Songs for summer: Popular Artist Rankings [2026]

The Story You Don’t Knowsupercell8rank/position

Supercell – The Story You Don't Know

This song captures the aching feeling of a love that can’t be confessed.

Created by the creator collective supercell led by composer ryo, their first single—released in August 2009—was used as the ending theme for the TV anime Bakemonogatari.

It opens with a gentle piano melody and expands into a brisk, driving band sound, giving it a refreshing vibe that’s perfect for summer.

Under a star-studded night sky, it portrays the bittersweet inner struggle of a protagonist who keeps their feelings for someone hidden.

The track was later included on the album Today Is A Beautiful Day.

Vocalist Yanaginagi’s clear, translucent voice conveys pure, youthful longing and is sure to add a moving touch to reels that capture cherished summer memories.

Ghost in the FlowersYorushika9rank/position

Yorushika – Ghost in a Flower (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

A song by Yorushika, who uphold the concept of “not letting the creator step ahead of the work.” Released in April 2020, this piece was chosen as the theme song for the animated film A Whisker Away.

Memories of a special summer spent together resurface like a mirage—those bittersweet scenes are woven by gentle vocals and delicate piano tones.

The lyrics’ worldview, where the desire not to forget mingles with the resignation of knowing it’s a past you can never return to, tightens the chest before you know it.

As the closing, lyrical number on the album “Plagiarism,” it’s sure to add an emotional touch to reels of late-summer twilights or those moments when you find yourself lost in thought.

secret base ~What You Gave Me~ZONE10rank/position

ZONE “secret base ~What You Gave Me~” MUSIC VIDEO

When it comes to summer songs loved across generations, this moving classic is a must.

Released in August 2001, it’s known as the theme song for the drama “Kids War 3.” Exactly ten years after its release, it was covered for the anime “Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day,” bringing it to an even wider audience.

It portrays the sorrow of parting with someone dear at summer’s end and the strong belief in meeting again in the future—just listening to it makes your heart swell.

Though it centers on friendship, it also resonates deeply as a love song, possessing a mysterious power.

Midsummer FruitSazan Ōrusutāzu11rank/position

Southern All Stars – Midsummer Fruit [Live at Chigasaki Park Baseball Stadium, 2023]

A classic song released in July 1990 that poignantly portrays a bittersweet love.

As the theme song for the film “Inamura Jane,” directed by Keisuke Kuwata, this ballad was presented to the world by Southern All Stars.

Set against the transition from late summer to autumn, it delicately weaves the feelings of a man reflecting on a past romance with subtle melodies and beautiful words.

Memories by the seaside, the lingering traces of love that remain in the heart, the loneliness of being drenched by the chill of autumn rain—its poetic world resonates deeply with listeners.

After its release, it reached No.

4 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and became a hit certified Platinum.

It’s a song that gently accompanies those nights when you want to dwell in the afterglow of summer and face your nostalgic memories.

HANABIMr.Children12rank/position

Mr.Children 「HANABI」 MUSIC VIDEO

This is a work released in September 2008, chosen as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Code Blue: Doctor Heli Kinkyū Kyūmei.” It was later included on the album “SUPERMARKET FANTASY.” While grappling with one’s sense of self-worth, it portrays the strength of people who keep reaching out for fragile hopes.

Like lights that bloom and fade in the summer night sky, it evokes the image of someone who refuses to give up, even on dreams that seem out of reach.

It’s a bittersweet yet powerful song filled with messages that can give you the strength to face forward again when you feel lost and come to a standstill in life.

fireworksaiko13rank/position

aiko - “Hanabi” music video

When it comes to expressing delicate feelings of love in song, no one outshines the singer-songwriter aiko.

This is a bright, approachable pop number that vividly captures the dazzling lights that color the summer night sky, layered with aching longing and restless emotion.

Released back in August 1999, the track still enjoys enduring, undimmed popularity today.

It was used as the ending theme for TV Asahi’s “Geki Maji!! ~Teen no Honne~” and as a commercial song for Circle K.

It’s also included on the classic album “Sakura no Ki no Shita.” Perfect for anyone experiencing that tantalizing, just-out-of-reach kind of love.

Set it as the BGM for your Instagram Stories to capture beautiful summer moments, and it will amplify the emotional atmosphere even more.

summer festivalWhiteberry14rank/position

Whiteberry “Summer Festival” MUSIC VIDEO

Whiteberry’s 2000 cover of “Natsu Matsuri” is a must-pair track for videos featuring summer fireworks lighting up the night sky.

Originally created by JITTERIN’JINN in 1990, the song was used as the theme for the drama “Fushigi na Hanashi” and in numerous commercials.

Its uptempo, sprightly melody captures the lively spirit of a festival and fills you with excitement.

It depicts fleeting moments like walking in a yukata and a tender, unspoken first love, giving it an irresistible nostalgic vibe.

Perfect for lively Reels with friends or Stories that preserve summer memories with emotion.

Its refreshing sound, loved across generations, will make your posts shine even brighter.