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

TararanPUFFY

PUFFY “Tararan” Official Music Video

It was released in 1998 as PUFFY’s seventh single.

The song was used in a Shiseido “TISS” commercial, and the lyrics were created by having the two members of PUFFY write them first and then have Tamio Okuda revise them.

With its laid-back vibe, it’s a perfect track for spending a relaxing Golden Week.

every dayYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Mainichi (Every Day)

A warm cheer song by Kenshi Yonezu that portrays people who keep looking forward while carrying daily fatigue and a sense of powerlessness.

Its up-tempo feel and catchy melody are pleasant to the ear, offering comfort to those pressed by their busy days.

Released in May 2024 and written specifically as the theme for Japan Coca-Cola’s “Georgia” commercial, the song features lyrics inspired by Takuboku Ishikawa’s tanka poetry, depicting the struggles of work and life in a contemporary light.

Included on the album “LOST CORNER,” it showcases a light, breezy performance with seven dancers in the music video.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to as a reward to yourself—during your morning commute, a quick break at work, or when you want to unwind at the end of the day.

I hope it’s sunny.DREAMS COME TRUE

Haretara Ii ne by Dreams Come True at the House of Blues Anaheim

In DREAMS COME TRUE’s “Haretara Ii ne,” the lyrics capture the excitement of getting ready to go out from start to finish.

It’s perfect for pumping yourself up as you prep to head out.

With the long-awaited holiday break finally here, we can only hope the sun does its best.

Even if the weather isn’t perfect, this song will put a spring in your step the moment it plays.

Be sure to add it to your going-out playlist.

Over DriveJUDY AND MARY

Judy And Mary – Over Drive (Live 2000)

A hit song by JUDY AND MARY, a band that’s always near the top of “most wanted reunions” rankings.

As soon as YUKI starts singing, her charming voice completely changes the atmosphere and captivated the hearts of young listeners.

The dictionary meaning of “over drive,” which is also the song’s title, is “to keep driving excessively,” but as a noun it can also mean “overheated state.” With lyrics that stylishly capture youth charging ahead a bit overheated, it’s a timeless classic that hasn’t faded one bit even now.

If you’re from the generation that hit the sweet spot with this song, it might be fun to revisit the soundtrack of your youth over Golden Week!

Overnight Sensation ~The Era Is Entrusted to You~TRF

TRF / Overnight Sensation ~The Times Are Entrusted to You~

Released in 1995 as trf’s 10th single.

The song was used in a commercial for the Honda Live Dio, reached No.

1 on the Oricon weekly singles chart, and became a million-seller.

It’s an upbeat, danceable track that evokes the 1970s, the heyday of soul music and disco.

Feeling great!!mihimaru GT

mihimaru GT – Feeling Great ↑↑

It was released in 2006 as mihimaru GT’s ninth single.

The song, which was used in a DARIYA “Palty” commercial featuring the duo themselves, as the ending theme for TV Tokyo’s “Sukibara,” and in a music.jp TV commercial, became the group’s first entry into the top 10 of the Oricon singles chart and their biggest hit single.

It’s a track that really gets you pumped up.

travelingUtada Hikaru

Hikaru Utada – traveling

A big hit by Hikaru Utada, who’s always ahead of the curve in Japan’s pop scene.

I remember 2001—the year this song took off—as the moment the Koizumi administration began, when the whole country felt a bit restless with expectation.

The lyrics, which can be taken as comparing love to “a trip for lovers,” reflect the very spirit world of the artist, Hikaru Utada.

True to its title, “traveling” is the perfect song for a Golden Week getaway.

Be sure to download it to your smartphone as BGM for your journey.

The music video, with its near-futuristic vibe, is outstanding too—check it out if you have time!