Songs for summer: Popular Artist Rankings [2026]

Oh Yeah!arashi57rank/position

Oh Yeah!

Arashi is a five-member idol group that paused group activities in 2020, yet each member has continued to thrive at the forefront of the industry.

Oh Yeah!, the opening track of their seventh studio album Time, was used as the commercial song for House Foods’ C1000 Lemon Water, in which the members also appeared.

The opening, marked by a memorable guitar riff with delay, evokes the refreshing feeling of summer.

With its exhilarating, fast-paced beat that creates a pleasant atmosphere, it’s a hidden gem among Arashi’s many well-known songs.

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Hoshino Takashi

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BLUE BIRDHamasaki Ayumi58rank/position

Ayumi Hamasaki / BLUE BIRD

It’s a dazzlingly refreshing track that evokes a boundless blue sky and white sandy beaches.

It portrays the hope that awaits beyond hardship and the strong bond that lets you soar into the future with someone dear.

This work is Ayumi Hamasaki’s 40th single, released in June 2006, and it debuted at No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

It’s also well known as the song used in the Zespri Gold Kiwi commercial, and it’s included on the album “Secret” as well as the summer best-of compilation “A SUMMER BEST.” Listen to it on a summer drive or while soaking up the sun at the beach, and your spirits are sure to soar.

When you’re ready to take a new step forward, this song will surely give you courage.

Why not listen to it with someone special and talk about your hopes for the future?

Serious SUNSHINEHey! Say! JUMP59rank/position

Hey! Say! JUMP – Serious Sunshine [Official Music Video]

Hey! Say! JUMP is an idol group with striking individuality and an adorable look that leaves a strong impression.

While their recent songs tend to be influenced by K-pop, they still deliver classic, old-school Johnny’s-style idol tunes.

Among their tracks, the one I especially recommend is Shinken SUNSHINE.

It’s packed with a lively, summery, playful vibe, and its upbeat sound alone can lift your spirits.

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Ryo

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PARTY PEOPLESixTONES60rank/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.

Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro61rank/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.

HANABIikimonogakari62rank/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 Chitai63rank/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.