Songs for summer: Popular Artist Rankings [2026]

ImaginationSPYAIR78rank/position

SPYAIR “Imagination” TV anime “Haikyu!!” opening theme

When it comes to energetic tracks that blow away the sweltering summer heat, “Imagination” tops the list.

Released in 2014 by the rock band SPYAIR, known for handling numerous anime theme songs, it was used as the opening theme for the anime Haikyu!!, so some of you may already know it.

Its straightforward lyrics, which depict the courage to push forward toward dreams and goals, are truly moving.

The driving, fast-paced band sound is sure to amp up the summer vibes.

Be sure to check out this rock number that will hype up kids right before summer!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

mutō

Report a problem

A Perfect SkyBONNIE PINK79rank/position

BONNIE PINK – A Perfect Sky

Singer-songwriter BONNIE PINK, highly acclaimed for her genre-blending musicality.

Released in June 2006, this song became a major hit as the CM track for Shiseido’s ANESSA.

Set to a breezy sound that feels like an endlessly expanding blue sky, the lyrics beautifully portray the summer romance of an independent woman.

The lyrics balance summer sparkle with a touch of wistfulness in a stylish way, making it perfect as a driving soundtrack for an exhilarating sense of freedom.

Like when we first metEvery Little Thing80rank/position

"Like When We First Met" MUSIC VIDEO / Every Little Thing

When it comes to gem-like love songs packed with summer memories, this track surely comes to mind.

Its sweet, bittersweet lyrics and refreshing melody perfectly capture the flutter of hearts in the season of love.

Released in August 1997 as one of Every Little Thing’s signature songs, it reached No.

3 on the Oricon chart.

It was also featured in Morinaga’s ICE BOX TV commercial and became a major hit.

It’s the perfect tune for a driving playlist and remains a karaoke staple.

Highly recommended for those who want to reminisce about their first love or as a special summer song to share with someone important.

Summer IllusionGARNET CROW81rank/position

GARNET CROW “Summer Illusion”

This song is filled with bittersweet memories of love, and its lyrics evocatively capture the fleeting nature of late summer.

It delicately portrays the distance and instability between two people, resonating deeply with listeners.

Released in January 2001, this track is beloved by many as one of GARNET CROW’s signature works.

It was also used as an ending theme for Detective Conan, making it familiar to anime fans as well.

It’s the perfect song for when you want to bask in summer memories or reflect on a relationship with someone important.

You can fully immerse yourself in GARNET CROW’s unique world—an ideal track to play on a summer night.

everything; the whole lot; lock, stock, and barrelKREVA82rank/position

everything; the whole lot; lock, stock, and barrel

A healing summer song by KREVA that blends the languid feel of a hot afternoon with a refreshing breeze.

You dream of a resort, yet end up relaxing at home after all.

It conjures up an unpretentious snapshot of summer.

And maybe being with someone special is enough to make you happy, even without anything extraordinary—that’s the kind of love-filled touch KREVA brings to this track.

Released in June 2005, it was also used as a TV show ending theme.

Its comfortable beat and smooth rap make it a perfect number for summer drives or moments of quiet reflection.

Summer IllusionOmoinotake83rank/position

Omoinotake / Summer Illusion [Official Music Video]

A song by Omoinotake distinguished by its delicate piano sound.

The lyrics, which depict the bittersweet feelings of love at the end of summer, and the emotional vocals really resonate.

Released in June 2020, the track was also used as the ending theme for the original drama “love ⇄ distance.” The background of being created around the theme of a romance where you “can’t touch” during the COVID-19 pandemic further deepens the song’s world.

It’s a sentimental piece you’ll want to listen to alone on a summer night—also perfect as background music for a drive.

sea glassSaucy Dog84rank/position

Saucy Dog “Sea Glass” Music Video <4th Mini Album “Take Me” Released on 2020.9.2>

It’s a song by Saucy Dog that evokes sparkling summer scenes and the sweet-and-sour memories of young love.

Sung over a driving, exhilarating sound, it captures the charm and fragility of a wonderful romance, and the fleeting brilliance of youth that will never return.

It’s sure to deliver a bittersweet yet heartwarming emotion to listeners.

Released as a digital single in July 2020, the track was also included on the mini-album “Take Me” in September of the same year.

The music video, produced in collaboration with Honda’s youth support project “Honda×Music: Wanna Ride a Bike? MUSIC FES.,” expresses the dynamism of youth racing forward on a motorcycle.

Whether you’re feeling the wind on a summer drive or suddenly reminiscing about your school days, listening to this song may bring back the flutter of those moments.