Popular Summer Songs / Summer Music Ranking [2026]

Ghost in the FlowersYorushika15rank/position

Yorushika – Ghost in a Flower (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

A song by Yorushika, who uphold the concept of “not letting the creator step ahead of the work.” Released in April 2020, this piece was chosen as the theme song for the animated film A Whisker Away.

Memories of a special summer spent together resurface like a mirage—those bittersweet scenes are woven by gentle vocals and delicate piano tones.

The lyrics’ worldview, where the desire not to forget mingles with the resignation of knowing it’s a past you can never return to, tightens the chest before you know it.

As the closing, lyrical number on the album “Plagiarism,” it’s sure to add an emotional touch to reels of late-summer twilights or those moments when you find yourself lost in thought.

cotton candyback number16rank/position

back number – Watagashi (full)

A sweet and bittersweet song by back number that vividly captures the scenes of a summer festival and the delicate feelings of a young person in love.

Released in July 2012 and used as the opening theme for TBS’s COUNT DOWN TV, the track is marked by a gentle melody that warmly embraces a youthful love story.

It delicately portrays a summer romance that melts away like cotton candy.

The music video featuring Mizuki Yamamoto further enhances the song’s charm.

It remains beloved by many as a song you want to listen to slowly to forget the summer heat, and one you want to sing carefully at karaoke.

Apple Fireworks and a Sea of Sodamafumafu17rank/position

[MV] Ringo Fireworks and a Sea of Soda / Mafumafu [Original Song]

This song brilliantly blends the scenes of a summer festival with the darker sides of society, showcasing Mafumafu’s uniquely sensitive artistry.

The Japanese-style melody and rock elements are perfectly matched, and the high-tone vocals leave a strong impression.

It was released on Niconico in August 2014 and is included on the album “Ashita-iro World’s End.” While it takes summer traditions as its theme, the lyrics carry a profound message that prompts reflection on social contradictions and one’s inner self.

The line about not wanting to become an adult who laughs while drinking soda made from someone’s tears really lingers in the heart.

How about listening to it alone on a summer night and facing your own feelings?

Ghost of the SeaYonezu Kenshi18rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Spirits of the Sea

This is a song by Kenshi Yonezu whose grand, fantastical sound deeply stirs the listener’s heart.

Written as the theme for the animated film Children of the Sea, released in June 2019, it is also included on the album STRAY SHEEP.

Yonezu’s deep affection for the original work shines through, beautifully capturing a poignant world that closely follows the story.

The song paints a portrait of a summer that has passed and a longing for someone precious who can no longer be met.

The image of a room still carrying the scent of the sea breeze seems to awaken warm memories from deep within the chest.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to on a quiet summer night when you feel like immersing yourself in memories.

Two People’s Summer Story – NEVER ENDING SUMMER –Sugiyama Kiyotaka & Omega Tribe19rank/position

Two People's Summer Story - NEVER ENDING SUMMER -

When it comes to songs that symbolize summers of the ’80s, many people probably think of this track by Kiyotaka Sugiyama & Omega Tribe.

Released in March 1985, it’s also well known as a JAL commercial song.

Set against a marina on a night lit by shooting stars, it deftly portrays the thrill of a summer romance along with the bittersweet sense of an impending farewell.

It’s hard to believe the sleek, refreshing sound was completed in just three days; layered with Sugiyama’s clear, expansive vocals, it conjures vivid summer scenes the moment you listen.

It’s not a difficult song, so give it a try at karaoke—whatever your generation!

astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN20rank/position

BUMP OF CHICKEN “Stargazing”

Formed by four childhood friends, BUMP OF CHICKEN is a rock band known for its classic yet experimental sound and lyrically powerful messages.

This is their third single.

Inspired by the song, the TV drama “Tentaikansoku” (Stargazing) used it as an insert track, bringing BUMP OF CHICKEN to widespread recognition.

The intro—crafted with eight guitars to evoke a shooting star—stirs anticipation and exhilaration for summer nights the moment you hear it.

Lyrics that sing of hope and uncertainty for the future ride on a driving rock sound, vividly calling back memories of youth.

The summer you gave meieiri reo21rank/position

Leo Ieiri - “The Summer You Gave Me” (Full Ver.)

This is a celebrated song by Leo Ieiri that became a massive hit as the theme for the Monday 9 p.m.

drama Koinaka.

Overlapping with the drama’s heartrending story starring Sota Fukushi and Tsubasa Honda, it’s a song that surely tightens many listeners’ chests.

Released in August 2015 as her 10th single, the track delicately depicts the sweet yet bittersweet emotions—from the pure beginning of a romance, to the frustrating drift of hearts without noticing, and the regret upon realizing there’s no going back.

Leo Ieiri’s clear, powerful vocals highlight the fleeting nature of summer and love.

It’s a beautiful, wistful summer song that makes you suddenly remember someone you loved, someone you may never see again.