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 Hear in Summer: Japanese Female Artists – Popular Songs Ranking [2026] (11–20)
Ephemeral Fireworkssupercell11rank/position
This song by supercell, a creator team led by ryo, was included on their third major-label single released in August 2010.
It was used as the ending theme for the TV Tokyo anime Naruto Shippuden and became a hot topic at the time.
Nagi’s clear, transparent vocals beautifully capture the bustle of summer festivals, the fleeting brilliance of fireworks, and the fragility of love.
Accompanied by piano melodies, it’s a ballad that poignantly conveys the ache of time slipping away.
It’s a lingering, evocative piece you’ll want to listen to while feeling the cool breeze at summer’s end and gazing up at the night sky.
WILLNakajima Mika12rank/position
WILL is the fifth single by the charismatic and hugely popular singer Mika Nakashima, released on August 7, 2002.
It was used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama Observatory, and with this track she made her first appearance at the 53rd NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen.
As a drama tie-in, the lyrics evoke summer stargazing with imagery like telescopes and constellations.
It’s a captivating song where her aching vocals intertwine with bittersweet memories of love.
Be sure to give it a listen on late summer nights or as summer draws to a close.
Unchanging ThingsOku Hanako13rank/position
A piano ballad that lets you sink into a wistful mood, as if longing for the summer that has passed.
The singer is Hanako Oku, a singer-songwriter often praised as someone whose “voice alone can move you to tears.” This work centers on the irreplaceable nature of everyday life and feelings that never fade, even as time goes by.
Its message—yearning to reach someone you may never meet again, transcending time and distance—truly strikes the heart.
Included on the single “Garnet,” released in July 2006, it served as an insert song in the feature-length animated film The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, heightening the emotion of its climactic scenes.
It’s a number you’ll want to listen to on a slightly chilly evening at dusk, as you look back on your summer memories.
Blue Coral ReefMatsuda Seiko14rank/position
The famously soaring high notes in the intro make this an absolute classic that just screams “Seiko-chan.” Released in July 1980 as her second single, it’s surely one of the signature songs of early Seiko Matsuda.
The lyrics paint a straightforward picture of pure excitement: under the blue ocean stretching out before her, the protagonist can’t contain her overflowing feelings of love.
Beloved as the song for Glico’s “Yorell” commercial, it also topped The Best Ten for three consecutive weeks.
Put on this exhilarating summer tune and your mood will skyrocket—there’s no doubt it’ll make a seaside drive in summer many times more fun.
Become the windtsuji ayano15rank/position
Ayano Tsuji’s “Kaze ni Naru” lets you feel the refreshing breeze of summer.
Released in 2002, the song gained popularity as the theme for Studio Ghibli’s film The Cat Returns.
Along with the movie itself, Tsuji’s gentle, soothing voice is surely easy for children to connect with.
Once you hear it, you’ll definitely want to hop on a bicycle and ride off, cutting through the wind just like the scenes described in the lyrics! With its tender melody, may it help you create wonderful summer memories.
TouchIwasaki Yoshimi16rank/position
This is a song released in 1985, known as the theme song for the anime Touch.
It was also included on the album Touch, and gained popularity alongside other anime-related tracks.
The lyrics, which sing of the bittersweet feelings of youthful love and the importance of human connection, resonate with many listeners.
Combined with Yoshimi Iwasaki’s clear, pure vocals, it’s a track that makes hearts flutter.
It’s recommended not only for anime fans but also for anyone who wants to recall the innocence of first love.
Summer is comingDaikoku Maki17rank/position
Set to passionate Latin rhythms, this Maki Ohguro number portrays the rising anticipation that comes with summer and the impatience hidden deep in the heart.
It’s said that the lyrics reflect a strong will to push back against social pressure to marry and to forge one’s own career.
The timbales-driven beat dramatizes those complex emotions.
Released in April 1994 as her eighth single, it was chosen as the opening theme for TBS’s music program “COUNT DOWN TV” and is also included on the classic album “Eien no Yume ni Mukatte.” For anyone who wants to shine in their own way, this song might just give you the powerful push you need.
Sinbad on the Shorepinku redii18rank/position
This song portrays the emotions of a woman who has fallen in love, set against a summer seaside backdrop.
Pink Lady’s catchy melody and bold lyrics leave a strong impression.
Released in June 1977, it became one of their signature hits and their first million-seller.
It was reissued as a single in 1993, 1996, and 2006, and was also used as the theme song for the 2005 Nippon TV drama “Otona no Natsuyasumi.” It’s a recommended track for those who want to enjoy a summer seaside romance.
It’s also perfect as driving background music, letting you feel the refreshing summer breeze.
Sparklers (feat. Lila Ikuta)Sato Chiaki19rank/position
It’s a pop tune where the summer night’s atmosphere overlaps with the feverish spark of a budding romance.
Like a small flame quietly flickering at your fingertips, it portrays a longing for moments you don’t want to end.
The song is by Chiai Sato, the singer-songwriter formerly of Kinoko Teikoku, featuring guest vocals by Lila Ikuta.
It was released for early streaming in June 2023 and included on the album “BUTTERFLY EFFECT” released the same month.
Although it wasn’t tied to any promotions, it drew attention for how well their voices complement each other.
Perfect for spending quiet time with someone you like by the seaside at night or in a park.
If you use this track as BGM for your Instagram post, your summer memories might shine even brighter.
The Door to SummerMatsuda Seiko20rank/position
It’s a classic that carries the sparkle of summer’s arrival and the thrill of a budding romance.
Just listening to it makes your heart skip and gives you the urge to dash off somewhere, doesn’t it? Released in April 1981 as Seiko Matsuda’s fifth single, this track is also included on the acclaimed album “Silhouette.” Its hope-filled lyrics and Seiko’s endlessly soaring high notes blend perfectly, as if gently giving listeners a push forward.
It was also featured at the time in a Shiseido “Ekubo” commercial, enchanting many with her voice.
Isn’t it just perfect for opening the door to a new season or when you want to refresh your mood?