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 listen to in summer: Japanese female singers – Popular song rankings [2026] (61–70)
Stay closest to me.Daikoku Maki61rank/position
It’s a love song that evokes memories of summer.
MakI Ohguro’s powerful vocals leave a strong impression, and the track was released in May 1995 as her 11th single.
It was also used in a Meiji American Chips commercial and reached No.
2 on the Oricon weekly chart, later becoming a hit with nearly 900,000 copies sold.
The song expresses a wish to remain the closest presence in each other’s hearts without being possessive, while respecting each other’s lives.
It’s best enjoyed while imagining a couple spending time together on a summer beach.
fireworksOku Hanako62rank/position
A beautiful shower of light coloring the summer night sky—if you’re posting it to your Story, why not pair it with a wistful BGM? Singer-songwriter Hanako Oku, who grew her following from street performances and has moved many hearts.
This song was released in August 2004 as her first indie single and later re-recorded, becoming one of her signature works.
The fleeting lights that burst and vanish in an instant mirror the fragility of love and the ache for days that won’t return.
Beginning with a piano-and-vocal intro, this piece holds an important place on later releases like the album “Prism.” It’s the perfect ballad for those who want to spend a sentimental summer night while looking back on precious memories.
A summer to rememberYamaguchi Momoe63rank/position
When talking about kayōkyoku from the 1960s to the 1980s, Momoe Yamaguchi is indispensable.
The song I’d like to introduce is her summer classic, “Hitonatsu no Keiken” (A Summer’s Experience).
It’s a track that directly expresses a young girl’s feelings for the person she loves.
Though it’s a fresh and cute song, its slightly mature atmosphere is part of its charm.
Incidentally, this song has been featured in various commercials, so looking back at those might be fun as well—and will likely bring back memories.
Summer MissSakakibara Ikue64rank/position
Many of you probably have fond memories of summer romances.
With that in mind, let me introduce “Natsu no Ojōsan.” This is a song released by Ikue Sakakibara that humorously portrays the giddy excitement and head-in-the-clouds feeling of a boy in love.
That line using onomatopoeia is especially memorable, isn’t it? The lyrics are also fascinating for their subtle double meanings and clever rhymes.
Since its release, the song has been covered by numerous idol groups, so it’s fun to compare different versions.
Summer HeroineKawai Naoko65rank/position
It’s a wonderfully refreshing tune that conjures up a seaside sparkling under the summer sun.
Naoko Kawai’s bright, soaring vocals carry the heroine’s summertime thrills and that slightly bittersweet urge to act a little more grown-up.
Released as a single in June 1982, it reached No.
7 on the Oricon chart and, together with the album of the same name, “Summer Heroine,” became a favorite among many fans.
Play it on a summer drive or at a resort, and you’ll feel that glittering mood of those days come rushing back.
It’s the perfect number for anyone who wants to bask in nostalgic summer memories or just lift their spirits.
Sweet EmotionAikawa Nanase66rank/position
Known as one of Nanase Aikawa’s signature songs, this track is characterized by her powerful vocals and melodious sound.
Released in May 1999 and adopted as a radio campaign song, it passionately sings of a scorching love that embraces the night.
Aikawa’s characteristically fervent voice vividly captures the sultry heat of summer nights.
It’s perfect as driving BGM, too—listening with the windows down and the wind in your face might bring back pleasant summer memories.
It’s also a surefire crowd-pleaser at karaoke.
GO FOR IT !!Nishino Kana67rank/position
Kana Nishino’s 18th single, “GO FOR IT!!,” released in 2012, is a popular track known for giving courage to women in love.
The song depicts, in down-to-earth lyrics, the feelings of a woman confessing her love to the man she’s interested in, and its bright, pop sound is perfect for summer.
For those who are struggling with love and want to express their feelings to someone they like, it’s a number that gives you courage.
The music video is also pop and cute, and it gives you a positive boost—be sure to watch it together with the song!
Summer Time MagicAme no Parēdo68rank/position
This track, with its shimmering synth tones that linger in your ears, was released in July 2019 by ame no parade, a band pursuing a genreless sound.
Vocalist Kohei Fukunaga said, “We were conscious of summer in everything—the music, the lyrics, and the visuals.” Co-created with Koichi Tsutaya, the song is a pop anthem that distills the exhilaration of summer.
Paired with a music video shot in Guam, it evokes both carefree moments and the bittersweet afterglow that follows.
It’s a perfect pick for a summer drive or a night when you want to sink into a slightly sentimental mood.
Summer MagicAI69rank/position
An open, summer-themed number woven from tropical sounds and a husky voice.
Released in May 2019 to mark the opening of AI’s 20th anniversary in music, it drew attention as a co-production with The Rascals, the producer team known for working on Ariana Grande’s songs.
It was also featured as the song in an Amazon Echo TV commercial, setting the scene for sweet moments between lovers.
The lyrics, which sing of happy times spent at the beach, brighten the listener’s mood and fill them with positivity.
Perfect as background music for summer drives or by the beachside, this is a recommended track when you want to feel free and uplifted.
May it be filled with kindnessJUJU70rank/position
This song is known as one of JUJU’s signature tracks, beloved by people of all ages, regardless of gender.
The lyrics, which wish for kindness to surround someone precious, are deeply soothing and fill you with happiness.
It’s a song that brings back the delicate feelings of being in love.