Songs to brighten up your car interior! Recommended driving tracks for the Yutori generation

Starry SkyCAPSULE

Starry Sky (2021 Remaster)

A track distinguished by its sophisticated sound that fuses electro and rock elements.

Toshiko Koshijima’s clear, translucent vocals and Yasutaka Nakata’s catchy melodies and arrangements leave a strong impression.

The lyrics, which capture the exhilaration of falling in love and the longing to reunite with a loved one, are sure to resonate with many listeners.

Released in December 2006, this song is recommended for those who want to enjoy a nighttime drive while imagining romantic moments under the starry sky.

Lila LilhaKimura Kaera

Kaela Kimura “Rirura Riruha” (Official Music Video)

Kaela Kimura’s third major-label single.

Also used in a Vodafone commercial, it’s one of her signature songs.

With upbeat lyrics that emphasize the importance of believing in yourself and a catchy, poppy melody, it’s a perfect number for a springtime drive.

Released in March 2005, it peaked at No.

3 on the Oricon Weekly Chart and became Kimura’s best-selling single.

Starting with a guitar riff driven by a bouncy shuffle beat and featuring her distinctive, bright vocals that linger in your ears, the track conveys a fresh, invigorating vibe.

WINDING ROADAyaka × Kobukuro

Kobukuro – WINDING ROAD (Ayaka × Kobukuro)

Ayaka’s powerful vocals and Kobukuro’s gentle singing weave an exquisite harmony in this moving number.

The song speaks to the importance of pushing forward and overcoming life’s difficult paths.

Released in February 2007, it was also featured in a Nissan Cube commercial.

It was performed at the 58th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen that same year, and likely remains etched in many people’s memories.

It’s a courageous, uplifting track you’ll want to play on a spring drive as you start a new chapter, or when you find yourself at a crossroads in life.

Sugar Song and Bitter StepUNISON SQUARE GARDEN

UNISON SQUARE GARDEN “Sugar Song and Bitter Step” MV

This is the 10th single by UNISON SQUARE GARDEN, a three-piece rock band formed by high school bandmates.

Written specifically as the ending theme for the TV anime Blood Blockade Battlefront, the track stands out with its catchy guitar riff and rolling bassline.

Its brisk, urban melody has a pop sensibility that lifts your spirits when you’re feeling down.

Released in May 2015, it became one of the band’s signature hits, debuting at No.

5 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

A refreshing rock tune that lightens your step before work, it’s perfect for a drive.

Tokyo FlashVaundy

Tokyo Flash / Vaundy: Music Video

Vaundy’s songs express a unique worldview through his distinctive vocals.

The lyrics, centered on themes like the hustle and bustle of the city and fleeting romance, resonate deeply with listeners.

While incorporating elements of city pop, the melodies have a striking, nostalgic feel.

Released exclusively via digital distribution in November 2019, the music video on YouTube surpassed one million views within two months.

It was also featured as an insert song on ABEMA’s romance reality show.

This pop tune is perfect for solo night drives or whenever you want to soak in an urban atmosphere.

Racing into the NightYOASOBI

YOASOBI “Racing into the Night” Official Music Video

This is the debut song by YOASOBI, a male-female music duo born from a project that turns novels into music, whose innovative form of expression and cutting-edge sound have gained popularity both in Japan and abroad.

With a catchy melody woven by a clear, transparent vocal and impactful lyrics, the track drew attention especially among younger listeners.

Released in December 2019, it became such a massive hit in 2020 that there was hardly a day you wouldn’t hear it.

Its arrangement, featuring driving, fast-paced piano, makes it a perfect soundtrack for a night drive.

Since it’s a song almost everyone has heard at least once, it’s a pop tune that will hype up your nights out and get all your friends singing along.

My Past Life, Many Lifetimes AgoRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – Zenzenzense (movie ver.) [Official Music Video]

With its exhilarating rhythm and catchy melody, this song features lyrics that resonate with a theme of lovers whose bond transcends time and space.

Portraying a fateful encounter and eternal love, the words express a profound affection that continues across countless light-years.

Written as an insert song for the 2016 animated film “Your Name.”, it became a massive hit and social phenomenon.

The track struck a deep chord especially with younger listeners, gaining broad support and becoming a staple at live shows and on television.

It’s perfect for a drive with a partner or friends—play it in the car and you’ll be swept up in its refreshing energy, humming along before you know it.