Popular Summer Songs / Summer Music Ranking [2026]

peace signYonezu Kenshi43rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Peace Sign

Kenshi Yonezu’s song, written as the opening theme for Season 2 of the youth anime My Hero Academia, is an anthem that powerfully portrays courage and challenge.

While acknowledging weakness, it follows a protagonist who takes a step toward their dreams, intertwining with a driving melody that stirs the listener’s heart.

Released in June 2017, the track topped the Billboard JAPAN Hot Animation weekly chart and became a massive hit, surpassing 300 million streams.

With its band-driven sound and Yonezu’s distinctive vocals, it’s a song that pushes all challengers forward.

Perfect for club practice or as a companion while watching sports—give it a listen.

planetariumOtsuka Ai44rank/position

Ai Otsuka / Planetarium

Singer-songwriter Ai Otsuka, who creates everything from energetic tunes to moving ballads.

Released in September 2005, this song is a bittersweet love ballad perfect for summer nights.

You can almost picture the scene of memories with a precious person who’s gone, overlapping with the countless stars spread across the night sky.

The piano accompaniment, which carries a hint of traditional Japanese flavor, is striking, and her supple, straight-reaching vocals on top of it are deeply moving.

The track was chosen as the theme song for the drama “Koi no Karasawagi” and is also included on the acclaimed album “LOVE COOK.” How about listening to it at summer’s end, while recalling an unforgettable love?

summer vacationyoshida takurou45rank/position

summer vacation

It’s a song that vividly captures the memories and bittersweetness of youthful summers, and can be considered one of Takuro Yoshida’s signature works.

It was included on the 1972 album “Genki Desu.” and later released as a single in March 1989.

Centered on a simple yet emotionally rich melody built around acoustic folk guitar and vocals, it leaves a strong impression.

From the lyrics emerge scenes of Japanese summer—sunlit days, time spent by the seaside, and memories with friends.

Yoshida’s distinctive vocal style further enhances the song’s appeal.

With lyrics that embody the essence of summer, it resonates deeply with many people and continues to be loved across generations.

Samama Festival!Mrs. GREEN APPLE46rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – Samama Festival!

This is Mrs.

GREEN APPLE’s second major-label single, released in June 2016.

Its irresistibly bright sound and effervescent melody, themed around summer festivals, resound like a starting gun announcing the arrival of summer.

The lyrics vividly conjure up scenes of friends cutting loose under the sun, forgetting their inhibitions, and savoring a fleeting season to the fullest.

In addition to being featured as the 2016 commercial song for Nippon Engineering College, the release was celebrated with a live show limited to 100 attendees.

Put it on during a drive or barbecue with friends, and it’s sure to set the stage for the perfect start to summer.

Embracing SummerTUBE47rank/position

TUBE “Embrace the Summer” MUSIC VIDEO

With a sound that evokes clear blue skies and a shining sun, this is a quintessential summer song from TUBE.

It conveys a love so intense it keeps you awake at night, expressed through passionate lyrics and melody.

The protagonist’s once-in-a-lifetime feelings are sure to stir memories of bittersweet love that many have experienced.

Released in May 1994, this smash hit topped the Oricon charts and sold 940,000 copies.

It was also featured in a Toyota Corolla Ceres commercial and has become a karaoke staple loved by many.

It’s the perfect track to share with close friends or colleagues as you reminisce and look back together on life’s milestones.

You and the summer music festivalSHISHAMO48rank/position

SHISHAMO “You and the Summer Festival”

Are there people out there imagining what it would be like to go to a summer music festival with that special someone they adore? This song by the three-piece girls’ band SHISHAMO is packed with that kind of sweet, bittersweet youth.

The track is set around a festival date with someone you’re interested in.

It captures both a passion for music and the delicate emotional ups and downs of worrying about how the other person sees you—guaranteed to make your heart flutter.

Released in July 2014, the song is also included on the album “SHISHAMO 2.” It was used as the ending theme for TV Tokyo’s “JAPAN COUNTDOWN,” reaching many listeners.

If you want to start a summer romance, this song will surely give you the courage you need.

It’s also highly recommended for couples to listen to together!

Ah, summer vacation.TUBE49rank/position

TUBE “Ah, Summer Vacation @ Yokohama Stadium (2012) LIVE”

It’s a classic song that celebrates the fun of summer and the sparkle of youth.

As one of TUBE’s signature tracks, it was released in May 1990 as their 11th single.

Set against the backdrop of the Shonan coast, the lyrics portray summer days and the emotions they bring, all carried by a light, upbeat melody.

The chorus is widely loved and often sung at karaoke, making it a popular favorite.

Centered on the liberating feeling of summer and the romantic emotions of young people, it’s approachable and easy to sing.

It’s a perfect track for reminiscing about summer memories or for a seaside drive.