[2026] Recommended Japanese songs for a spring drive: A roundup of perfect tracks for outings

spring thunderYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Spring Thunder

Kenshi Yonezu is a singer-songwriter who has produced numerous buzzworthy tracks in the J-POP scene since 2010 and continues to evolve.

Shunrai, included on his major third album BOOTLEG, is a satisfying number featuring a catchy melody and urban arrangement.

Its rapidly unfolding melodic lines seem to sync with the changing scenery you see while driving.

With an ensemble that carries a distinctive sense of buoyancy, it’s a pop tune that lingers in your ears and begs to be replayed again and again.

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Hoshino Takashi

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spring sunlightKanapu × Kujira

[Suite] KAFU × Kujira #97 “Spring Sunlight” [Original MV]

Gently depicting the scene of a graduation ceremony, this work is a warm piece like the fleeting light of spring.

The refreshing piano melody and KAFU’s translucent vocals beautifully capture both the bittersweetness and hope of the cherry blossom season, harmonizing wonderfully with Kujira’s delicate production.

Created in March 2022, it was released to coincide with KAFU’s milestone high school graduation and is also included on the album “Suite.” The lyrics accompany even the bright moments of parting, overflowing with a kindness like a pep song that gives you the courage to open a new door.

How about adding this fresh and warm track to a drive under the gentle spring sunlight?

Spring ~spring~Hysteric Blue

Haru ~spring~ (春~spring~)

A signature song by the band Hysteric Blue, who emerged from the street-performance paradise in front of Osaka Castle Park known as “Jōten,” and also their best-selling track.

There’s even an anecdote that drummer Takuya wrote this song when he was in high school.

The breakup-themed lyrics—“When spring comes, I remember how much I loved you; even as time passes, that never fades”—feel as if Hys*Blu wraps them in brightness.

It’s a song that helps you look forward to your next love.

Tama’s vocals, soaring brilliantly into the high notes, were also deeply memorable.

It’s a nostalgic tune that makes you want to pull that CD out of the dresser and give it a spin on a drive.

KYOTOJUDY AND MARY

JUDY & MARY WARP TOUR FINAL ~part 11~ KYOTO

JUDY AND MARY is a perfect bullseye for people in their 50s.

Among their songs, the rare track that sings about Kyoto is “KYOTO.” It’s a song that’s sparked plenty of talk—there are different versions depending on the album, and the guitar riff is downright divine.

The lyrics, which give off a romance vibe like “I’ll come to see you when the cherry blossoms bloom,” embody spring itself, the season of many meetings and farewells.

The midtempo feel of the track also fits YUKI’s vocal tone perfectly.

Place names from Kyoto even appear in the lyrics, so be sure to play it on your drive to Kyoto!

Sakura MitsutsukiSPYAIR

SPYAIR “Sakura Mitsutsuki (Short ver.)”

SPYAIR’s “Sakura Mitsutsuki” depicts a promise to meet again beneath the shining full moon and cherry blossoms.

Used as the opening theme for the anime Gintama’, this song’s driving, exhilarating melody sets the tone for a refreshing ride.

Spring is a time to part from someone important and begin a new life.

Even while feeling lonely, the song gives you the strength to carry on with the hope of meeting again.

With such a fast-paced melody, even a solo drive with a few lonely tears won’t feel so lonely!

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SAKI

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