![Perfect for driving BGM and karaoke! Recommended summer songs for people in their 40s [2026]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/B7T4NNNWeHg/hqdefault.jpg)
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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Background music for drives and karaoke!! Recommended summer songs for people in their 40s [2026] (1–10)
Nagisasupittsu
Spitz, known for their gentle Japanese rock that slips easily into your ears and heart, are popular across a wide range of generations.
They’re loved not only by people of the same generation but also by younger listeners; the singer Aimyon even calls vocalist Masamune Kusano a “god” and holds him in high regard.
Their summer classic Nagisa is their 14th single, released in 1996.
This song, which was also used in commercials for Glico Pocky and for cars, instantly conjures up images of a summer beach in your mind when you hear it.
It’s the perfect track to accompany a drive to the seaside.
Rollercoaster RomanceKinKi Kids
Just hearing that intro with its samba-inspired rhythm vividly brings back memories of those summers—many of you probably feel the same.
It’s a quintessential ’90s summer anthem, channeling the heart-thumping exhilaration of love’s first spark into a driving, exhilarating melody.
Released by KinKi Kids in April 1998, the song also became well-known as the theme for ANA’s Okinawa campaign commercials in which they appeared.
With lyrics by Takashi Matsumoto and music by Tatsuro Yamashita, it’s included on their album “B album.” Roll down the windows on a summer drive and play it—there’s no doubt it’ll lift your spirits!
Can’t Say Anything… SummerTHE JAYWALK
A signature song by J-WALK, released in 1991, which also earned them a spot on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
The heartache of a broken romance, sung over a soft, beautiful sound steeped in a Showa-era vibe, is deeply moving.
Koichi Nakamura’s vocals squeeze your heart, too.
Why is it that when it suddenly comes on, you feel like you might cry? People around their 40s, of course, and even those who remember their parents playing it in the car, will feel a certain nostalgia and have memories come flooding back.
An unfading summer classic.
Midsummer FruitSazan Ōrusutāzu
When you think of summer, Southern All Stars is almost always the first name that comes up.
“Manatsu no Kajitsu” (Mid-Summer Fruit) was created as the theme song for the film Inamura Jane, directed by Southern’s own Keisuke Kuwata.
It’s one of the band’s signature songs and so popular it often tops fan polls, and it has been featured as a tie-in track for numerous TV dramas and commercials.
It’s a classic summer anthem not only in Japan but also abroad, where many international artists have covered it.
Summer Days of 1993class
The ’90s gave us countless iconic summer songs, and when it comes to the summer of 1993, many people probably think of this one! It was class’s debut single and a massive hit.
It was also used as the opening theme for the drama “Kimi to Itsumademo.” With its slightly bouncy melody line and refreshing vibe, it’s perfect for a drive.
I’m sure there are people who played it while spending time with their significant other.
The lyric phrasing—so characteristic of songs from that era—draws you in with its dramatic feel.
It’s also a great number to sing at karaoke and really gets the crowd going!
Sun’s Komachi AngelB’z
Beloved across generations and nationally popular, B’z needs no introduction.
Their song “Taiyō no Komachi Angel” is B’z’s fifth single, released in 1990.
Although it’s one of their early tracks, it’s very popular and widely known.
Its Latin-flavored rhythm powerfully heightens the summer vibe and makes you feel the heat of the season.
Even if you’re not a die-hard fan who goes to every live show, it’s a song you can get hyped to with call-and-response at festivals and the like.
Summer TribeDragon Ash
Dragon Ash, pioneers of mixture rock in Japan who also achieved major commercial success—their eighth single, released in July 2000, is a perfect party tune for the summer.
Its airy track and powerful beat vividly paint a liberating scene of hanging out with friends by an urban poolside.
For many, this song surely brings back memories of those scorching summers.
Peaking at No.
2 on the Oricon charts and later included on the first pressing of the classic album LILY OF DA VALLEY, this is a killer tune guaranteed to lift your mood on any drive.