Drive Song Rankings [2026]

Racing into the NightYOASOBI51rank/position

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.

lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE52rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE “Lilac” Official Music Video

A rock track that carefully portrays the radiance and bitterness of youth, along with the confusion that comes with growing up.

Its exhilarating, fast-paced guitar sound feels great and is perfect as background music for a drive.

With a warm message that makes even your imperfect self and anxious days feel lovable, it will add color to your long-weekend refresh time.

Released in April 2024, this work was written as the opening theme for the TV anime “Oblivion Battery.” It has garnered overwhelming support, becoming the artist’s fastest track to surpass 100 million streams.

Whether you’re cruising with the breeze or taking a day off to rest a tired heart, this energetic song gives you the courage to look back on the past while moving toward the future.

Blue and SummerMrs. GREEN APPLE53rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – Blue and Summer

It’s a track that feels like the very essence of youth distilled—an exhilarating melody that heralds the start of summer, intersecting with a touch of wistfulness.

Rather than dreaming of being a film’s protagonist, its powerful message seems to push you forward, saying, “This is where our story begins, right here, right now!”—and it’s sure to stir many hearts.

Written as the theme song for the 2018 film Aonatsu: 30 Days With You, it has become one of Mrs.

GREEN APPLE’s signature songs, surpassing 500 million streams.

Hit the coastal roads with sparkling days and tender memories of first love in your wake, and you’re guaranteed the perfect drive!

Kaiju no Hanabuta (Monster’s Flower Song)Vaundy54rank/position

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.

sparkleFuji Kaze55rank/position

Fujii Kaze – Kirari (Official Video)

This song features a driving rhythm and a positive message that truly strikes a chord.

Its uplifting outlook in the face of hardship and its emphasis on cherishing bonds with loved ones resonate alongside a refreshing melody.

Fujii Kaze’s light, flowing vocals convey both tenderness and strength, as if gently embracing the many scenes encountered on life’s journey.

Released in May 2021 as the theme song for Honda’s new VEZEL commercial, it was also performed at NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen that December.

Perfect not only for drives and trips but also for everyday outings, this heartwarming track brightens moments spent heading somewhere new or sharing time with someone special.

astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN56rank/position

BUMP OF CHICKEN “Stargazing”

It’s a memorable masterpiece with a melody that makes you want to hum as you look up at the night sky.

In this work woven by BUMP OF CHICKEN, the protagonist gazes at the stars while reflecting on their future, the anxieties they carry, and a faint glimmer of hope.

Even as they struggle with questions that have no answers, their determination to move forward is something that deeply resonates with listeners.

Released in March 2001 as their third single, it drew major attention as an insert song for the drama “Tentai Kansoku” that same year.

It’s also included on the album “jupiter.” When you’re lost or need a gentle push, listening under the starry sky will surely give you the courage to take a new step.

Blue HabitatKitanitatsuya57rank/position

Where Our Blue Is / Tatsuya Kitani

A driving, exhilarating guitar rock track that makes spring drives feel refreshing is one of Tatsuya Kitani’s popular songs.

The lyrics, which layer the glitter of youth with the sense of loss you feel as an adult, really squeeze your heart, don’t they? Chosen as the opening theme for the July 2023 broadcast of the TV anime Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2: Hidden Inventory/Premature Death, it’s a powerhouse number that won a Special Award at the 65th Japan Record Awards.

Though uptempo, its faintly wistful melody pairs perfectly with the spring atmosphere that makes you nostalgic for days gone by.

Sometimes it’s nice to roll down the windows, feel the wind, and sink into a sentimental mood while you drive, right? Load your memories into the passenger seat and race through the spring sunshine.

to clear up (weather)Yorushika58rank/position

Yorushika – Haru (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

When I close my eyes, feelings for someone dear well up inside me.

The soundscape—melding electronica and rock—built from a translucent singing voice, guitars, and synthesizers is striking.

This is a song Yorushika released in January 2024, depicting the anticipation of a bright future with the arrival of spring.

It was selected as the opening theme for the second cour of the TV anime Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, and was also featured in a collaborative web commercial with Suntory’s gin SUI.

Its poetic world overlays the fluctuations of emotions—joy and pain, hope and despair—onto natural phenomena like rain and sunshine, offering comfort to those who feel lost while sensing the transience of spring.

A Little Love SongMONGOL80059rank/position

A Little Love Song

A beloved classic that stands as a monument to youth punk! Riding on a driving, fast-paced beat, it sings of love for the important people close to us and an unchanging, eternal bond.

Its straightforward message fires up your heart every time you listen and gives you the energy to keep your hands moving at work! Featured on MONGOL800’s album “MESSAGE,” released in September 2001, this song sold over 2.8 million copies despite being an indie release, and it was used as the motif for the film “Little Love Song” and as the ending theme for the anime “Teasing Master Takagi-san.” It’s a guaranteed pick-me-up when you want to boost your mood and focus, or when you need that last push—highly recommended!

Happinessarashi60rank/position

ARASHI – Happiness [Official Music Video]

A track bursting with the exhilaration of sprinting through the wind! Its bright melody and powerful rhythm bring a buoyant sense of elation.

The lyrics, infused with a positive message, blend perfectly with the light, lively sound, resulting in a piece that feels like it gives you the courage to step into a new world.

It was also beloved as the theme song for the drama “Yamada Taro Monogatari,” encouraging many people along the way.

It’s the perfect song for a drive wrapped in the warmth of spring, with a gentle breeze at your side!