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)
Summer MemoriesKetsumeishi
A single with a mellow rap and soothing melody that weaves a charming, nostalgic atmosphere.
The lyrics, which sing of memories of radiant summer days spent with friends and the sudden pangs of wistfulness that come back, are something many people will likely overlay with their own youth.
Released in July 2003 as Ketsumeishi’s seventh single, the song became widely familiar as a Vodafone commercial tune.
It’s perfect for an end-of-summer drive or those quiet moments alone in reflection, when you want to sink into a slightly sentimental mood.
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.
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.
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.
Twilight SurroundRIP SLYME
This piece feels like a sonic rendering of that unique atmosphere as summer dusk fades into night.
The warm tones of the acoustic guitar blend beautifully with the gentle scratches, wrapping you in a sensation that makes your heart feel a little lighter as you listen.
Released in October 2004 as their tenth single, it peaked at No.
5 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.
Celebrated as a classic that showcases the depth of their musicality, it continues to be cherished by many listeners.
It’s the kind of song that quietly keeps you company on a summer night—when you want to relax in a slightly cooled room or reflect on the day, lost in thought.
Perfect for driving BGM and karaoke! Recommended summer songs for people in their 40s [2026] (41–50)
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?
