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 Song Rankings [2026] (51–60)
That line is the horizon.kururi57rank/position
Since their debut, Quruli has continued to run at the forefront of the scene.
They released Sono Sen wa Suiheisen in a limited run of 10,000 copies.
The song had long been a live staple, but once it was put on CD, it drew renewed attention.
Its content is romantic, depicting someone gazing at the horizon and thinking of a loved one.
The steady, pulsing ensemble creates a somewhat wistful atmosphere.
Be sure to listen to it alongside Sono Sen wa Suiheisen Ver.
2, which is included on the same CD.
Mr. Summertimesaakasu58rank/position
Among classic summer songs, “Mr.
Summertime” stands out for its distinctly mature vibe.
It’s a track released by the vocal group Circus.
Set against a summer backdrop, the song captures the anguish and bittersweet feelings of a woman who has been unfaithful.
In fact, it’s a cover—the original is a French song titled “Une Belle Histoire.” Knowing that, you can sense a touch of chanson in it, can’t you? By the way, the group has also released a self-cover of the song, so listening to that version might let you enjoy it with a fresh perspective.
Tears Flowing EndlesslyNatsukawa Rimi59rank/position
When it comes to Rimi Natsukawa’s signature songs that carry on the heart and melodies of Okinawa, many people probably think of this one.
Set to the gentle tones of the sanshin, the lyrics—expressing feelings for a lost loved one—resonate deeply.
Her clear, transparent voice conveys warmth even as it carries a touch of melancholy, and many listeners can’t help but hum along.
Released in March 2001, the song first gained popularity in Okinawa before becoming a nationwide hit.
It surpassed 1.2 million in total sales and spent a cumulative 157 weeks in the Oricon Weekly Singles Top 100.
It’s a soul-stirring ballad, perfect for savoring on a long summer night.
SmilyOtsuka Ai60rank/position
Ai Otsuka is a singer-songwriter who produces a wide range of music, from pop to ballads.
In 2005, she released “SMILY,” a perfect track for anyone looking for a cute, summer-themed song.
Its lyrics, depicting a refreshing youthful romance, pair perfectly with the exhilarating sound.
Her charming vocals, full of smiles and soothing warmth, are sure to make your heart skip a beat.
Backed by a band performance that incorporates percussion, this is a summer song that will put you in a lively mood.
Tune in to its energetic sound that blows away the summer heat.
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.
A summer to rememberYamaguchi Momoe62rank/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 Ikue63rank/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.