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

Love VacationZa Pīnattsu76rank/position

Love Vacation

Released to the world by The Peanuts in April 1963, this song features the seamless harmonies only a twin duo can achieve and a swinging rhythm infused with jazz elements that feels utterly pleasant.

Its lyrics vividly depict a sweet and slightly bold vacation with a lover—just listening to it makes your heart race, doesn’t it? The track was used in a Toray summerwear advertisement and is said to have helped popularize the word “vacance” (vacation) across Japan.

It also won the Arrangers’ Award at the 5th Japan Record Awards that same year and was performed at the 14th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen—truly a song that defined its era.

Brimming with charm, it’s a work that further heightens the liberating mood of summer.

parasolNanawo Akari77rank/position

Parasol / Nanawo Akari

Akari Nanawo is an artist known for popular songs like “Turing Love feat.

Sou” and “Dadadadadadada Tenshi.” In 2022, she released “Higasa” (“Parasol”), which was selected as the theme song for the short film “Sunday and the Mermaid.” The song depicts the protagonist reflecting on their past self at the end of summer.

Distant summer memories can feel bittersweet—even happy ones—when you realize you can’t go back.

When you’re in the mood for something wistful, give this song a listen and let it touch those precious memories of summer.

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sasashina

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Summer Night TownMōningu Musume.78rank/position

Morning Musume. 'Summer Night Town' (MV)

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.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Happy Summer WeddingMōningu Musume.79rank/position

Morning Musume. “Happy Summer Wedding” (MV)

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. “Midsummer Light” (MV)

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.”