Songs for summer: Popular Artist Rankings [2026]

Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro57rank/position

Motohiro Hata – “Himawari no Yakusoku” Music Video

This song was chosen as the theme for the film “STAND BY ME Doraemon” and became a hot topic as a moving, tear-jerking ballad.

Written and performed by singer-songwriter Motohiro Hata, it was released in August 2014.

Its warm message wishing happiness for someone close overlaps with Hata’s beautiful, gentle vocals, and before you know it, it brings you to tears.

The piece resonated with many people for its depiction of irreplaceable bonds—caring for others and staying connected at heart even when apart.

It’s also included on the album “Ao no Kōkei” (Scenes of Blue).

If you compile reels of summer trips with friends or bright, sunflower-like smiling moments spent with family, you’ll end up with a moving creation.

PARTY PEOPLESixTONES58rank/position

SixTONES – PARTY PEOPLE

As a quintessential summer anthem, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser for everyone, regardless of gender.

Surprise-released and uploaded to YouTube in August 2022, it rapidly racked up views in a short period.

With its sexy lyrics and catchy, upbeat rhythm, it’s perfect for the beach, festivals, and summer nights.

The choreography that matches the chorus is another highlight, making it a surefire hit at live shows and events.

It’s a song you can sing along to and enjoy with friends.

HANABIikimonogakari59rank/position

Ikimono-gakari 'HANABI' Music Video

Ikimonogakari’s “HANABI” turns up the heat on summer romance like blazing fireworks.

Released in 2006, the song was used as an ending theme for the anime BLEACH.

Its fast-paced, driving melody seems to amplify the intensity of summer itself.

The lyrics tell of fireworks that can’t be watched together—yet—paired with a wish that, until the day they can, their feelings never cool.

Youthful love believes straight ahead in each other and in a future whose shape can’t yet be seen.

It’s a track that conveys not only the heat of fireworks, but also the lingering bittersweetness that follows.

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SAKI

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Harmony at the End of SummerInoue Yosui & Anzen Chitai60rank/position

Yosui Inoue & Anzenchitai - Harmony at the End of Summer

A beautiful ballad that vividly captures the melancholy of a fading summer and the moment two hearts overlap.

The poetic words by Yosui Inoue blend with the deeply emotive melody woven by Koji Tamaki, creating a lyrical world where even conflicting feelings are transformed into a beautiful tune that resonates in the heart.

The song was first performed during their joint stage at Jingu Stadium in August 1986 and released as a single the following September.

It is also included on the classic album “Anzenchitai V.” Listen to it on a late-summer drive or during a quiet, contemplative night, and memories from that time may come flooding back in vivid color.

Et cetera related to the seashorePUFFY61rank/position

PUFFY 'Et Cetera Related to the Beach' OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

A top-tier summer tune from PUFFY, produced by Tamio Okuda with lyrics by Yosui Inoue—both leading creators in Japan’s music scene.

Released in April 1997, the track hit No.

1 on the Oricon charts and became a million-seller with total sales exceeding 1.1 million copies.

It was also widely known as the song for Kirin Beverage’s “Tennen Sodachi” commercial.

Inoue’s lyrics paint a humorous, slightly surreal world set on a summer shoreline—utterly distinctive.

It’s a bona fide miracle of a song, perfectly fusing PUFFY’s signature laid-back vocals with a bright pop sound.

Put this on while driving along the coast, and it feels like the best summer is about to begin.

Everyday, KachushaAKB4862rank/position

[MV full] Everyday, Kachusha / AKB48 [Official]

If you want to instantly liven up a karaoke session and get into a summer mood, how about picking the song that AKB48 turned into a massive hit in 2011? It’s a quintessential idol tune with a pleasant melody and straightforward lyrics that evoke a sunlit seaside.

The song depicts a bittersweet crush—being drawn to the innocent moment of taking off a headband and wishing to spend time together again next year.

Released in May 2011 as their 21st single, it also became familiar through its tie-in with Asahi Soft Drinks’ “WONDA.” One of the great things about AKB48’s songs is how they energize any party when sung.

Why not try this easy-to-sing, refreshing, summer-memory companion of a number?

The End of Summeraibii karaa63rank/position

IVY COLOR [End of Summer] Music Video

Among the songs by the piano rock band Ivy to Color, several are themed around the seasons, but when it comes to summer, this is the one.

It portrays a couple who grow closer and closer beneath the fireworks of a summer festival.

While it has the driving energy characteristic of a rock band, the piano sound adds a dramatic touch to the track.

With fireworks—an iconic symbol of summer—and a sweet, heartwarming romance that tickles the heart, it’s a summer song especially recommended for younger listeners.

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Hane Keisuke

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