro that vividly brings summertime scenes to mind.

The shimmering tones of the synthesizer and the breezy rhythm paint a bright picture of the early thrills of romance and the unstoppable swell of emotion.

The lyrics capture a heart swaying in the special atmosphere of summer, wrapping listeners in a feeling that’s a little bittersweet yet warm.

Released as a single in July 2020, the track built anticipation as a follow-up to their major-label first album, “!magination.” Its exposure on NTV’s Sukkiri and as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s Netapare further raised its profile.

It also received extensive radio play, including three consecutive weeks in the TOP 5 on J-WAVE’s TOKIO HOT 100.

It’s a perfect song to listen to while relaxing by the seaside to the sound of waves, or in the sentimental mood of twilight.

Give it a listen in those kinds of moments.

I want to become the wind.THE BOOM

THE BOOM 'I Want to Be the Wind' Meihou Plateau Music Festival

“Summer’s here! It’s samba time!” That’s the kind of phrase that might just burst out when you hear this exhilarating number by THE BOOM.

Driven by Kazufumi Miyazawa’s desire to “create a Japanese samba,” the song’s rich tapestry of percussion instantly sweeps listeners into the joyful whirl of a carnival.

Its lyrics carry a straightforward, heartfelt message: no matter the hardships, happiness can be found as long as you’re with the one you love—and even amid harsh realities, life itself is something to celebrate.

Released in March 1995 as a single from the album Far Eastern Samba, the track was also featured in commercials for DC Card and J-PHONE, adding color to many people’s summers.

Put it on for a drive, outdoor fun, or any summer event, and it’s guaranteed to lift your spirits!

Midsummer’s Sounds good!AKB48

[MV full] Midsummer’s Sounds good! (Dance ver.) / AKB48 [Official]

Set against a midsummer beach scene, this quintessential AKB48 summer song vividly captures youthful romance.

Sprinkling in classic seasonal items like suntan oil and swimsuits, it breezily sings about the fluttering excitement of falling in love.

Yoshimasa Inoue’s bright, energetic melody fully conveys the sense of summer freedom.

Released in May 2012, it also became familiar as the theme for NTT Docomo’s “Ouen Gakuwari” student discount commercials.

Perfect for livening up leisure moments like road trips with friends or a day at the beach.

Clap along and sing together, and the vibe will instantly switch to full-on summer mode.

Go Go Summer!KARA

KARA – GO GO Summer!

A dazzlingly bright and exhilarating dance track that lets you feel the arrival of summer with your whole body! Just listening to it makes your heart skip, conveying the excitement of the season of love and a wave of positive energy.

This song is KARA’s fourth single released in Japan in June 2011, and it was also featured in commercials for LG Electronics’ smartphone “Optimus bright (L-07C),” becoming widely beloved.

It’s a gem of a track that we especially recommend to anyone whose heart is fluttering with the start of a new romance, or who just wants to fully enjoy the summer!