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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Background music for drives and karaoke!! Recommended summer songs for people in their 40s [2026] (1–10)
Summer TribeDragon Ash
Dragon Ash, pioneers of mixture rock in Japan who also achieved major commercial success—their eighth single, released in July 2000, is a perfect party tune for the summer.
Its airy track and powerful beat vividly paint a liberating scene of hanging out with friends by an urban poolside.
For many, this song surely brings back memories of those scorching summers.
Peaking at No.
2 on the Oricon charts and later included on the first pressing of the classic album LILY OF DA VALLEY, this is a killer tune guaranteed to lift your mood on any drive.
The End of SummerMoriyama Naotaro
With its translucent vocals and acoustic tones, it’s a classic that vividly captures the bittersweetness of summer slipping away.
It’s one of singer-songwriter Naotaro Moriyama’s signature songs, beloved by many since its release in 2003.
The song’s appeal lies not only in its evocation of the changing seasons, but also in the profound message it carries—a prayer for peace and a longing for someone far away.
It was also used as the ending theme for Asahi Broadcasting/TV Asahi’s ‘Netto Koshien,’ and is surely etched in many people’s memories alongside the players’ dramas.
It’s perfect for sinking into nostalgia on a drive, or for karaoke—try ringing out a one-of-a-kind falsetto like Moriyama’s and move your listeners to the core!
Over DriveJUDY AND MARY
It’s a classic song known for its exhilarating melody and bittersweet lyrics.
Released by JUDY AND MARY in June 1995, it reached No.
4 on the Oricon charts and became a major hit, selling over 600,000 copies.
The track is also included on the album “MIRACLE DIVING.” YUKI’s clear, translucent vocals and TAKUYA’s catchy guitar riffs blend perfectly, capturing the liberating spirit and sense of adventure of summer.
It’s ideal as background music for summer drives or when you want to liven things up at karaoke, and for those of that generation, it will surely bring back a wave of nostalgia and reignite those passionate feelings from back then.
Perfect for road trip tunes and karaoke! Summer songs recommended for people in their 40s [2026] (11–20)
Swaying feelingsZARD
When it comes to ZARD’s signature songs, many people would probably name this one.
Included on the album “Yureru Omoi,” released in July 1993, this track is characterized by Izumi Sakai’s clear, airy vocals and a melody that resonates with the heart.
The lyrics Sakai weaves delicately portray the wavering feelings of being in love, and the song has long been cherished for how it gently accompanies listeners’ emotions.
Its refreshing atmosphere—evoking memories of summer—is another part of its appeal.
It’s perfect as background music for a drive or for singing at karaoke.
It’s also recommended for people in their 40s who want to reminisce about those days, as it’s a song that lets you feel a pleasant summer breeze along with a touch of nostalgia.
The Summer When You Were ThereMr.Children
This is a song included on Mr.Children’s debut album and the title track of their first single—an early masterpiece that dates back to their amateur days.
Its gently performed sound leaves a strong impression, evoking images of a summer seaside and a breeze passing through.
The lyrics depict episodes of summer, expressing the bittersweet end of a romance as summer draws to a close.
While conveying the sorrow of parting, it also cherishes the memories, resulting in a song that feels tender and warm.
Summer Colorsyuzu
Yuzu is a duo that started out as street musicians.
The summer song by Yuzu I want to highlight is Natsuiro, which is also known as one of their signature tracks.
Its straightforward lyrics, as if capturing a slice of a summer day, and the upbeat, refreshing melody bring back memories of our youth.
White kiteMy Little Lover
Younger listeners probably felt that this My Little Lover track is quintessentially summery.
At the same time, those who spent their youth in the ’90s may have had the sensation of being suddenly pulled back into a summer of that decade.
Released as a single in December 1995, the song is a refreshingly breezy tune overflowing with summertime imagery.
Beyond akko’s crystalline vocals, its contemporaneous UK rock flavor leaves a strong impression.
In 2021, it was also featured in a commercial for Suntory’s chu-hi “Horoyoi Shiroi Sour,” drawing renewed attention as a perfect song for the summer vibe.