Songs for summer: Popular Artist Rankings [2026]

ultra soulB’z36rank/position

B’z / ultra soul

With its energetic music and powerful message, this B’z classic adds a refreshing spark to your morning wake-up.

Released in March 2001, the song portrays the drive to challenge one’s limits and pursue dreams—making it a perfect power tune to start the day.

It also drew attention as the official theme song for the 2001 FINA World Championships in Fukuoka.

Tak Matsumoto’s razor-sharp guitar work and Koshi Inaba’s soaring vocals blend brilliantly to express deep themes of self-realization and growth.

Highly recommended for those who want to kick off the day with vigor or need an anthem that pushes them to confront their limits.

Summer Love Sensationmakaroni enpitsu37rank/position

macaroni empitsu “Summer Love Sensation” MV

Set to a breezy, upbeat pop-rock sound, this Macaroni Enpitsu number paints a picture of summer romance.

You can almost see the scenes brimming with youthful sparkle and bittersweet emotion—like the fireworks we watched together while you wore a yukata.

Released in August 2017 as the band’s first single, the song was also included on their first full-length album, CHOSYOKU.

It served as the ending theme for TV Tokyo’s music program MelodiX!, so many people may have heard it at the time.

With its catchy, easy-to-sing melody, it’s a great choice even for those who don’t usually sing, and it’s sure to liven up any karaoke session where everyone wants to soak up the summer vibe.

Music HourPorunogurafiti38rank/position

PORNOGRAFFITTI 'Music Hour (Short Ver.)'

It’s a feel-good summer song that sounds like it’s coming straight from the radio! This track by Porno Graffitti was released in July 2000 as their third single.

It was featured in a commercial for Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s Pocari Sweat.

The playful lyrics, like a radio host calling out to listeners, deliver that bubbly summer feeling.

The charm lies in how you can forget the complicated stuff and simply let yourself be carried by the joy of the music.

Listen to it on a summer drive or at a beach party with friends, and your memories are sure to shine even brighter.

Summer Days of 1993class39rank/position

Summer Day of 1993 – class (Full) Lyrics: Hajime Matsumoto Music: Ken Sato cover

When it comes to summer songs from the Heisei era, this is surely the first track that comes to many people’s minds.

Performed by the male duo class, it was their debut single and a million seller in 1993, topping 1.155 million copies.

It tells a bittersweet story of suddenly falling in love with a long-time friend under the dazzling summer sun.

Carried by a refreshing melody, it vividly sings of the protagonist’s heart being stolen by charms they had never noticed before.

It was also loved as the theme song for the TV show “Kimi to Itsumademo.” Its straightforward lyrics invite a variety of interpretations depending on the listener—perhaps one reason this song continues to be talked about for so long.

MiracleGReeeeN40rank/position

GReeeeN – Kiseki

Released in May 2008, this song drew attention as the theme for the TV drama “ROOKIES.” Centered on the themes of the “miracle” of meeting a loved one and the “path” they have walked together, it conveys hope for the future and gratitude in straightforward words.

It was also chosen as the entrance march for the 81st National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament in 2009, gaining popularity as a cheer song that colors passionate moments of youth.

Its warm yet powerful melody will gently give you a push as you strive toward your goals.

StarmineDa-iCE41rank/position

Da-iCE / “Star Mine” Music Video

Why not experience a sophisticated summer that makes you want to move to the rhythm, set against a backdrop of fireworks painting the night sky? This track by Da-iCE, known for their overwhelming vocals and dance, has been featured in various settings, including as the ending theme for NTV’s “Sukkiri” and the official theme song of the Mynavi Japan Beach Volleyball Tour 2023.

It’s also known for winning the Excellence Award at the 64th Japan Record Awards at the end of 2022.

Its playful wordplay sprinkled with numbers sticks in your ears and perfectly suits nighttime scenes enjoyed in yukata.

An uplifting dance tune recommended for those who want to add a splash of color to their videos on social media.

High-Pressure GirlYamashita Tatsuro42rank/position

High-Pressure Girl (Cover)

Speaking of summer, many people in their 50s probably recall Tatsuro Yamashita’s songs wrapped in those refreshing jackets illustrated by Eizin Suzuki.

One of his tracks became the campaign song for All Nippon Airways in 1983, and among them, this particular song must have left a strong impression.

The arrangement—quintessential Yamashita—opens with a cappella chorus and percussion, and its breezy tone evokes a hot yet dry, crisp kind of summer, perfectly elevating that resort feeling.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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