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

Beautiful finSpitz

Spitz / Beautiful Fin

This song “Utsukushii Hire” by Spitz, a beloved national rock band, is a hit with kids too as the theme song for the Detective Conan: Black Iron Submarine movie.

Since it was written specifically for the film, many listeners are moved by the lyrics that tie into the story.

The brisk, ear-pleasing melody—so characteristic of Spitz—also heightens the summery vibe.

With water as its theme, it’s a refreshing track that brings a cool breeze to hot August days, and its irresistibly catchy parts make you want to hum along.

Paradise BabyRIP SLYME

RIP SLYME – Rakuen Baby

This is a classic that lightly captures the sense of liberation and free-spirited romance you feel by the beach in summer.

Released in June 2002, the track blends hip-hop with bossa nova and samba rhythms, offering an innovative sound that transcends conventional genre boundaries.

The lyrics brightly depict the unique exhilaration of summer—sun-kissed skin, a longing for the ocean, and the flutter of seeing someone in a bikini.

It’s also featured on the album “TOKYO CLASSIC,” and became the first million-selling record in Japanese hip-hop.

Perfect for seaside drives, summer festivals, or relaxing by the pool.

A Long, Short FestivalRingo Sheena

Ringo Sheena – Long and Short Festival

That mature vibe is something to admire, isn’t it? How about a cool summer song by the singer-songwriter Ringo Sheena? It was released in 2015 as her 16th single.

It has an addictive quality that makes you want to keep listening.

Fish's LoveSuper VHS

Fish's Love

It’s a number whose lyrics resonate with the heart, conjuring bittersweet scenes of summer.

This track by the electro-pop/new wave band Super VHS, featuring Mei Ehara, rides an urban sound to sing of a fleeting love.

Released as a 7-inch single in April 2019, it had previously been included on the September 2016 compilation album “Young Folks in Metropolis.” The cool vocals seem to accentuate the protagonist’s hidden passion and sadness.

Give it a listen on a night when you’re in the mood for a touch of sentimentality.

The Whereabouts on August 31Friends

Friends: Whereabouts on August 31

Marked by a crystal-clear melody that evokes the bittersweet air of late summer.

This track by the five-member co-ed band Friends was released as a digital single in August 2020.

It candidly portrays wavering feelings of love—being utterly smitten yet still unsure if it’s the real thing.

The modern scenes of romance are skillfully expressed, making it highly relatable.

If you want to immerse yourself in the feeling of thinking deeply about someone, this piece might be a perfect fit.

Sparklers feat. Lila IkutaChiahi Sato

Chiaki Sato – Sparkler (Senko Hanabi) feat. Rira Ikuta (Music Video)

This is a song that brings back that special summertime-night exhilaration.

Released ahead of the June 2023 album “BUTTERFLY EFFECT,” it’s a poppy dance tune with a comfortably infectious rhythm.

The vocals by Chiahi Sato and Lila Ikuta hint at the beginning of a faint love story.

Words like “festival” and “ice cream that won’t melt” are brimming with summer sparkle, while the bittersweet wish for a night that you never want to end resonates in your heart.

Give it a listen when you want to feel the flutter of romance and the tenderness for a summer that’s slipping away!

Natsumatopoeia＝LOVE

=LOVE (Equal Love) / 14th Single “Natsu Matopé” [MV full]

Natsumatopé is packed with a girl’s desire to enjoy summer to the fullest.

It’s the 14th single from =LOVE, the idol group produced by Rino Sashihara, featuring a double center with Maika Sasaki and Iori Noguchi.

The catchy, well-rhymed title “Natsumatopé” is a coined word combining “natsu” (summer) and “onomatopoeia,” and the chorus lyrics spotlight sound—worth paying attention to.

It’s a summer tune recommended for girls who want to be greedy and enjoy not just romance, but every last bit of summer!