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

Because I met youmiwa

miwa “Because I Met You -short ver.-”

Kimi ni Deaeta Kara by miwa was written specifically as the commercial song for Shiseido’s body care brand Sea Breeze.

Released as a single in 2014, it reached No.

4 on the Oricon Singles Chart.

It’s a lively, fast-paced uptempo track themed as a “cheering song for students devoted to their club activities.” The music video, featuring a live performance on a sandy beach, is perfect for summer—be sure to check it out!

Words Bubble Up Like Soda Popnever young beach

Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop

It’s a city pop tune so rhythmic and pleasant it makes you want to skip along.

The song is by the band never young beach and was released in 2020 as their fifth single.

It was an original theme song written for an animated film of the same name.

It’s catchy enough to make you hum it without thinking, and the unforced vocals and mellow groove gently sink into your heart.

The lyrics liken words that well up from within to soda bubbles, giving it a wonderfully youthful vibe.

Starting Oversumika

sumika / Starting Over [Music Video] - TV Anime “MIX MEISEI STORY: The Second Summer, Beyond the Sky” Opening Theme

Sumika, a three-piece band popular especially among younger listeners for their ear-catching lyrics and melodies.

Their single “Starting Over,” chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime MIX MEISEI STORY: The Second Summer, Beyond the Sky, is a track whose headlong pace and excitement from the chorus onward lift your spirits.

Its messages feel like a gentle push on the back, carrying a refreshing vibe perfect for the summers of youth.

It’s a powerful rock tune that adds vibrant color to the hot season.

Stay by my side.Yuika

Stay by my side. / “Yuika” [MV]

High school singer-songwriter Yuika has recently gained rapid attention through her activities on social media platforms like YouTube and TikTok.

Among her works, “Soba ni Ite,” released in 2022, became a hot topic through lyric videos as a song that makes you cry.

The track also serves as the theme song for the film Summer, The Two of Us, starring popular actress Minami Hamabe.

The film, which also won an award at the TikTok TOHO Film Festival 2021, is deeply moving—be sure to check it out along with the song.

Every time summer comesbeautiful night

Atarayo – “Every Time Summer Comes” (Music Video)

Atarayo, a three-piece band that captivates fans with its lyrical worldview under the tagline “a band that feeds on sorrow.” The track Natsu ga Kuru Tabi from their concept album Kioku no Hako features a brisk, translucent ensemble that feels wonderfully refreshing.

Its lyrics, which depict bittersweet memories that resurface with the arrival of summer, are likely to resonate with many listeners who see their own experiences reflected in them.

It’s a refreshing yet sentimental number that showcases the expressive range of their male–female twin vocals.

Coco☆NatsuMomoiro Clover Z

Momoiro Clover Z [LIVE] Coco☆Natsu (from “Momoclo Mania 2018 -Road to 2020-” Day 1)

If you just want to get hyped, “Koko☆Natsu” is also a great pick.

It’s a song by Momoiro Clover Z, and it’s known for always getting the crowd going when they perform it live.

The song repeats the name of a tropical fruit—coconut—evoking a southern-island vibe and expressing the fun of summer.

With its chorus full of repeated phrases, even first-time listeners can join in the excitement.

By the way, the choreography is quite comical, so be sure to check out the video as well.

I've listened to so many heartbreak songs, and I'm done with being someone who just keeps crying.Lilia.

riria. / Listening to lots of heartbreak songs, I'm always just crying already. [Audio Video]

Singer Riria started posting acoustic performances on YouTube and TikTok in 2019, and her original song “Even Though He Cheated on Me, I Still Love Him” quickly went viral by resonating with teenagers.

In 2022, she released the poignant ballad “I’ve Listened to So Many Breakup Songs and Cried So Much That I’m Already…,” which was also used as the ending theme for the TV anime Summertime Render.

If you’re in the mood for a gentle, heart-wrenching song, give this track a listen.