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.
- Popular Summer Songs / Summer Music Ranking [2026]
- [Summer Songs] Recommended for Women! A Collection of Perfect Karaoke-Friendly Summer Tracks
- Songs You Want to Listen to in Summer: Girls’ Bands Popular Song Ranking [2026]
- [Oldies] Summer Songs Recommended for People in Their 50s [2026]
- [Heart-throbbing] Cute summer classics. The charm of adorable summer songs [2026]
- Ranking of Beloved Hit Songs Among Women [2026]
- Recommended Japanese Female Artists and Popular Song Rankings for Women [2026]
- Songs for summer: Popular Artist Rankings [2026]
- Top Female Singer-Songwriters and Popular Songs of the 2000s [2026]
- 1990s J-Pop to listen to in summer: classic and hit summer songs
- A classic song themed around a summer festival. A song of summer memories (2026).
- Youthful songs to listen to in summer. Classic summer hits and recommended popular tracks.
- Summer songs with great lyrics. Tracks that make your summer memories even more wonderful.
Songs to Hear in Summer: Japanese Female Artists – Popular Songs Ranking [2026] (21–30)
I can’t stop this sadnessAnri22rank/position
Following the earlier hit “CAT’S EYE” in the first half of the same year, this song by Anri became a hit in the latter half of 1983.
After “Listening to Olivia” she hadn’t enjoyed any major hits, but with these two successes, didn’t Anri firmly cement her popularity? Lyrically, it has the feel of a modern take on “Tennessee Waltz,” but musically it’s driven by a disco beat with a catchy groove.
That contrast may well be one of the reasons the song became a hit.
EsperanzaNishino Kana23rank/position
Kana Nishino’s “Esperanza” features an impressive sound that fuses pop with Latin influences, and her vocals resonate deeply.
With touches of flamenco, it conveys a powerful sense that the passion of love and the heat of summer are in sync.
The lyrics also portray the ache of a bittersweet love, which is surely a point many will relate to.
Her voice, contrasting with the passionate melody, communicates the sorrow of an unrequited love.
Though it’s an unconventional love song, its rich lyricism will resonate with many people.
Cool yet fiery, and tinged with longing, this track is a perfect recommendation for summer romances.
If I Hadn’t Met You ~Summer Snow Winter Flower~Aimer24rank/position
Many people have experienced the feeling that if they had made a different decision back then, their present might have turned out differently.
In this song, that sentiment intertwines with the theme of heartbreak.
Notably, it does not dwell on regretting the past; instead, it carries a forward-looking nuance that suggests people can grow through the experience of a broken heart.
sparklingaiko25rank/position
A love song with delicate lyrics and melodies that capture snapshots of summer.
With aiko’s characteristically unique turns of phrase, it conveys both the heartache and the hope of a lost romance.
Everyday moments and memories are depicted with a warmth that resonates and invites empathy.
Released as a single in August 2005, it was also used as the theme song for a Fuji TV drama and in a Toyota commercial.
It’s perfect for anyone who has experienced a summer fling or a breakup, a song you’ll want to listen to while gazing up at the summer night sky.
Why not let aiko’s voice envelop you and sink into nostalgic memories?
miraclemiwa26rank/position
This song captures the feeling of a summer romance, perfect for a season filled with sunshine.
Released in April 2013 as the CM song for Shiseido’s SEA BREEZE, it drew attention alongside visuals themed around high school youth.
Its breezy sound—colored by samba-style rhythms and percussion—blends with Miwa’s transparent, clear vocals to vividly express the thrill of summer.
The lyrics, which freshly portray wavering emotions and the anticipation of new encounters, just might give you the courage to leap into love.
The album featuring this track, Delight, topped the weekly album chart and was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of Japan.
It’s a cute summer tune recommended for anyone excited to kick off the season or looking to reminisce about their school days.
The High-Class Mermaid of the ShoreKoizumi Kyoko27rank/position
With its sparkling synthesizer tones and subtly mysterious guitar cutting, this track is filled with the kind of excitement that feels like opening the door to summer.
The lyrics, inspired by Kyoko Koizumi’s “uncatchable quickness,” vividly evoke a protagonist shining under the sun.
The slightly grown-up choice of words is irresistibly cute, and it makes your heart race, doesn’t it? Released in March 1984 as Kyoko Koizumi’s ninth single, the song also made waves as a Kanebo Cosmetics commercial tune.
Thanks to this hit, she earned her first No.
1 on the Oricon charts and made her debut appearance at the 35th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen at the end of the same year.
It’s also included on albums such as Celebration.
Put it on as BGM for a summer drive or a burst of fun by the seaside, and your mood is sure to soar to the max!
Southern WindNakamori Akina28rank/position
Here’s a song released in 1984 by Akina Nakamori, one of the eternal idols for people in their 50s.
While Nakamori is known for often having her songs written by trending artists, this particular track was composed by Koji Tamaki of Anzen Chitai, with lyrics by Etsuko Kisugi, and has a rock style.
Its mature theme about romantic mind games in a southern resort setting is one of those songs that fully conveys Nakamori’s allure.