Songs to Listen to in Summer: Ranking of Popular Tracks by Japanese Female Artists [2026]
Summer has all kinds of events, but it’s common to get stuck in long traffic jams on the way to the venue.
Music is what you need to keep things enjoyable even in those moments.
We’ve put together a ranking of recommended Japanese female artists and popular songs for summer, so please use it as a reference.
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Songs to Listen to in Summer: Japanese Female Artists – Popular Songs Ranking [2026] (71–80)
Summer Night TownMōningu Musume.78rank/position
Formed by unsuccessful candidates from the audition project “Sharan Q Rock Vocalist Audition,” Morning Musume is an idol group that has continued to evolve while changing members.
Their second single, “Summer Night Town,” which became the first ASAYAN-born artist song to enter the Oricon Top 5, leaves a lasting impression with its wistful melody and ensemble.
The lyrics, portraying the complex emotions of being in love, are likely to resonate with many listeners.
It’s a lyrical pop tune perfect for those hot summer nights.
Happy Summer WeddingMōningu Musume.79rank/position
It’s an irresistibly upbeat song with strikingly oriental sounds that celebrates the start of married life.
It’s said that producer Tsunku♂ infused it with a forward-looking sentiment—“There’s no such thing as an eternal encounter”—ahead of a member’s graduation.
Released in May 2000, it showcased the fresh presence of the 4th-generation members and is also known as the last song featuring Sayaka Ichii.
Used in commercials for many years and certified as a million seller, it became beloved by a wide audience.
For those who listened to it obsessively back then, just hearing it may bring back the soaring excitement of those summer days.
Midsummer SunbeamsMōningu Musume.80rank/position
Morning Musume has continued to evolve through repeated graduations and additions of members, and surely many people still cherish this early classic.
Released in May 1999 as the first single by the seven-member lineup, this track marked a new beginning for the group.
Centered on Natsumi Abe and backed by sophisticated harmonies that showcase their advanced vocal abilities, it demonstrates a musicality that transcends the idol-pop category.
Coupled with lyrics that depict the start of a summer romance, it’s an undeniable mood-lifter—a perfect killer tune for a drive! A different version is also included on the album “Second Morning.”
Songs to Listen to in Summer: Japanese Female Artists – Popular Song Rankings [2026] (81–90)
Feel fine!Kuraki Mai81rank/position
Mai Kuraki’s signature song “Feel fine!” The title means “feeling good” in English, and it’s a perfect early-summer pop tune that was used in the 2002 SEA BREEZE commercial.
A hallmark of Mai Kuraki’s singing style is her breathy delivery, where the breath comes before the voice.
If you practice as though you’re singing with the “h” sound, you’ll be able to use more breath and should find high notes easier to sing.
Rather than power, aim for an overall light touch.
Since it leans toward an R&B groove, it might work well to sing with a smile while taking light steps!
The Day I Become the Wind SomedayHajime Chitose82rank/position
Someday I’ll Become the Wind is a song by Chitose Hajime released in 2003.
Many of you may remember it as the CM song for au by KDDI’s “Everyone’s Summer” commercial.
It’s a gently soothing track that feels like being cradled by a vast, drifting sea.
I think listeners of any generation can connect it with their own nostalgic summer scenes and memories.
While summer often brings to mind upbeat dance numbers, if you’d like to enjoy karaoke with a soothing song that’s the complete opposite, be sure to pick this one!
fireworksOku Hanako83rank/position
Singer-songwriter Hanako Oku, who has written lyrics, composed, and sung numerous commercial jingles and whose 2022 return to activity thrilled fans.
Her first indie single, “Hanabi” (Fireworks), is memorable for its nostalgic intro featuring rich, heavy strings.
The bittersweet feelings for days that won’t come back, layered over the image of fireworks, may evoke memories of one’s own youth and resonate with many listeners.
It’s a sentimental ballad whose delicate ensemble, adorned with her cute vocals, stirs the heart.
The Maiden with Flaxen HairShimatani Hitomi84rank/position
Hitomi Shimatani is a singer who can masterfully perform a wide range of musical genres.
Making the most of her beautiful looks, she’s also active as a model and actress.
Her 2002 cover release “Amairo no Kami no Otome” is a passionate song that anyone in their 30s would know.
The track became a hot topic as the Kao “Essential Damage Care” commercial song, in which she herself appeared! Its danceable beat wrapped in an exotic-sounding atmosphere is striking—a number that accelerates the heat of a summer romance.
Try listening to this nostalgic summer tune while gazing up at the clear, sunny sky.
