Perfect for driving BGM and karaoke! Recommended summer songs for people in their 40s [2026]
For those in their 40s today, what Japanese summer songs come to mind?
Many of you probably think right away of hit songs from the 1990s, the era when CDs sold the most in Japan.
In this article, we’ll introduce plenty of summer tracks recommended for people in their 40s.
Listening to these songs will likely bring back memories and feelings from back then, and the songs we’re about to introduce might just give you a warm sense of nostalgia.
Use them as a reference for your driving playlist or karaoke selections!
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Perfect for drive playlists and karaoke! Summer songs recommended for people in their 40s [2026] (91–100)
CANDY GIRLhitomi
A refreshing number that sings of the fun and freedom of summer! Packed with hitomi’s charm, this 3rd single was released in 1995 and was also featured in a commercial for Japan Kodak’s “Snap Kids EX.” It was included on the album “GO TO THE TOP” and became a long-running hit.
The sophisticated electronic sound produced by Tetsuya Komuro and the upbeat lyrics written by hitomi herself are a perfect match.
It’s an ideal track for a driving playlist or when you want to liven things up at karaoke.
A nostalgic yet energizing summer song that comes highly recommended!
Summertime BluesWatanabe Misato
From the title alone it’s full-on summer! This song is Misato Watanabe’s “Summertime Blues.” Released in 1990 as her 16th single, it was also used in a commercial at the time, so many people probably remember hearing it often at home.
The chorus is one everyone knows and can’t help humming, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at karaoke.
It’s packed with scenes of the summer seaside—so vivid you can almost see them when you close your eyes.
Perfect for driving BGM and karaoke! Summer songs recommended for people in their 40s [2026] (101–110)
BoyhoodInoue Yosui
This song, which captures the bittersweet feelings at the end of summer, was released in 1990 as the theme for a film of the same name.
It is one of Yosui Inoue’s signature works and has become a beloved national classic, even appearing in middle and high school music textbooks.
Its popularity resurged after it was featured in a Sony Handycam commercial, reaching a peak position of No.
4 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
In 1997, it was certified a million-seller by the Recording Industry Association of Japan, with total sales reaching 1.36 million copies.
It’s perfect for when you want to reminisce about summer memories or as background music for a drive.
GOING GOING HOMEH Jungle with T
A track that captures the bittersweet feeling of summer’s end in a driving tune.
You can picture the protagonist reclining the car seat, exhaling cigarette smoke, and reflecting on the summer that has passed.
It features an innovative sound that incorporates jungle beats and lyrics expressing the sentiments of working adults.
Released in July 1995, it was also used as the image song for Fuji TV’s “HEY! HEY! HEY! MUSIC CHAMP.” The single became a million seller and ranked 20th on the year-end Oricon chart.
It’s the perfect song for late-summer drives or as background music for trips home.
beetle (specifically, a rhinoceros beetle)aiko
Known as a song that beautifully depicts summer scenery, this piece is a masterful ballad that skillfully weaves together the changing seasons and the emotions of love.
Aiko’s clear, airy vocals and delicate lyrics vividly evoke summer memories and bittersweet feelings of romance.
Released in November 1999, this track has remained one of Aiko’s signature works, beloved by many.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to on a summer night under the stars, perfect as background music for a drive.
With lyrics that resonate with those in love, it’s also irresistibly singable at karaoke.
Feel fine!Kuraki Mai
Among Mai Kuraki’s singles, many people probably remember this unusually catchy track.
Released as her 12th single, it was also used in a Sea Breeze commercial.
The promotional video is bright and evokes the image of the summer seaside.
Music HourPorunogurafiti
Music Hour, released in 2000 by the rock band Porno Graffitti when they were a three-member lineup.
This track, with its catchy melody that captures the thrill of a dazzling summer romance, remains a beloved summer classic.
It’s perfect not only as a nostalgic tune for drives, but also as a fail-proof, crowd-pleasing song for summer karaoke.
Whether you were there when it came out or not, it’s a famous track known across generations—be sure to give it a listen.
