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)
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.
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.
Perfect for driving BGM and karaoke! Summer songs recommended for people in their 40s [2026] (31–40)
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.
Season in the SunTUBE
This is a song by TUBE that has continued to vividly color Japan’s summers with music.
It’s said that “Season in the Sun” was actually the band’s fate-defining track, with their very survival on the line.
Under the production of Daikoh Nagato, founder of Being, Tetsuro Oda’s yearning for the sea took shape as a glittering sound that feels like dazzling sunlight and endless blue skies.
The wistful lyrics, lamenting the passing of the season, ring out powerfully in Nobutaka Maeda’s piercing high tenor, wrapping you in a rush that brings back sweet-and-sour memories of youth with striking clarity.
That exhilarating feeling is nothing short of overwhelming, no matter when you listen.
Shonan, My LoveTUBE
When it comes to summer songs, TUBE is practically synonymous with the season.
Although they’re a band popular across generations, they were surprisingly formed back in 1985 and have released over 60 singles to date.
This song, released in 1991, is notable for its gentle melody and relaxed tempo.
Nobutaka Maeda’s soaring vocals make it a truly pleasant track.