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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- [Classics] Timeless Summer Hits Recommended for All Ages [Summer Songs]
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- A classic song themed around a summer festival. A song of summer memories (2026).
- Summer Songs That Hit in the 2000s | A Look Back at Nostalgic Summer Tunes!
- [2026] A collection of autumn songs for people in their 50s. Showa-era classics that bring back memories of those days
- [Heisei-Era Summer Songs] A curated selection of timeless summer tunes loved across generations!
- [Nostalgic Hits] Japanese dance music that resonates with people in their 40s.
Perfect for drive-time BGM and karaoke! Summer songs recommended for people in their 40s [2026] (21–30)
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.
Et cetera related to the seashorePUFFY
Released by PUFFY in 1997, “Nagisa ni Matsuwaru Etc.” is one of the quintessential summer songs of the ’90s.
With lyrics by the uniquely expressive Yosui Inoue and a catchy composition by Tamio Okuda, it evokes a bright, breezy atmosphere that feels like a day at the beach and hints at an escape from the everyday.
Reading the lyrics—描いているのは恋をしながらビーチで楽しく夏を過ごす様子—you can’t help but feel your own summer memories resurface.
It’s perfect not only as a soundtrack for a summer drive, but also for having a lively, fun time with friends at karaoke.
Perfect for driving BGM and karaoke! Summer songs recommended for people in their 40s [2026] (31–40)
Island SongTHE BOOM
Released by THE BOOM in 1992, this song—known by everyone—is truly worthy of being called a summer anthem.
It was originally included as an album track, but gained attention after being used in a local commercial in Okinawa.
As a result, it became a massive hit, selling over 1.5 million copies.
The relaxed rhythm, the sound of the sanshin, and Okinawa’s distinctive scale… Listening to this song conjures up images of Okinawa’s summer scenery.
Two People’s Summer StorySugiyama Kiyotaka & Omega Tribe
Kiyotaka Sugiyama, who was once called a trendy singer.
Many people probably still remember him singing in the loose-fitting suits and sunglasses that were in fashion at the time.
It’s a song about a summer fling, and it conjures up the bubble-era scenes of those days.
My SummerMoritaka Chisato
“My Summer” by Chisato Moritaka is a song about planning a trip to Okinawa.
Released in 1993, it’s also known as the campaign song for ANA’s Okinawa promotion.
The trigger for the Okinawa trip is a breakup with her boyfriend.
The lyrics express her determination to shake off the heartbreak by going to Okinawa with friends and having an absolute blast.
With its refreshing, summery, and uplifting melody, it’s the perfect BGM for travel.
Be sure to take it along for your summer outings and trips.
My Sweet Darlin’Yaita Hitomi
Upbeat songs are perfect for both driving and karaoke, aren’t they? Among them, songs with catchy phrases everyone can hum along to are the best, don’t you think? That’s why I want to introduce “My Sweet Darlin’.” It’s Hitomi Yaida’s second single.
I bet everyone knows the lyrics where the title phrase appears.
Try picking it when you want to get everyone hyped.
It’s also recommended if you’re looking for a song that portrays the sweet-and-sour love of summer.
Driver’s HighL’Arc〜en〜Ciel
L’Arc~en~Ciel’s 17th single.
A single cut from the classic album “ark,” it was also used as the opening theme for the TV anime GTO.
Kicking off with the roar of a car engine and shifting into a high-velocity guitar sound, the arrangement heightens the anticipation for the extraordinary journey ahead.
True to the theme vocalist and lyricist hyde described—“the exhilaration of driving while listening to music”—it rekindles that invincible rush we felt back then, as if we could break free from mundane days and go anywhere.
It’s a perfect rock tune not only for a refreshing drive scene, but also for switching your mood.