Songs for summer: Popular Artist Rankings [2026]

water lily blossomShonan no Kaze43rank/position

Shonan no Kaze “Suirenka” MUSIC VIDEO

Shonan no Kaze, known as a leading act in Japanese reggae, captivates fans with their powerful live performances.

Their sixth single, released in June 2007, boldly incorporates soca, the traditional music of Trinidad and Tobago, making it a true anthem of summer.

What makes this track so compelling is not just its hype—it carries a powerful message of moving forward, like a water lily that blooms into a large flower from the mud, overcoming painful pasts and tears.

Produced by MINMI, this song instantly lifts your mood.

If you’re capturing summer drives or beach moments for your Instagram stories, this exhilarating, fast-paced sound will help create unforgettable memories.

Surfing JohnnyKuwata Keisuke44rank/position

Keisuke Kuwata – Surfin' Johnny (Short ver.)

Released in July 2001, this solo single by Keisuke Kuwata was also beloved as a theme song for a Japan Coca-Cola commercial.

It became his first million-selling release under his solo name and truly became a summer anthem.

The moment the piano in the intro rings out, it’s as if a sparkling ocean unfolds before your eyes—an exhilarating track.

Beyond its brightness, the song gains depth by portraying the fleeting pangs that surface in a passionate romance and the heartache of repeated meetings and farewells.

If you’ve ever had a bittersweet summer love, it’s sure to resonate with you.

The Sound of WavesImai Miki45rank/position

Miki Imai “Shiosai (The Sound of Waves)” Music Video

Miki Imai, known for her translucent singing voice and her portrayals of sophisticated, urban women, delivers in this work a summer ballad that seeps into the heart, crafted entirely by her partner, Tomoyasu Hotei.

You can almost picture the protagonist on a beach at dusk, listening closely to the ebb and flow of the waves and quietly reflecting on a love from long ago.

Released ahead of the album AQUA in July 2001, the song also reached living rooms nationwide as the ending theme of the infotainment show The! Sekai Gyoten News.

Put it on during a late-summer drive, and sweet, bittersweet memories will resurface, enveloping you in a nostalgic mood.

Blue Coral ReefMatsuda Seiko46rank/position

Blue Coral Reef

The famously soaring high notes in the intro make this an absolute classic that just screams “Seiko-chan.” Released in July 1980 as her second single, it’s surely one of the signature songs of early Seiko Matsuda.

The lyrics paint a straightforward picture of pure excitement: under the blue ocean stretching out before her, the protagonist can’t contain her overflowing feelings of love.

Beloved as the song for Glico’s “Yorell” commercial, it also topped The Best Ten for three consecutive weeks.

Put on this exhilarating summer tune and your mood will skyrocket—there’s no doubt it’ll make a seaside drive in summer many times more fun.

The End of SummerMoriyama Naotaro47rank/position

Naotaro Moriyama – Natsuno Owari

When it comes to the Summer Koshien, many people probably think of this song alongside the passionate battles of the high school players.

Sung by Naotaro Moriyama, it’s a classic ballad that vividly captures the wistful feeling of summer slipping away.

Released as a single in August 2003, it was later included on the acclaimed album “Ikutsumo no Kawa o Koete Umareta Kotobatachi.” At first listen, it sounds like a love song about someone far away, but the fact that it also carries a prayer for peace adds depth to the piece.

Chosen as the ending theme for the 85th “Nettou Koshien,” it moved many to tears.

It’s a song you’ll want to play at summer’s end, quietly basking in your memories.

together; along with; bothWANIMA48rank/position

WANIMA – Together (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

It’s a cheering song that lifts your spirits! Just listening to it gives you energy—the powerful sound so characteristic of WANIMA, along with lyrics that combine strength and warmth, are truly captivating.

Chosen in 2017 as the theme song for the project “Tomoni Susumu Kumamoto,” which focused on recovery from the Kumamoto earthquake, this piece carries the band members’ deep love for their hometown and a message of support.

It was included on their major first full-length album, “Everybody!!,” released in January 2018.

It’s a track that guides you to hold your ground together with your friends.

Marigoldaimyon49rank/position

Aimyon – Marigold [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

Aimyon captivates many fans with melodies that feel somehow nostalgic and lyrics that speak straight to the heart.

Released in August 2018, this song is widely known as one of her signature tracks.

Its poignant lyrics, which evoke memories of a summer romance gone by, and its soothing acoustic sound truly resonate.

This track cemented her popularity, and in 2019 she became the first domestic artist to surpass 100 million streams.

With its relaxed tempo and relatively narrow vocal range, even those who feel insecure about singing should find it comfortable to perform.

Give it a try at karaoke!