Songs to Listen to During Golden Week [Drive BGM and Relaxing Day-Off Tunes]

Rainy Driverimase

【imase】Rainy Driver（Official Audio）

A track that captures shifting emotions along with the view that opens up beyond the Shuto Expressway.

As the rain begins to fall, a subtle shadow creeps into their relationship.

That ambiguous sense of distance is strikingly conveyed through the clear vocals and urban pop sound.

Raindrops seen from the car window slipping between buildings, the cold, resonant patter of rain—such moments rise up like scenes from a film.

Perfect for a rainy-day drive, or whenever you want to sink into a slightly sentimental mood.

LOSERYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – LOSER

A song by Kenshi Yonezu that leaves a strong impression with its portrayal of moving forward despite setbacks and self-denial.

The protagonist, who tends to see themselves negatively, accepts that state yet still tries to take action, and their straightforward sincerity is deeply moving.

Released in September 2016 and included on the album BOOTLEG, the track was also used in 2018 for Honda’s JADE commercial.

It’s a song I recommend to anyone who’s trying to face forward and keep going while carrying their own weaknesses and imperfections.

It will surely be a source of support on a Golden Week drive.

WINDING ROADAyaka × Kobukuro

Kobukuro – WINDING ROAD (Ayaka × Kobukuro)

A song by Ayaka and Kobukuro that touched many hearts as the theme for the Nissan Cube commercial.

With the gentle harmonies of the three singers, it tenderly expresses the “hope for dreams” deep in our hearts and the “positive step toward tomorrow.” Life isn’t linear; it’s more like a journey that turns corners and faces unexpected walls.

But when you find light at the end of the road, this song gives you the courage to take that step without hesitation.

Since its release in February 2007, it has been included on the albums Sing to the Sky and ALL SINGLES BEST 2, and was also performed at the 58th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

It’s a perfect track for long drives or moments when you’re about to take a new step forward.

FlowerFuji Kaze

Fujii Kaze – Hana (Official Video)

Fujii Kaze’s latest work poetically expresses the transience and preciousness of life, offering a song that stays close to the feelings of someone searching for their own path amid uncertainty.

With a gentle voice that encourages believing in your inner light and living true to yourself, and a soothing melody infused with jazz elements, it leaves a lasting impression.

Released in October 2023, it drew attention as the theme song for Fuji TV’s Thursday drama “The Best-Loved Flower.” The music video, filmed in New South Wales, Australia, symbolically portrays the boundary between life and death.

It’s a great pick to listen to alone on a long drive, and also as background music when you want to reflect on yourself.

sparkleFuji Kaze

Fujii Kaze – Kirari (Official Video)

Thanks to the smash hit “Kirari,” Fujii Kaze even performed at the year-end NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen.

“Kirari” is a song you’ll want to listen to on repeat in a way that goes far beyond simply calling it addictive.

Words like exhilarating, fast-paced, liberating, or urban all feel inadequate in the face of this track.

The lyrics, which abstractly depict romance as if encounters and partings are right there, are also superb! It’s one of those songs that makes you want to dive into more of Fujii’s work.

If you’re doing sports during Golden Week, I think it’d be great to enjoy your play with this track as your BGM—it’ll leave you feeling refreshed!

weeeekNEWS

NEWS – weeeek [Official Music Video]

This song captures the joys and struggles of a week of work or school through an exhilarating rock sound.

It empathizes with the down-to-earth feelings of working adults and students, portraying their efforts from Monday to Friday with heartwarming lyrics.

Written by GReeeeN, the track was released in November 2007 as NEWS’s seventh single and was featured in commercials for the youth clothing brand Crymson / RUSS-K.

Play it during your commute, on the way to school, or while driving, and it’s sure to lift your spirits and fill you with positivity.

Sugar Song and Bitter StepUNISON SQUARE GARDEN

UNISON SQUARE GARDEN “Sugar Song and Bitter Step” MV

A signature song by UNISON SQUARE GARDEN that sharply captures the discomforts and contradictions of modern society, portraying everyday life—where sweetness and bitterness mingle—from a unique perspective.

Beneath the seemingly enigmatic lyrics lie deep messages about the tension between equality and individuality, as well as the contrast between joy and suffering.

Set to a poppy, catchy melody, it’s a standout piece that expresses our complex emotions as we navigate a chaotic world.

Released in May 2015, the track garnered attention as the ending theme for the popular anime Blood Blockade Battlefront, and it’s perfect for long drives.

With its comfortable rhythm and melody, it’s a song that heightens the sense of anticipation for new places.