Songs for summer: Popular Artist Rankings [2026]

The End of SummerMoriyama Naotaro50rank/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.

Marigoldaimyon51rank/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!

summer vacationyoshida takurou52rank/position

summer vacation

It’s a song that vividly captures the memories and bittersweetness of youthful summers, and can be considered one of Takuro Yoshida’s signature works.

It was included on the 1972 album “Genki Desu.” and later released as a single in March 1989.

Centered on a simple yet emotionally rich melody built around acoustic folk guitar and vocals, it leaves a strong impression.

From the lyrics emerge scenes of Japanese summer—sunlit days, time spent by the seaside, and memories with friends.

Yoshida’s distinctive vocal style further enhances the song’s appeal.

With lyrics that embody the essence of summer, it resonates deeply with many people and continues to be loved across generations.

Unchanging ThingsOku Hanako53rank/position

Unchanging Things

A piano ballad that lets you sink into a wistful mood, as if longing for the summer that has passed.

The singer is Hanako Oku, a singer-songwriter often praised as someone whose “voice alone can move you to tears.” This work centers on the irreplaceable nature of everyday life and feelings that never fade, even as time goes by.

Its message—yearning to reach someone you may never meet again, transcending time and distance—truly strikes the heart.

Included on the single “Garnet,” released in July 2006, it served as an insert song in the feature-length animated film The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, heightening the emotion of its climactic scenes.

It’s a number you’ll want to listen to on a slightly chilly evening at dusk, as you look back on your summer memories.

Summer NudeMagokoro Burazāzu54rank/position

Magokoro Brothers “Summer Nude” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

This song, which beautifully captures the poignant scenery at summer’s end, is a 1995 release by Magokoro Brothers.

Its distinctive melody line and lyrics depicting summer scenes have captured the hearts of many.

With delicate expressions of summer nights, seaside happenings, the brilliance of youth, and the bittersweet feeling of a summer slipping away, it has a charm that resonates deeply with listeners.

In 2010, it was also used as insert music in the TV Tokyo drama “Moteki,” and it remains beloved across generations.

It’s a track that may truly move you when you’re looking back on summer memories or experiencing a farewell with someone dear.

Summer memories scented by the windAAA55rank/position

AAA / “Summer Memories Fragrant on the Breeze” Music Video

A song whose wistful yet beautiful melody seeps into your heart, like suddenly recalling an old love on a summer evening.

The memories of fleeting love and bygone summer days, sung by AAA, spread through your chest like a pale watercolor.

The track was included as the B-side to AAA’s single “Wake up!” released in July 2014, and later featured on the album “GOLD SYMPHONY” released the same year, as well as the best-of compilation “AAA 10th ANNIVERSARY BEST” the following year.

For those who want to bask in a sentimental mood at summer’s end, this song will gently accompany you back to those bittersweet memories.

The Summer Without YouDEEN56rank/position

[Detective Conan ED4] The Summer Without You – DEEN

As summer draws to a close, do you ever find yourself overcome by a quiet melancholy? This classic ballad by DEEN gently stays by your side in those moments.

It brings back memories of those sweet summer days that can never return, and even as you carry an ache you can’t shake, you offer a small prayer in a corner of your heart… You can almost see the protagonist before your eyes.

Released in August 1997 as their 12th single, this song served as the ending theme for the anime Detective Conan.

When you want to quietly reflect on a love that has passed or sort out your feelings, listening to it will surely soften that sense of loneliness, if only a little.