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)
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.
Perfect for driving BGM and karaoke! Summer songs recommended for people in their 40s [2026] (51–60)
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.
HANABIMr.Children
Here is Mr.Children’s 33rd single, released in 2008.
When it comes to their signature summer songs beloved by many fans in their 40s as well, wouldn’t HANABI be the one? It was also the theme song for the drama Code Blue: Doctor Heli Emergency Lifesaving, and many people probably have a strong association with that.
It played an important role within the drama, too.
swallowtail butterflyPorunogurafiti
Latin-flavored numbers go really well in summer, don’t they? So the song I’d like to introduce is “Agehachō.” It’s beloved as one of PornoGraffitti’s signature tracks.
The lyrics portray the singer, heartbroken, as a traveler crossing a desert, and the butterfly flying over the sands as the person they yearn for.
I hope you’ll let yourself be intoxicated by its slightly dark, lonely atmosphere.
And if you try it at karaoke, there’s also the fun of having everyone sing the chorus together.
Let’s build that sense of unity and get the energy going.
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.
Wake Me Up!SPEED
Released in 1997, SPEED’s “Wake Me Up!” evokes a refreshing nostalgia for listeners in their 40s.
It’s also known as the theme song for Rohto Pharmaceutical’s Zi: Rese commercial and reached No.
2 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
The music video, filmed on Bohol Island in the Philippines, shows the members enjoying a carefree summer.
With catchy, easy-to-sing lyrics, it’s perfect for a driving soundtrack or karaoke.
Give it a listen when you want to relive your twenties and make the most of summer!
Rococo-tionORANGE RANGE
Hailing from Okinawa, the hybrid rock band ORANGE RANGE has captivated countless listeners with an energetic sound that effortlessly crosses genres.
Their sixth single, released in June 2004, is a quintessential summer anthem—a true killer tune! With its brilliantly radiant sound and lyrics bursting with words that stoke your excitement, just listening to it is guaranteed to lift your mood.
The track also gained wide popularity as the CM song for Otsuka Beverage’s “MATCH” and is included on the acclaimed album musiQ.
Put it on during a drive with friends or at karaoke, and it’s sure to crank up the energy—an unbeatable party song.