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

August and MortuaryAwesome City Club

Awesome City Club – “August and Moratorium” Lyric Video

An impeccably stylish vibe that only Awesome City Club can create, and a perfect number for summer.

It was released in August 2018.

It packs in both the frustration of feeling like you’ve become an adult but not quite, and the sense of anticipation mixed in with that.

Teens caught between childhood and adulthood are sure to relate.

The subtle borders you notice in everyday life are expressed with a touch of sentimentality, while the sophisticated, urban sound seems to symbolize a new world of your own, leaving you feeling very positive and refreshed.

himawariMr.Children

Mr.Children「himawari」Music Video

A song by Mr.

Children that became the theme for the film Let Me Eat Your Pancreas, starring Minami Hamabe and Takumi Kitamura.

Since it features actors who are currently in the spotlight, many teens may have seen it.

The lyrics use sunflowers—a quintessential symbol of summer—as a motif, weaving a narrative that links with the movie’s story.

If you’ve seen the film, the song will bring the story back to you and move you all over again; if you haven’t, listening to it might make you want to watch the movie.

Magic of a Summer Nightindigo la End

indigo la End “Summer Night Magic”

Set against the backdrop of summer festival sounds, the lyric’s narrative—recalling the traces of a former lover—leaves a strong impression.

Within it, a fleeting moment that arrives only on summer nights, like “magic,” is vividly portrayed, resonating deeply with listeners.

This piece was released in June 2016 as a track on the single Before It Gets Sad.

It’s a must-hear for the delicate expressiveness unique to indigo la End and the richly nuanced vocals of Enon Kawatani.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to as summer draws to a close, letting the gentle night breeze wash over you.

A dream within a dreamMafumafu

A Dream within a Dream / Mafumafu [Music Video]

How about a rock number with a cool, traditional Japanese flavor? It’s a track by Mafumafu, a singer popular for his work as a vocalist.

It’s included on his fourth album, “Ashuiro World End,” released in 2017.

Recommended when you want to lift your spirits.

The End of Summerivy color

IVY COLOR [End of Summer] Music Video

A mixed-gender, four-piece nostalgic piano rock band, Ivy Color captivates listeners with delicate, heartrending lyrics and a beautiful yet catchy melodic line.

This track leaves a lasting impression with a melody that carries a sense of speed while evoking the loneliness and bittersweetness of summer fading away.

The repeated words in the lyrics express the protagonist’s strong feelings, making it easy to empathize with the frustration of not being able to articulate what’s in your heart.

It’s a summer song that resonates with the heartache everyone feels as a teenager—perfect for immersing yourself in at summer’s end.

You and Semi-BlueHatsuboshi Academy

You and Semi-Blue

This track produced by Hatsuboshi Academy features a refreshing sound inspired by the summer ocean.

Its catchy melody and youth-tinged lyrics are standout elements, and listening to it sparks excitement.

The three vocalists deliver well-balanced harmonies that showcase each of their unique qualities.

Released in July 2024 and unveiled alongside the Gakuen Idolmaster season event “Midsummer Summer Live Fest,” it reportedly sent fans into a frenzy.

This piece might be the perfect BGM for a seaside date or for making summer memories with friends.

mintMisako Uno (AAA)

Misako Uno (AAA) / “mint” Music Video

This is the third solo single by Misako Uno, the sole female vocalist of AAA, released on May 15, 2019.

It’s a sparkling pop tune that was also featured in a TV commercial for ASPLUSH.

Just like its title “mint,” her fresh and cute vocals are truly captivating! The upbeat sound in the chorus makes you feel positive and naturally want to jump along.

Even on days filled with sadness or hardship, it’s a perfect summer song I especially want teenagers to hear, so they don’t forget to keep their hearts shining.