Drive Song Rankings [2026]

My Past Life, Many Lifetimes AgoRADWIMPS50rank/position

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.

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

Vividly depicting the bittersweetness and hope of youth, this work was released in April 2024 as the opening theme for the TV Tokyo anime “Oblivion Battery.” As symbolized by its title, which carries the flower-language meanings of “first love” and “memories of youth,” the song sings of the importance of loving yourself, scars and all.

Its lyrics, which give you the courage to look forward even amid imperfect days, are delivered over Mrs.

GREEN APPLE’s signature guitar rock sound.

It won the 66th Japan Record Award, and its streaming play count surpassed 300 million in record time.

This is a track you’ll want to hear when you’re struggling with the gap between dreams or ideals and reality, and need a gentle push forward.

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.