Songs for summer: Popular Artist Rankings [2026]

swim04 Limited Sazabys71rank/position

04 Limited Sazabys『swim』(Official Music Video)

This song was produced as the lead track for 04 Limited Sazabys’ single “YON.” Its dynamic, refreshing sound leaves an impression, carrying an encouraging message that urges you to keep moving forward.

It compares the pains and struggles of life to the act of swimming—sometimes resisting the water, sometimes being carried by it—supporting the image of struggling toward the future.

The song delivers a powerful message that light awaits at the end of your hard-fought journey.

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kappamaki

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If I Hadn’t Met You ~Summer Snow Winter Flower~Aimer72rank/position

Aimer - Had I Not Met You ~Summer Snow, Winter Flower~

Many people have experienced the feeling that if they had made a different decision back then, their present might have turned out differently.

In this song, that sentiment intertwines with the theme of heartbreak.

Notably, it does not dwell on regretting the past; instead, it carries a forward-looking nuance that suggests people can grow through the experience of a broken heart.

Island SongTHE BOOM73rank/position

The Boom - Shima Uta (Live)

Isn’t “Shima Uta” one of those indispensable summer classics that seem to carry the Okinawan breeze to us? Created by THE BOOM with the story of Okinawa’s Himeyuri student nurses in mind, it’s a track that uniquely incorporates folk melodies into a rock band’s sound.

You can enjoy not only the standard Japanese version but also the Uchināguchi (Okinawan language) version, which really conveys the local atmosphere.

The melody, expressing a land’s wish for peace after overcoming the tragedies of war, is beautiful, and the sound of the sanshin brings a pleasantly cool feeling.

The lyrics portray a poignant longing and emotions that many can relate to.

When you listen to it at karaoke or on a drive, enjoy it while picturing Okinawa’s beautiful scenery and wishing for peace.

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miyabi

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Summer LoveInoue Sonoko74rank/position

Sonoko Inoue – Summer Love

It’s a refreshing song that feels like the start of summer! It’s a track by singer-songwriter Sonoko Inoue, released as her second single in June 2016, and it peaked at No.

17 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.

Chosen as the ending theme for the TV drama “Koe Koi,” it reached a wide audience.

The lyrics, written in down-to-earth language, capture the frustration of not being able to take that one last step toward the person you like, along with the overflowing feelings of love—and just listening makes your heart flutter.

There’s also an adorable, catchy phrase that feels like casting a love-fulfilling spell.

This song might just color a beautiful moment in your summer.

summer skyGalileo Galilei75rank/position

Galileo Galilei 'Summer Sky'

A summer song by the hugely popular rock band Galileo Galilei that captures the glow of youth.

Yuki Ozaki’s plain-spoken, earnest vocals beautifully express the bittersweetness of summer’s end and the anticipation of new beginnings.

Released in June 2010, the track was also used as the opening theme for the anime Big Windup! The Summer Tournament Arc.

With its dreamy guitar sound and pulsing bassline, it’s perfect as background music for summer drives and outdoor trips—and it’s guaranteed to get everyone hyped when you’re hanging out with friends of the same generation.

Over DriveJUDY AND MARY76rank/position

Over Drive

When it comes to quintessential summer anthems of the ’90s with an exhilarating, piercing sense of freshness, it has to be this one by JUDY AND MARY.

YUKI’s free-spirited lyrics—like something leaping out of a fairy tale—blend seamlessly with TAKUYA’s sprightly guitar riffs to whisk listeners into the ultimate summer mood.

Released in 1995, the song also aired in a Toyota commercial and peaked at No.

4 on the Oricon charts.

Packed with the band’s condensed energy, it’s perfect for a drive—brimming with a charm that makes you want to keep on cruising under the summer blue sky.

Seaside StoryMAZZEL77rank/position

MAZZEL / Seaside Story -Music Video-

Evoking the refreshing vibe of a summer seaside, this is a summer song packed with a new side of MAZZEL.

Produced by Taku Takahashi and SKY-HI, it strikes a perfect balance between a medium-tempo chill atmosphere and a wistful melody.

Released as a digital single on July 5, 2024, a teaser for the music video dropped the same day.

It blends the openness of summer with elements of breezy, paradise-style dance—making it a perfect track for the season.

The choreography, which incorporates summery motifs like the sea, waves, and ships, is another highlight.

It’s the kind of exhilarating song you’ll want to play while driving on a hot summer day.