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 driving BGM and karaoke! Summer songs recommended for people in their 40s [2026] (31–40)
SaudadePorunogurafiti
Porno Graffitti’s “Saudade,” whose Latin-tinged melody lets you feel the heat of summer.
Released in 2000, the song was used as the theme for a mini-drama segment within the variety show Wonderful and as the ending theme for episode 7 of the anime ReLIFE.
Its lyrics, depicting the struggle to put an end to a finished romance while still being ensnared by lingering attachment, will likely resonate with many in their 40s.
Try singing it at summer karaoke while reminiscing about your youthful loves.
Summer is comingDaikoku Maki
Maki Ohguro, who rose to popularity in the ’90s with her overwhelming, powerful vocals.
This track is an up-tempo number released in 1994 that lets you fully enjoy her high-tone voice.
With a samba-like rhythm and an infectious groove, it makes you want to start dancing.
A Midsummer Night’s DreamMatsutōya Yumi
Among Yuming’s songs, this 1993 release stands out as particularly unique.
Its sultry mood set to a Latin-tinged sound is strikingly memorable—almost frighteningly so—and it was also beloved as the theme song for the drama “Dare ni mo Ienai” (“Can’t Tell Anyone”).
It’s a track that makes you want to belt it out at karaoke—great for duets, too! The razor’s-edge sensual world, rarely seen in today’s era, combined with Yuming’s passionate vocals, is sure to set your heart ablaze.
Many people may have spent a blazing summer romance with this song as their soundtrack.
Surfing JohnnyKuwata Keisuke
Keisuke Kuwata, a singer-songwriter who has produced many hit songs known as summer anthems and classics, is renowned for his seasonal tunes.
Among his works, “Naminori Johnny,” released in 2001, is a pop number that perfectly fits seaside scenes like surfing.
A bright, uplifting piano rides alongside breezy guitar, and when Kuwata’s richly expressive vocals join in… just that intro combo instantly puts you in a summer mood! Why not blast this track by the beach and let yourself go all out?
astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN
BUMP OF CHICKEN’s “Tentai Kansoku” is a song you’ll want to listen to while reminiscing about the sweet and bittersweet summer romances of your youth.
Released in 2001, this track was also used as an insert song for a drama of the same title.
Its melody, full of drive and freshness, and lyrics that capture feelings you wanted to convey but couldn’t, will tug at your heart.
It’s a well-known and popular song, making it perfect for karaoke.
Give it a sing or a listen while you think back on young love.
Perfect for driving BGM and karaoke! Recommended summer songs for people in their 40s [2026] (41–50)
Return to Myself ~ I won’t, I won’t, summer.Hamada Mari
When it comes to summer songs for people in their 40s, you can’t leave this one out, right? Mari Hamada’s biggest hit, “Return to Myself ~Shinai, Shinai, Natsu,” was her ninth single, released in 1989.
The song was a huge hit at the time and was used as Kanebo Cosmetics’ summer campaign song, so it was on TV all the time and we heard it constantly.
It’s a positive summer anthem that perfectly matches the refreshing feeling of summer and a clear, cloudless blue sky.
Get Myself BackAmuro Namie
This is Namie Amuro’s 36th single, released in 2010.
The promotional video was filmed in her hometown of Okinawa, evoking images of a tropical summer paradise.
It’s a song that makes you feel like you’re spending summer together with Namie Amuro’s quintessential summertime sound.