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

LOVERAAA

AAA / 「LOVER」Music Video

AAA’s 49th single, released on July 29, 2015.

It’s a double tie-in song, serving as the theme for Ito-Yokado’s “Beverage Summer Campaign” commercial and a promotional song on TV Asahi.

A lively, refreshing summer tune with a stylish reggaeton flair.

The pop, bouncy rhythm will lift your spirits.

summer hazebeautiful night

Atarayo – Summer Haze (Music Video)

Atarayo’s “Natsugasumi” is poignant for its unfulfilled promise—“the vow of eternity made beneath the fireworks.” Released in 2021 as a digital-only single, it’s also included on their first album, The Moon Remains Silent in the Polar Night.

The lyrics are emotional and heartrending, recalling the ordinary days spent with you while mourning that summer we can never return to.

It’s a quintessential Atarayo track, fitting for a band often called “the group that grows by feeding on sorrow.”

At the mercy of the seaYOASOBI

YOASOBI “At the Mercy of the Sea” Official Music Video

YOASOBI has become an act whose every new release sparks buzz.

Their song ‘Umi no Manimani’ was created based on Mizuki Tsujimura’s novel ‘Yūrei.

’ As the title suggests, it paints seascape imagery, making it a perfect track for August.

Beyond the sea, it also evokes skies, fireworks, and fleeting scenes of summer nights—imbued with a touch of longing.

It carries a gentle nostalgia, like “a summer from long ago,” so it’s likely a summer song that will resonate with a wide range of listeners.

Summer SongYUI

YUI　『Summer Song-short ver.-』

A quintessential summer song by YUI, released in the summer of 2008.

It has that lively feel that’s so characteristic of her music, but it feels even fresher than usual—probably because it overflows with a summery vibe.

The must-hear highlight has to be the memorable chorus, right? The lyrics, of course, are great, but above all the melody is so catchy that it sticks in your head after just one listen.

It’s a classic loved across generations.

Nagisaimase

【imase】Nagisa（MV）

Singer-songwriter imase, who uses TikTok as his main stage, has recorded massive hits with songs like “Have a nice day” and “Touhikou (Escape).” Soon after starting his music career, he began writing and composing his own songs, and made a major-label debut in just about a year—a pace that feels very much of the Reiwa era.

“Nagisa” is a summer song he created, highlighted by his signature high-tone vocals.

The lyrics depict a fleeting summer romance, and as you listen, the story seems to unfold right before your eyes.

Unchanging ThingsHanako Oku

Unchanging Things

If you’re an anime fan, you might already know it.

It’s a ballad featured as an insert song in director Mamoru Hosoda’s smash-hit film The Girl Who Leapt Through Time.

The track is by Chiba-born singer-songwriter Hanako Oku and was included as the B-side on her single Garnet.

The lyrics, which pour out feelings for someone you love, are heart-wrenching.

It’s perfect for sinking into a nostalgic summer mood.

And if you’re in love right now, it will make you think, “Let’s have a romance without regrets.”

Magic hourGreen Yellow Society

Ryokuoushoku Shakai 'Magic Hour' Official Video / Ryokuoushoku Shakai – Magic Hour

This song, which was also selected as an insert track for the drama “Midsummer Cinderella,” is a summer love song by Ryokuoushoku Shakai that overlays fireworks with the feeling of being in love.

It has an atmosphere that evokes the bittersweetness of summer’s end, doesn’t it? In the lyrics, they write with straightforward sincerity: “I’ll accept you in any form, like the water’s surface reflecting fireworks.” There are many other evocative expressions that intertwine love and fireworks, so please take your time listening while reading the lyrics.