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

Summer Love Lifeaiko36rank/position

aiko - 'Summer Love Life' (from 'Love Like Rock Limited vol.2' 2022.10.11 Zepp Haneda)

“Natsukoi no Life,” which was featured as the 2022 Calbee Potato Chips commercial song.

It’s said to be a song Aiko wrote when she was 19—a poignant breakup ballad she nurtured for years since her youth.

As the parting approaches, the tenderness of a woman who remains composed even as she becomes certain it was true love leaves a strong impression.

And yet, the fresh sound woven by piano and brass somehow brings a gentle, liberated feeling—curiously soothing.

As summer, a season brimming with heat, draws to a close, why not steep yourself in a sentimental mood by overlaying it with the fleeting scenes of love?

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hiyori

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Parallel SpecGesu no Kiwami Otome.37rank/position

Gesu no Kiwami Otome. “Parallel Spec”

Gesu no Kiwami Otome’s “Parallel Spec” is a track marked by a light, brisk feel that strongly channels funk elements.

The arrangement pairs percussive guitar comping with a clearly resonant slap bass, so be mindful of switching between slap and fingerstyle as you play.

Slap might seem intimidating, but the line largely repeats slap patterns in the same positions, so with repeated practice you’ll gradually get comfortable.

More than phrase complexity, the key point is to pay close attention to the rests—their sharpness is what brings out the groove.

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kappamaki

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Mutual loveaiko38rank/position

aiko - “Mutual Love” music video

This song paints a poignant picture of love, woven by Aiko’s delicate vocals.

The lyrics carefully express the mutual feelings between two people, and the emotionally rich melody resonates deeply.

Released in May 2024 as her 45th single, it serves as the ending theme for the animated film Detective Conan: The Million-dollar Pentagram.

It’s a track that many can relate to—capturing the sweet yet aching emotions of being in love and the sincerity of devoted affection—making it perfect as a mutual-love song to listen to at the end of summer.

It’s a recommended tune for when you want to feel the bond with someone special or reminisce about a happy romance.

Mega Lover of LoveMakishimamu Za Horumon39rank/position

[Maximum the Hormone] Koi no Mega Lover – Tried playing the bass

Maximum the Hormone is a four-piece rock band that thrills fans with aggressive sounds and hard-hitting lyrics.

Their seventh single, “Koi no Mega Lover,” chosen as the opening theme for the music show CDTV, features a brilliant arrangement that races forward yet resolves into a catchy chorus.

Its loud yet pop-leaning ensemble links perfectly with the heat of summer and boosts your energy.

While the relentless melodies are tough to reproduce solo, try splitting the parts with friends at karaoke and have fun singing together!

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Hoshino Takashi

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Summer MirageWada Kanako40rank/position

[Anison] Summer Mirage / Kanako Wada (with lyric subtitles) Kimagure Orange Road, Ending Theme

Kanako Wada is a singer-songwriter whose urbane, sophisticated sound and clear, translucent vocals helped support the rise of city pop in the 1980s.

This song, used as the ending theme for the TV anime Kimagure Orange Road, was released as a single in May 1987.

Like a summer mirage, it captures the elusive flutter and bittersweetness of love, and its echo-drenched production gives it a dreamlike quality.

The arrangement unfolds from a melody where slide guitar resonates with a touch of melancholy into a sentimental chorus, making it perfect for a wistful drive at dusk.

As a quintessential classic of ’80s city pop, it’s also beloved by music fans overseas—truly an indispensable pick for this theme!

Summer CandlesAnri41rank/position

SUMMER CANDLES

A classic summer song with a transparent singing voice and refined arrangement.

Gently portraying the deep love between lovers alongside summertime scenes, this piece—released the same year Anri got married—has also become beloved as a summer wedding song.

It is Anri’s 22nd single and is included on the album “BOOGIE WOOGIE MAINLAND.” True to Anri’s style of actively recording overseas, its globally appealing sound is perfect for a summer night, illuminated by candlelight, as you reaffirm your love with someone special.

Seaside BalconyMatsuda Seiko42rank/position

Seaside Balcony

From its sparkling intro, this quintessential summer song by Seiko Matsuda instantly evokes the season! Lyricist Takashi Matsumoto weaves a sweet-and-sour love story on a seaside balcony.

The protagonist’s fluttering heart and radiant moments with a special someone are vividly portrayed through the refreshing melody by Kureta Keiko (Yumi Matsutoya) and Seiko’s crystalline vocals.

Released in April 1982 as her 10th single and included on the album “Pineapple,” it became beloved as the Shiseido “Elixir” commercial song and won the Gold Prize at that year’s Japan Record Awards—a track that truly colored its era.

Perfect not only as BGM for a coastal drive, but also when you want to revel in the anticipation of sweet romance or sink into a romantic mood.

Listening to it, you can almost see the blue sea and sky unfolding before your eyes.