[Sunflower Songs] A selection of classic and popular tracks that give you energy in the hot summer

Sunflower -Growing Sunflower-SPEED

SPEED / Sunflower -Growing Sunflower- (short ver.)

“Himawari -Growing Sunflower-” is a song released by SPEED in 2010.

Since the concept of the song is “departure,” it’s a track you’ll want to listen to when moving on to the next step.

Their smash hit “my graduation” had “graduation” as its theme.

It might be interesting to listen to the two songs back to back.

Dear Sunflower,Takaya Kawasaki

Takaya Kawasaki - Dear Sunflower [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

A heartwarming thank-you song addressed to the artist’s own mother.

It’s by singer-songwriter Takaya Kawasaki, known for his hit “Mahou no Jutan” (Magic Carpet), and is included on his 2018 debut album, “I believe in you.” In an age when it’s easy to stay in touch by smartphone, this song packs feelings into a letter and sends them to Mom.

It can be embarrassing to express gratitude to your mother, right? But listening to this song might give you the courage to say those few words.

And when you do, be sure to add her favorite flowers.

sunflowerAobouzu

Aobozu 'Sunflower' MV (Full Ver.)

Himawari, a song by aobozu, was released in 2014 as a digital-only single.

It also drew attention for its music video, which was entirely hand-drawn flipbook-style animation.

The song portrays the confusion and hesitation of growing into adulthood, set against summer scenes.

Even while sensing that something has changed upon becoming an adult, it conveys a determination to move toward a bright future—like a sunflower.

New Door ~Winter Sunflower~ZARD

[Cover] “A New Door ~Winter Sunflower~” / ZARD

This is a song by the music unit ZARD, known for signature tracks like “Makenaide.” It was released in 1998 as their 26th single.

Chosen as a theme song for a Sapporo Beer commercial, it drew a lot of attention.

Although it’s a poignant song expressing feelings for a precious person one can no longer meet, it also conveys a determination and positivity to move forward beyond that sadness.

Summer flowers aren’t just sunflowers.Keyakizaka46

[I Tried Singing] Summer Flowers Aren’t Just Sunflowers / Keyakizaka46 (covered by Yuma)

A poignant number by Keyakizaka46 that overlays an unforgettable person with a sunflower, “Natsu no Hana wa Himawari Dake Janai” (Summer Flowers Aren’t Just Sunflowers).

It’s included on their 2017 album “Masshirona Mono wa Yogoshitakunaru.” When you think of a flower that represents summer, many people might picture the sunflower.

But in truth, summer has many different flowers, each showing a side distinct from the sunflower.

Still, the image that inevitably comes to mind is the sunflower.

Just like that sunflower, this song expresses an uncontrollable outpouring of love for someone precious—someone you can’t help but remember, no matter how much you try to forget.

HimawariBBY NABE

BBY NABE – Himawari (Official Lyric Video)

Rapper and producer BBY NABE, who spent his childhood in New York and writes songs for major artists, released Himawari digitally on September 2, 2020.

Unlike his previous, rap-centered works, this track showcases BBY NABE’s strong singing ability.

The lyrics liken a precious, lost presence to a sunflower, tightening the chest as they echo the bittersweet feeling of summer coming to an end.

It’s a soulful, pleasantly sentimental ballad marked by an unforgettable vocal performance.

A World Without SunflowersFortune cherry

[MV full] A World Without Sunflowers (Fortune cherry) / AKB48 [Official]

A number by Fortune cherry, the duo formed by Kyoka Ota, an AKB48 Team 4 Draft 3rd Generation research student, and Yumi Matsuda of HKT48 Team TII, who brilliantly won the 2nd AKB48 Group Unit Janken Tournament held in 2018.

The choreography was handled by AKB48’s Ikumi Nakano, and the music video was filmed in Fukuoka Prefecture, the two members’ hometown.

You won’t even need the boost of sunflower radiance—there’s no doubt their freshness alone will capture your heart!