Songs to Listen to in Summer: Ranking of Popular Tracks by Japanese Female Artists [2026]

Summer HeroineKawai Naoko64rank/position

Naoko Kawai Summer Heroine

It’s a wonderfully refreshing tune that conjures up a seaside sparkling under the summer sun.

Naoko Kawai’s bright, soaring vocals carry the heroine’s summertime thrills and that slightly bittersweet urge to act a little more grown-up.

Released as a single in June 1982, it reached No.

7 on the Oricon chart and, together with the album of the same name, “Summer Heroine,” became a favorite among many fans.

Play it on a summer drive or at a resort, and you’ll feel that glittering mood of those days come rushing back.

It’s the perfect number for anyone who wants to bask in nostalgic summer memories or just lift their spirits.

Sweet EmotionAikawa Nanase65rank/position

Nanase Aikawa / Sweet Emotion

Known as one of Nanase Aikawa’s signature songs, this track is characterized by her powerful vocals and melodious sound.

Released in May 1999 and adopted as a radio campaign song, it passionately sings of a scorching love that embraces the night.

Aikawa’s characteristically fervent voice vividly captures the sultry heat of summer nights.

It’s perfect as driving BGM, too—listening with the windows down and the wind in your face might bring back pleasant summer memories.

It’s also a surefire crowd-pleaser at karaoke.

GO FOR IT !!Nishino Kana66rank/position

Kana Nishino 'GO FOR IT !!' MV Full

Kana Nishino’s 18th single, “GO FOR IT!!,” released in 2012, is a popular track known for giving courage to women in love.

The song depicts, in down-to-earth lyrics, the feelings of a woman confessing her love to the man she’s interested in, and its bright, pop sound is perfect for summer.

For those who are struggling with love and want to express their feelings to someone they like, it’s a number that gives you courage.

The music video is also pop and cute, and it gives you a positive boost—be sure to watch it together with the song!

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Summer Time MagicAme no Parēdo67rank/position

ame no parade – Summer Time Magic (Official Music Video)

This track, with its shimmering synth tones that linger in your ears, was released in July 2019 by ame no parade, a band pursuing a genreless sound.

Vocalist Kohei Fukunaga said, “We were conscious of summer in everything—the music, the lyrics, and the visuals.” Co-created with Koichi Tsutaya, the song is a pop anthem that distills the exhilaration of summer.

Paired with a music video shot in Guam, it evokes both carefree moments and the bittersweet afterglow that follows.

It’s a perfect pick for a summer drive or a night when you want to sink into a slightly sentimental mood.

Stand by Me: A Summer AdventureAiM68rank/position

AiM – Stand By Me ~Hito Natsu no Bouken~

This song was the ending theme for the 2000 theatrical release of the anime Digimon Adventure 02.

It was performed by voice actress Ai Maeda, who was active as a singer under the name AiM.

As the title suggests, it seems to be inspired by the classic film Stand by Me, and it sings about boys’ summer memories as they climb the steps toward adulthood.

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Summer MagicAI69rank/position

AI – 「Summer Magic」Music Video

An open, summer-themed number woven from tropical sounds and a husky voice.

Released in May 2019 to mark the opening of AI’s 20th anniversary in music, it drew attention as a co-production with The Rascals, the producer team known for working on Ariana Grande’s songs.

It was also featured as the song in an Amazon Echo TV commercial, setting the scene for sweet moments between lovers.

The lyrics, which sing of happy times spent at the beach, brighten the listener’s mood and fill them with positivity.

Perfect as background music for summer drives or by the beachside, this is a recommended track when you want to feel free and uplifted.

May it be filled with kindnessJUJU70rank/position

JUJU 'So That It Overflows with Kindness'

This song is known as one of JUJU’s signature tracks, beloved by people of all ages, regardless of gender.

The lyrics, which wish for kindness to surround someone precious, are deeply soothing and fill you with happiness.

It’s a song that brings back the delicate feelings of being in love.