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-time BGM and karaoke! Summer songs recommended for people in their 40s [2026] (21–30)
secret base ~What You Gave Me~ZONE
After disbanding once in 2005, they reunited for a limited time in 2011, and then officially ended their activities in 2013.
This song is ZONE’s signature track and was used as the theme song for the dramas “Kids War 3” and “Kids War: The Final.” It has also been covered as the ending theme for the anime “Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day.” Expressing the bittersweet feelings at summer’s end, it remains a beloved staple of summer songs even today.
survival dAnceTRF
This is TRF’s sixth single, released in 1994.
TRF energized the music scene for the around-forty generation, and this high-energy hit transcends generations—perfect for summer dance scenes.
Also great for workouts!
Kujira No. 12JUDY AND MARY
JUDY AND MARY has long been on the list of bands we want to see reunited.
YUKI’s cuteness never changes, does it? This song, “Kujira 12-gō,” was JUDY AND MARY’s 11th single, released in 1997.
It’s a thrilling track whose lyrics are playful and exhilarating—like becoming the hero of a role-playing game—while still evoking a grand, expansive world.
For those in their 40s, it’s also the perfect summer song to get everyone fired up at karaoke.
Romantic Flightkome kome CLUB
Kome Kome Club has produced many songs that epitomize the 1980s.
When it comes to their signature tracks, “Roman Hikō” likely comes to mind.
The song depicts breaking free from everyday stress and heading off on vacation.
Because of that theme, it was used as the campaign song for JAL’s Okinawa travel promotions.
Whether you listen to it in the car or sing it at karaoke, you’ll feel a liberating, vacation-like vibe.
By the way, if you sing it at karaoke, try paying attention to the points where the key shifts up and down.
The hottest summer in the worldPRINCESS PRINCESS
Princess Princess, who had been on a long hiatus, resumed activities in 2012.
They are pioneers of girls’ bands and the most famous female band.
One of their hit songs is “The Hottest Summer in the World,” a love song that conjures the image of a scorching summer.
July 7, sunnyDREAMS COME TRUE
A track included on the 1996 album “LOVE UNLIMITED ∞.” I imagine some of you have gone for drives with this album playing.
I especially feel like listening to it around the Tanabata season.
It’s a bittersweet love song, sung in a steady tone, yet it draws you in with a mood like making a wish upon the stars.
That longing to see someone just keeps growing, doesn’t it? You might listen while overlaying it with your own love, feeling as if “July 7th, Sunny” connects the days when you can’t quite meet.
No matter how many years pass, you still find yourself yearning for it.
Ah, summer vacation.TUBE
Who comes to mind when you think of a summer band or a summer artist? If you’re in your 40s, you can’t leave out TUBE, right? TUBE just fits summer perfectly—and they’ve got tons of summer songs.
One of their signature tracks is “Aa, Natsuyasumi” (“Ah, Summer Vacation”).
Released in 1990, it was TUBE’s 11th single.
It’s the quintessential summer anthem overflowing with that slightly flashy, carefree summer vibe—a love song that makes you want to cut loose a little.