Perfect for driving BGM and karaoke! Recommended summer songs for people in their 40s [2026]

The End of SummerMoriyama Naotaro

Naotaro Moriyama – Natsuno Owari

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!

HOT LIMITT.M.Revolution

T.M.Revolution – HOT LIMIT | Official Music Video

Here’s the nostalgic eighth single by T.M.Revolution, released in 1998.

It recorded sales trailing only behind WHITE BREATH and HIGH PRESSURE.

The crisp, cutting-edge sound evokes the heat of summer.

The music video’s distinctive black outfit also became a hot topic, leading to collaborations—like Hello Kitty donning the same costume—and comedians imitating it.

Even today, it’s often talked about and has become one of T.M.Revolution’s signature looks.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Over DriveJUDY AND MARY

JUDY AND MARY – Over Drive (MV)

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.

Swaying feelingsZARD

“Shaking Feelings” Music Video

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.

summer festivalWhiteberry

Whiteberry “Summer Festival” MUSIC VIDEO

There are countless songs that you want to listen to when summer arrives, but many people probably have this one etched especially deeply in their hearts.

This work, a cover of JITTERIN’JINN’s classic by Whiteberry—whose members had an average age of 14 at the time—was released in August 2000 and became a huge hit.

The vocalist’s sparkling delivery and the band’s driving sound vividly capture both the excitement of summer festivals and the bittersweet ache of unspoken feelings.

It was also used as the theme song for the TBS drama “Fushigi na Hanashi,” and for many, hearing it on a drive or at karaoke surely brings back those summers of long ago and makes their hearts swell.

Summer Colorsyuzu

Natsuiro / Yuzu (Cover)

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.

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sasashina

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Don’t avert your eyes.DEEN

Don't avert your eyes.

This piece, etched in many hearts as a bittersweet song that evokes the end of summer, is DEEN’s fifth single, released in 1994.

It topped the Oricon charts and became a million seller.

Also known as the theme song for Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s Pocari Sweat commercial, it’s a gem born from the stellar pairing of lyrics by Izumi Sakai and composition by Tetsurō Oda.

The lyrics, which reflect unwavering feelings for a lover in one’s eyes, poignantly express a sense of longing, brilliantly capturing the fleeting yet sweet nature of summer romance.

It’s perfect as a driving soundtrack or for singing at karaoke, and is highly recommended for those who want to look back on their summer memories.