[Summer Songs] Summer tracks recommended for teens: A roundup of the latest and classic hits

Love Trip Summersyudou

[syudou] Love Trip Summer

In contrast to the liberating mood of summer, this song by Syudou portrays a protagonist whose spirits just won’t lift.

Released in July 2024, the track showcases Syudou’s multifaceted talent—he handled the lyrics, composition, arrangement, and vocals himself.

Set to a brisk electropop sound, it depicts a modern love story filled with both hope and anxiety about encounters on a matching app.

As Syudou himself commented, it’s “a song that exposes uncontrollable emotions,” and the gap between the bright melody and introspective lyrics is compelling.

It’s a great listen when you’re feeling down despite the season, or when you need a little courage to take a step forward.

Hot summerTHE JET BOY BANGERZ

Hot summer

A track from THE JET BOY BANGERZ bursting with dazzling, high-voltage energy that pierces the summer sky.

The group’s first summer-themed song delivers a poppy, danceable sound that instantly grabs the listener’s heart.

Like a scene from a Y2K-era TV drama, it vividly captures the everyday moments spent with friends and the refreshing summer memories that sparkle like fizzy soda.

Included on the EP “I Never Thought I’d Cry,” released in May 2025, the record also features a mid-tempo ballad that served as the theme song for the TV Tokyo drama “Missing Persons Search Unit: The Vanished Truth.” Perfect for summer drives, backyard BBQs with friends, or beach parties—play it in any active setting and the fun will multiply!

Summer has come.≠ME

≠ME (Not Equal Me) / 9th Single 'Because Summer Has Come' [MV full]

Isn’t this the one ≠ME track whose sound seems to symbolize a Japanese summer, perfectly suited to dazzling sunshine and blue skies? Showcasing producer Rino Sashihara’s deft touch, the song beautifully captures the flutter of summer crushes, the bittersweetness of youth, and a soaring sense of excitement.

The smiles from center Nanaka Tomita and the others at Cape Ashizuri are truly captivating! The phrase “Natsu ga natsu ga natsu ga kita kara” is incredibly catchy, too.

Released in August 2024 as their ninth single, it was first unveiled as a surprise at the Yokohama Arena tour finale in July of the same year, sending fans into a frenzy.

Ideal for summer drives, lively times with friends, or those sentimental twilight moments, this track sets the perfect mood.

It’s a must-have burst of summer energy that’s sure to lift anyone’s spirits!

honey trapNo Murasaki

Noashi (noa) – Honey Trap [Official Music Video]

Released in July 2024, Noshi’s first summer rock tune is an energetic track that makes you feel as if you’re being whisked away to a sun-sparkling midsummer beach just by listening.

Its solid, 80s- and 90s-inspired Western rock sound is complemented by arrangements that showcase Noshi’s distinctly modern sensibility—making it a surefire crowd-pleaser for summer festivals.

The lyrics depict a thrilling romantic cat-and-mouse game from both male and female perspectives, and the strong, independent woman Noshi wanted to portray is sure to resonate with many.

After her previous track “Zen Hoko Bishōjo” sparked a major movement on TikTok, this new song is poised to build on that momentum.

It’s also featured as the theme song for NTV’s short drama “Mainichi Hanikamu Bokutachi wa.”, with cast members appearing in the music video to further enrich the work’s world.

Perfect for summer drives—and for those moments when you want to lift your spirits.

Summer of LoveHirai Dai

Hirai Dai / Summer of Love (Lyric Video)

Delivered in May 2025 by Dai Hirai, this is a track that lifts the heart along with the summer sunshine.

Created to coincide with the beach festival he hosts, it’s the third installment in a series of four consecutive digital singles.

In an instant, it whisks listeners away to those peak summer moments that feel like they could last forever.

The surf music woven from gentle acoustic guitar and ukulele tones offers a comfort that’s quintessentially Dai Hirai.

This work seems to sonically capture the sparkle of summer—savoring the “now” with all your might, with neither beginning nor end.

Speaking of Dai Hirai, he has crafted many moving songs, including THE GIFT, widely known as the theme for the film Doraemon: Nobita’s Chronicle of the Moon Exploration.

It’s perfect not only for summer drives, but also for time with friends on the beach, or for moments when you want to soak in a solitary summer sunset.

Give it a listen and your body will start to move naturally—energy and smiles welling up—a true summer tune.

summerPEDRO

PEDRO / Summer [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

An energetic track that captures the arrival of summer.

The lyrics vividly depict a fleeting moment of youth, brimming with the adventurous spirit and radiance unique to teenagers.

It’s striking how it conveys both the heat of days spent under the blazing sun and the fragility that comes with longing for summer’s end.

Released in August 2021, the song is also included on the limited first-press edition of the live video album “Seikatsu to Kioku” (Life and Memories).

It’s the perfect number to accompany hot-day adventures or to look back on summer memories.

MarigoldAimyon

Aimyon – Marigold [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

Released in 2018, Aimyon’s “Marigold” portrays a love story overflowing with the gentle kindness of two people.

Marigolds, which bloom from summer into autumn, carry different meanings depending on their color, and Aimyon says she hopes listeners will each feel something unique.

If you’re happily dating someone now, of course you can enjoy it, but even if you’re someone who wants to experience that kind of romance someday, it might be nice to listen with a sense of longing.

It’s a song that people in their teens—and listeners of all generations—can enjoy while reflecting on their own love or aspirations.