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

The Boy Is MineBrandy&Monica92rank/position

Brandy & Monica – The Boy Is Mine (Official Video)

A defining, searingly passionate R&B duet of the ’90s.

In this number, American singers Brandy and Monica spar over a single man, each declaring “He’s mine,” unleashing an energy that rivals the heat of summer.

Their vocal back-and-forth vividly captures the thrill of romantic gamesmanship and their unyielding emotions, pulling listeners straight into the heart of the drama.

Released in May 1998, the song appeared as a single from Brandy’s album “Never Say Never” and Monica’s album “The Boy Is Mine,” and it set a record by holding the No.

1 spot on the U.S.

charts for 13 consecutive weeks.

The music video also received high acclaim, winning at the Billboard Music Video Awards.

Perfect for amping up a summer drive or party, it’s a must for anyone craving dramatic R&B.

The Door to TomorrowI WiSH93rank/position

Door to Tomorrow – I WiSH (Ai Kawashima)

It was released in 2003 as I WiSH’s debut single.

The song was used as the theme for Fuji TV’s variety show Ainori from October 2002 to September 2003.

Despite being a debut single, it topped the Oricon charts for two consecutive weeks.

Its clear, transparent vocals are a perfect match for summer wedding scenes.

Aino Katachi feat. HIDE (GReeeeN)MISIA94rank/position

MISIA – Shape of Love feat. HIDE (GReeeeN) (Official Music Video)

The renowned MISIA, known for her powerful and enveloping vocals, collaborated with HIDE from GReeeeN on the classic song “Ai no Katachi feat.

HIDE.” It’s familiar as the theme song for the TBS drama “Gibo to Musume no Blues” and as the CM song for Subaru’s Levorg.

The track has won numerous awards, including the 60th Japan Record Awards’ Best Vocal Performance.

With lyrics that speak directly to the heart and express love so intimately, it’s a moving love song that can bring tears to your eyes.

It’s a number you’ll want to listen to while snuggling up with someone you love.

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miyabi

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Don’t give upZARD95rank/position

"Don't Give Up" Music Video

A beloved ZARD classic that endures as an eternal anthem of encouragement and hope.

It’s truly a perfect fit as a cheer song for high school baseball, too.

The grand, glittering sound and Sakai’s crystal-clear vocals are sure to set everyone’s hearts ablaze! Released in January 1993, this smash hit became ZARD’s first million seller.

Set to a driving tempo, it carries a powerful message of facing forward and pressing on without giving up, even in the face of hardship.

It also has a refreshing quality that seems to double the sense of accomplishment after you’ve given it your all.

A moving track that beautifully colors the high school baseball scene!

Revolutionary JourneyAina ji Endo96rank/position

Aina the End / On the Road of Revolution – On The Way [Official Music Video] (TV anime “Dandadan” Season 2 Opening Theme)

Singer-songwriter Aina The End captivates fans with her one-of-a-kind husky voice and multifaceted talents.

This work stands out with a sound brimming with momentum, reminiscent of the heat of summer.

While harboring a faint crush, it portrays a resolve to push forward to protect what’s important, and that mix of fragility and strength is deeply moving.

Released in July 2025 as the opening theme for the TV anime Dandadan Season 2, it’s a song that will surely give you courage when you want to take on a challenge or lift your spirits.

It’s a summer number that will color your season—perfect for heightening the excitement on your way to a summer festival.

It’s not me unless it’s meGesu no Kiwami Otome.97rank/position

Gesu no Kiwami Otome “Watashi Igai Watashi Janai no”

This is a song by Gesu no Kiwami Otome with an incredibly funky, super cool bassline.

The chorus features a wildly active bass part that feels geared toward intermediate to advanced players.

There’s even a bass solo, making it extremely satisfying to play.

Definitely give it a try.

crescent moonayaka98rank/position

Ayaka – Crescent Moon

With its mellow arrangement and Ayaka’s gentle yet steadfast vocals, this is a classic love ballad.

Looking at the lyrics, it seems to tell a story of a long-distance relationship, with the “crescent moon”—also the song’s title—depicted as the thing that connects the two.

It’s an irresistibly romantic and beautiful track, perfect for this moon-viewing season! In a time of year when it’s easy to feel a little lonely, this warm song will surely stay close to your heart.

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Hane Keisuke

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