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

Driver’s HighL’Arc〜en〜Ciel

L’Arc en Ciel_Driver’s High_20th L’Anniversary Live day2

Did you watch the episode of the super-popular comedy talk show “Ame Talk!” that featured “Comedians Who Love L’Arc~en~Ciel”? If you’re a L’Arc fan, you absolutely have to see it, and if you’re not, I’m sure it’ll turn you into one.

The perfect song to listen to on a Golden Week drive is L’Arc’s “Driver’s High.” The lyrics, brimming with youthful energy and a sense of the future—like “Let’s keep on driving no matter where”—are fantastic, making it ideal for a lively road trip with friends.

The chorus will make you want to belt it out at the top of your lungs.

Even if the song’s groove gets you going, please be careful not to speed!

Walking with youNovelbright

Novelbright – Walking with you [Official Music Video]

A track included on Novelbright’s first mini album, “SKYWALK,” this song expresses a strong wish to walk forward together toward the future.

Centered on the theme of love, it movingly portrays the desire to cherish the bond with a loved one and the future you share, and it was also used as an insert song in AbemaTV’s drama “Koisuru Weekend Homestay 2020 Spring.” Yudai Takenaka’s clear, transparent vocals pair exquisitely with the heartfelt lyrics, gently conveying the happiness of being together and feelings of gratitude.

Since its release in October 2018, the song has warmed the hearts of many; it’s perfect not only as driving BGM but also for spending a peaceful day with someone special.

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.

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!

DriveWANIMA

WANIMA「Drive」OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

Riding on a high-velocity, exhilarating sound, this gem of a rock number sings of the strength and resolve to keep moving forward.

The track WANIMA created portrays an attitude of accepting past failures and setbacks while using them as fuel to sprint into the future.

With straightforward feelings and down-to-earth words, the lyrics stand by those wrestling with doubt and anxiety, giving them a gentle push forward.

Released in May 2018, the song was written as the theme for the film OVER DRIVE, which opened in June of the same year, marking the band’s first movie tie-in.

It’s the perfect track for long drives, for times when you need to fire yourself up, or when you’re about to take a new step forward.

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.

Kaiju no Hanabuta (Monster’s Flower Song)Vaundy

Monster’s Flower Song / Vaundy: MUSIC VIDEO

A signature song by Vaundy that portrays reclaiming lost dreams and passion through a cherished tune filled with nostalgic memories.

Widely known as the theme for Maruha Nichiro’s WILDish series commercials, it became a massive hit, surpassing 300 million streams in March 2023.

Its appeal lies in a unique sound that fuses rock, hip-hop, and R&B, along with lyrics that strike a chord.

The exhilarating melody and powerful rhythm are sure to elevate your mood on a drive, and on a leisurely day off, it will remind you of the pure feelings you once had.