Songs for summer: Popular Artist Rankings [2026]

Glaring Summernaniwa danshi85rank/position

Naniwa Danshi – Gira Gira Summer [Official Music Video]

A summery tune with popping beats and the members’ energetic vocals that’ll make your body start dancing before you know it! In this track, Naniwa Danshi play the role of the charismatic “Glittering Gira-Gira-sama” who spices up summer, filling the song with a fun that makes you forget the dull routine of everyday life.

It was also featured in a ROUND1 commercial and included on their fourth album, “BON BON VOYAGE,” released in July 2025.

The sound fuses disco and pop, and the lyrics paint a world where you can practically see the members letting loose and dancing—another big draw.

With this as your BGM, your summer drives and camping trips are sure to become unforgettable memories!

BANG! BANG! VacationSMAP86rank/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 youmiwa87rank/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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yamamoto

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Become the windtsuji ayano88rank/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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Blue HabitatKitanitatsuya89rank/position

Where Our Blue Is / Tatsuya Kitani

Tatsuya Kitani’s work is captivating for its exhilarating sound that heralds the arrival of summer.

This song explores the brilliance of youth that will never return and the inescapable sense of loss lurking beneath it, with a melody that combines freshness and a heart-tightening wistfulness to truly move you.

Released in July 2023 as the title track of the EP “Ao no Sumika,” it was written as the opening theme for Season 2 of the TV anime Jujutsu Kaisen (Hidden Inventory/Premature Death) and went on to receive a Special Award at the Japan Record Awards the same year.

It’s perfect for feeling the wind on a summer drive, and just as wonderful to enjoy together as a family while reflecting on the story!

Serious SUNSHINEHey! Say! JUMP90rank/position

Hey! Say! JUMP – Serious Sunshine [Official Music Video]

Hey! Say! JUMP is an idol group with striking individuality and an adorable look that leaves a strong impression.

While their recent songs tend to be influenced by K-pop, they still deliver classic, old-school Johnny’s-style idol tunes.

Among their tracks, the one I especially recommend is Shinken SUNSHINE.

It’s packed with a lively, summery, playful vibe, and its upbeat sound alone can lift your spirits.

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Ryo

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summer hazeatarayo91rank/position

Atarayo – Summer Haze (Music Video)

Atarayo, known as a band that “feeds on sorrow,” delivers music that sinks deep into the heart.

The track they released in August 2021 is a number that tightens your chest with longing, as if a summer drive suddenly brings back memories of an old love.

With twin male-female vocals by Hitomi and Maashi trading lines, they sing of days of summer now gone and the helpless yearning for someone they can never return to, gently opening the door to the listener’s memories.

The blue of the sky and a faint lingering scent revive the searing memories of a love once vivid, layering regret and lingering attachment over the fleeting imagery of “summer haze.” The song is featured on the EP “Yoake Mae” and the album “In the Polar Night, the Moon Remains Silent,” and is cherished by many fans as one of their signature summer tunes.

It’s the perfect track for driving at the end of summer when you’re in a slightly sentimental mood.