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! Recommended summer songs for people in their 40s [2026] (41–50)
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.
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.
Dan Dan Kokoro HikaretekuFIELD OF VIEW
This song is characterized by its refreshing melody and lyrics that gradually intensify the feeling of being in love.
Captivated by the other person’s smile, it conveys a positive determination to break free from the darkness and the courage to embark on a new adventure.
Released in March 1996 by FIELD OF VIEW, the track features a powerful performance by the band and emotive vocals in perfect harmony, and it also drew attention as the opening theme for the anime Dragon Ball GT.
With heartwarming lyrics by Izumi Sakai and a memorable melodic line by Tetsurō Oda, this is a highly recommended song for those who want to relate to the feelings of being in love or look back on memories of their youth.
dogwood (flowering dogwood)Hitoto Yo
This song, Yo Hitoto’s fifth single and one of her signature pieces, was written in response to the September 11, 2001 attacks and released in 2004.
It has the feel of a Japanese standard already and is a classic that has been covered by numerous artists.
The choral parts in the chorus are truly moving.
It’s also a highly popular karaoke song across a wide range of generations.
Eternal, unchanging loveOda Tetsurō
A wonderful melody maker who has colored Japanese pop music, Tetsurō Oda released this single in 1992.
Many people were probably in the thick of their youth then, or remember hearing it as a Pocari Sweat commercial song.
With its glittering sound that seems perfect for a summer drive and a beautiful world that feels like it could take you anywhere, this is a track that transports you.
It makes you nostalgic for the ’90s if you were there, and even if you weren’t, its heartfelt message tightens your chest and almost brings you to tears.
It’s a curious mix of brightness and melancholy, but I feel Oda’s songs shine with that kind of spacious, open-ended sensibility.
Mrs. MermaidChekkāzu
If you’re in your 40s, there’s a good chance you were a fan when you were a kid or in your youth.
Among the Checkers’ songs, “Mrs.
Mermaid” is one of the more mature numbers.
Even if you thought it was just so-so back then, there are songs that really hit differently once you’re an adult, right? This is exactly one of those, packed with the atmosphere and trends of the time, making it a track that feels nostalgic.
While summer songs are often upbeat, this one is a calm, grown-up tune.
Middle-Aged JUMPSazan Ōrusutāzu
Many people of that generation probably grew up listening to Southern’s songs from as far back as they can remember.
The track they released in 2018 is full of nostalgic highlights in its music video.
Apparently, this sparked a trend where all the members appeared on the cover of Weekly Shonen Jump, depicted as manga characters.