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 Artists – Popular Songs Ranking [2026] (41–50)
Give Up on SummerNaoko Ken43rank/position
This song, which depicts a melancholy love story on a gloomy rainy day sung by Naoko Ken, was originally by Southern All Stars.
Ken released it as a cover in September 1982.
Her wistful vocals beautifully capture seaside scenery and the poignancy of summer’s end.
The tender way she sings, in a husky voice, about the wavering hearts of a couple caught in a sudden downpour and the fragility of love is deeply moving.
After its release, the song reached No.
5 on the Oricon weekly chart and won the Gold Prize at the 24th Japan Record Awards in 1982.
It was also performed at the 33rd NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen that same year.
With its relaxed tempo, it’s pleasantly immersive, drawing you into Ken’s distinctive world.
It’s a classic that’s perfect for those who want to enjoy a smooth, subdued atmosphere in karaoke.
August Is My Namekururi44rank/position
A song that blends the bittersweet feeling of summer’s end with the warmth of timeless guitar rock.
Released digitally in September 2022, it was also included on the EP “Ai no Taiyo EP,” released in March 2023.
It served as the theme song for the Amazon Original drama “More Than Words.” Completed based on an earlier idea, the sound evokes nostalgia within its freshness—truly exceptional.
It’s a track that makes you want to sit back and listen while reminiscing about seasons gone by.
WingChinen Rina45rank/position
Rina Chinen is a singer who debuted in 1996 both as an actress and as a vocalist, and continues to shine with her exotic yet translucent looks.
Her fifth single, “Wing,” which was featured in Shiseido’s T’Issera Frozen Blue commercial, is also known as one of her signature songs.
Its distinctive synth sound and piercing high notes bring a refreshing feel that colors the hot summer.
It’s a breezy pop tune I’d recommend as summer BGM both to those of that generation and to those who aren’t.
silver vineSato Chiaki46rank/position
Chiaki Sato—known as the former vocalist of Kinoko Teikoku and a multitalented solo artist—released Matatabi in July 2024, the theme song for the film Bake Neko Anzu-chan.
Set to warm, country- and folk-tinged guitar tones, the song gently sings of summer days gone by.
Images like festival sounds and lukewarm ramune soda are sure to stir listeners’ unforgettable memories of summer.
It’s a gem of a track to revisit cherished memories with, especially as the days begin to grow shorter.
PEACHOtsuka Ai47rank/position
Ai Otsuka, a singer-songwriter whose 2003 release ‘Sakuranbo’ became a long-running hit.
She has put out many bright, pop songs, and there are plenty that fit the summer vibe.
Among them, the 2007 release ‘PEACH’ is a standout with its summery, bursting rhythm and provocative lyrics.
It was also chosen as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama ‘Hanazakari no Kimitachi e ~ Ikemen Paradise ~,’ and its dreamy, otherworldly lyrics are irresistible!
Run! Run! Run!Ōtsuki Maki48rank/position
This is Maki Otsuki’s “Run! Run! Run!”, which was the ending theme for the popular anime One Piece from July 2000 to March 2001.
She has since changed the spelling of her name to Maki Otsuki.
The song perfectly matches the image of One Piece’s adventure.
Above all, it has a driving sense of speed—like a summer song that makes you feel a refreshing breeze even in the heat.
boyfriendaiko49rank/position
Isn’t this the song that screams “summer” for so many people? Among aiko’s works, it’s a number distinguished by its sun-bright, sparkling melody and lyrics that straightforwardly sing about being in love.
It weaves, in words so typical of aiko, the happiness of time spent together and the gratitude of “I’m truly glad I met you.” Released as a single in September 2000, the track reached No.
1 on the Oricon daily chart three times.
It’s perfect not only for summer memories, but also for those moments when you want to feel the tenderness for someone special—listen, and your heart is sure to race!