Songs for summer: Popular Artist Rankings [2026]

Paradise BabyRIP SLYME22rank/position

RIP SLYME – Rakuen Baby

RIP SLYME, the hip-hop group that brought a refreshing breeze to the J-POP scene in the 2000s.

Their signature summer tune is a liberating track set against a beach backdrop.

With a lively beat reminiscent of samba and a pleasant melody, just listening makes you feel the sunshine and sea breeze.

Released in June 2002 as their fifth single, this song is perfect as background music for an open, carefree mood—whether on a summer drive or chilling by the ocean.

Add it to a story, and a fleeting scene might suddenly glow with the vividness of a movie moment.

You and the summer music festivalSHISHAMO23rank/position

SHISHAMO “You and the Summer Festival”

Are there people out there imagining what it would be like to go to a summer music festival with that special someone they adore? This song by the three-piece girls’ band SHISHAMO is packed with that kind of sweet, bittersweet youth.

The track is set around a festival date with someone you’re interested in.

It captures both a passion for music and the delicate emotional ups and downs of worrying about how the other person sees you—guaranteed to make your heart flutter.

Released in July 2014, the song is also included on the album “SHISHAMO 2.” It was used as the ending theme for TV Tokyo’s “JAPAN COUNTDOWN,” reaching many listeners.

If you want to start a summer romance, this song will surely give you the courage you need.

It’s also highly recommended for couples to listen to together!

Summer MemoriesKetsumeishi24rank/position

Ketsumeishi - Summer Memories

A single with a mellow rap and soothing melody that weaves a charming, nostalgic atmosphere.

The lyrics, which sing of memories of radiant summer days spent with friends and the sudden pangs of wistfulness that come back, are something many people will likely overlay with their own youth.

Released in July 2003 as Ketsumeishi’s seventh single, the song became widely familiar as a Vodafone commercial tune.

It’s perfect for an end-of-summer drive or those quiet moments alone in reflection, when you want to sink into a slightly sentimental mood.

planetariumOtsuka Ai25rank/position

Ai Otsuka / Planetarium

Singer-songwriter Ai Otsuka, who creates everything from energetic tunes to moving ballads.

Released in September 2005, this song is a bittersweet love ballad perfect for summer nights.

You can almost picture the scene of memories with a precious person who’s gone, overlapping with the countless stars spread across the night sky.

The piano accompaniment, which carries a hint of traditional Japanese flavor, is striking, and her supple, straight-reaching vocals on top of it are deeply moving.

The track was chosen as the theme song for the drama “Koi no Karasawagi” and is also included on the acclaimed album “LOVE COOK.” How about listening to it at summer’s end, while recalling an unforgettable love?

Magic of a Summer Nightindigo la End26rank/position

indigo la End “Summer Night Magic”

Indigo la End, fronted by Enon Kawatani.

This song captures a magical moment allowed only on summer nights.

Its mellow pop-rock sound layered with gentle guitar tones creates a subtly nostalgic atmosphere.

The lyrics portray the fragile feelings of a protagonist who, knowing everything will vanish when the night ends, still surrenders to a fleeting relationship.

Included on the June 2015 single Before It Gets Sad, this gem is sure to resonate deeply—especially on a summer night drive.

Roco LotionORANGE RANGE27rank/position

ORANGE RANGE Locolotion VC HD

A feel-good party tune from Okinawa-born ORANGE RANGE! Just listening to it conjures up scenes of goofing around with friends under the blazing sun, and you can’t help but start moving your body.

This track is ORANGE RANGE’s sixth single, released in June 2004, and it became widely known as the song for Otsuka Beverage’s “MATCH” commercial.

It’s actually a cover of Little Eva’s “The Loco-Motion.” Put it on at the beach or while driving in the summer with friends or someone you like, and you’re sure to make the best memories! It’s the perfect song for anyone whose heart is fluttering at the start of a romance or who wants to make the most of summer.

sunflowerAdo28rank/position

[Ado] Sunflower

When it comes to Ado, many people probably picture powerful, aggressive songs.

But the work released in July 2023 showcases her gentle yet emotional vocals that really resonate.

It was created as the theme song for the TBS drama “18/40: Dreams and Love, If We’re Together.” The song portrays a protagonist who lacks confidence and can’t be honest with herself, wishing to live straight and true—like a flower reaching for the sun, like the person she admires.

Ado’s vocals build movingly from a quiet opening, making this a warm track that seems to gently give listeners a push forward.

Even those who usually find her songs difficult might find this one comfortable to sing.