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

Shanghai HoneyORANGE RANGE

ORANGE RANGE Shanghai Honey @ Makuhari Messe LIVE

The second single by ORANGE RANGE, a five-member rock band from Okinawa.

Shanghai Honey was the band’s breakout hit; despite having no tie-in, it sold over 200,000 copies and won Best New Artist Video at the 3rd MTV Video Music Awards Japan in 2004.

It’s a summer-ready track that fuses hyped-up rap with an aggressive sound.

While it has a reputation for being a flashy, carefree song, if you look closely at the lyrics, you could also call it a pure love song about a guy who can’t even work up the nerve to flirt.

It still sounds fresh and catchy today, so it’s recommended for teens too!

ONE DAYRYUJI IMAICHI

RYUJI IMAICHI / ONE DAY (Music Video)

This is a solo song by RYUJI IMAICHI.

It has a mature vibe, and I’d love for you to listen to it while sipping a tropical juice with someone you love.

The sweet vocals and mood-setting arrangement will color a hot summer day.

miraclemiwa

miwa 'Miracle' Music Video

Speaking of miwa, she’s an artist with an adorable singing voice and looks, especially popular among younger women.

Many of you might have heard this song she released in 2013, since it was used in a SEA BREEZE commercial.

With lyrics themed around summer love, it’s a track that’s highly relatable and feels close to home for teens.

It’s very cute, catchy, and easy to listen to.

Midsummer FruitSouthern All Stars

Midsummer Fruit / Southern All Stars. cover collabo by taka & makigon

The 28th single by Southern All Stars, released on July 25, 1990.

Chosen as the theme song for the film Inamura Jane, it became a massive hit.

Sales continued to grow afterward, and according to Oricon, it has recorded a cumulative total of over 540,000 copies.

It’s a hugely popular summer song that was also voted No.

1 in official fan polls for live performance requests.

AuroraBUMP OF CHICKEN

BUMP OF CHICKEN「Aurora」

Beloved across generations, BUMP OF CHICKEN’s 12th digital-only single was released on March 15, 2019.

It was also used as the theme song for the TBS drama “The Good Wife.” Written specifically for the show, the song’s lyrics—linked to the story of facing hardships—leave a strong impression by giving people courage and hope.

It’s a track where you can savor BUMP’s characteristically light, driving band sound and Motoo Fujiwara’s lyrics that blend fantasy with reality.

Daylight saving timecinnamons × evening cinema

cinnamons × evening cinema – summertime (Official Music Video)

“Summertime” by cinnamons × evening cinema paints a love story of a summer that’s both frustrating and heart-fluttering.

This collaboration between two bands from the same label was released in 2017.

It caught fire on TikTok and became a huge hit not only in Japan but also across Southeast Asia.

Its catchy, cute pop melody makes the bittersweet feelings in the lyrics stand out even more.

It’s a song that makes you want to experience the kind of love where you fall head over heels for someone.

Midsummer SunSakurako Ohara

Sakurako Ohara – Midsummer Sun (Music Video Short ver.)

A summery song released by Sakurako Ohara in 2015 that wraps you in an irresistibly happy mood.

Its dramatic flair—thanks to lyrics and composition by Seiji Kameda—is also distinctive, overflowing with excitement and the feeling of building momentum toward the height of summer! It captures a youthful vibe that goes beyond student life, like making countless memories.

Listening to “Midsummer Sun” gives you the sense that something fun is just around the corner! It’s also a great way to start a summer day.