Songs for summer: Popular Artist Rankings [2026]

Like when we first metEvery Little Thing85rank/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 CROW86rank/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 barrelKREVA87rank/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 IllusionOmoinotake88rank/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.

BANG! BANG! VacationSMAP89rank/position

SMAP – BANG! BANG! Vacation! (MV)

This song fully expresses the liberating, joyful spirit of summer.

Its driving, fast-paced beat and optimistic lyrics invite listeners on a summer getaway.

Centered on the themes of escaping the everyday and yearning for freedom, it celebrates embracing spontaneity and having as much fun as possible without sticking to a plan.

Released in July 2005, it was performed in a variety of settings, including concert tours and music programs.

In the “SukiUta—Kōhaku Everyone’s Survey,” it ranked 26th in the White Team category, earning broad support across demographics.

It’s a track you’ll want to hear in the season of sea and sun, perfect for karaoke or as a driving soundtrack.

Because I met youmiwa90rank/position

miwa “Because I Met You -short ver.-”

The song Kimi ni Deaeta Kara was written by miwa as a tie-in track for Shiseido’s SEA BREEZE.

It was created with the theme of being a cheer song for students working hard in their club activities, and the melody includes chant-like calls that fire up the listener.

In contrast, the lyrics convey the beauty of youth and the fact that it is finite.

As a result, the song motivates you while also leaving you with a hint of wistfulness.

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Become the windtsuji ayano91rank/position

Ayano Tsuji / Become the Wind [VIDEO MUSIC AYA~NO 2009]

Ayano Tsuji’s “Kaze ni Naru” lets you feel the refreshing breeze of summer.

Released in 2002, the song gained popularity as the theme for Studio Ghibli’s film The Cat Returns.

Along with the movie itself, Tsuji’s gentle, soothing voice is surely easy for children to connect with.

Once you hear it, you’ll definitely want to hop on a bicycle and ride off, cutting through the wind just like the scenes described in the lyrics! With its tender melody, may it help you create wonderful summer memories.

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SAKI

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