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.

Music HourPorunogurafiti37rank/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 1993class38rank/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.

MiracleGReeeeN39rank/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-iCE40rank/position

Starmine

The Da-iCE song that’s been gaining popularity on TikTok and YouTube really stands out with its festival-like chants and an up-tempo melody that feels like fireworks launching one after another.

The track conveys a positive message about not getting discouraged by a single failure and trying again and again, and just listening to it gives you energy.

Released in August 2022, it’s also included on the album “SCENE.” It’s a classic that won the Excellence Award at the 64th Japan Record Awards that year.

It’s perfect for lifting your mood at summer vacation events or when you’re hanging out with friends, so be sure to give it a listen!

High-Pressure GirlYamashita Tatsuro41rank/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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Trace that dreamYOASOBI42rank/position

YOASOBI “Tracing That Dream” Official Music Video

A March 2022 number from YOASOBI.

Carried by shimmering piano tones, it evokes the freshness of summer and the delicate feelings of youthful romance.

The world where precognitive dreams and reality overlap is heart‑pounding for listeners, too.

It was featured as the song in Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s CalorieMate commercial and used as the theme song when the novel that inspired the track was adapted into a live-action film.

With over 100 million streams, it has captured many hearts.

Set against the backdrop of a fireworks festival, the story of trying to make the dream of staying forever with the one you love come true is irresistibly moving.

How about this piece to accompany a summer romance—full of sparkle and excitement?