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

MUSEME:I

ME:I (Mei) ⊹ ‘MUSE’ Official MV

A perfect ME:I track to lift your mood on a Golden Week drive.

Its dazzling sound, fusing funk, city pop, and disco, pairs beautifully with an urban driving scene.

The lyrics, depicting the pursuit of dreams toward an aspirational figure and the resolve to become someone else’s light, will give listeners a powerful push forward.

Released in April 2025 as their third single, the song also became well-loved as the commercial theme for NTT Docomo’s Galaxy S25 Ultra.

Grip the wheel while soaking in the stylish world portrayed in the ad, and you’re sure to be wrapped in a thrilling sense of exhilaration.

STAY TUNESuchmos

Suchmos – STAY TUNE [Official Music Video]

Suchmos is a band celebrated for their sound that fuses rock, soul, and jazz.

The work that put their name on the map pairs lyrics that coolly weave through the hustle and bustle of the city with a groove that makes you want to move—utterly stylish.

After being included on the EP “LOVE&VICE,” released in January 2016, it became widely known from September of the same year as the song used in Honda’s VEZEL commercials.

Its driving beat and polished ensemble are perfect for Golden Week road trips.

Even if you get stuck in traffic, put this on and your car will instantly transform into a chic space.

A Place for the Soulmakaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Enpitsu “Place for the Soul” MV

The title track written as the theme song for Nissan’s “SAKURA” commercial, included on Macaroni Enpitsu’s major-label 2nd EP, “Tama-shii no Ibasho” (“Where the Soul Belongs”).

Released in June 2022, this work’s exhilarating band sound and catchy melodies add color to early-summer driving scenes.

Marking their 10th anniversary, the words they wove around the theme of “a place to belong” are sure to resonate with those sentimental feelings that surface even during a fun vacation.

The affirming message delivered over a brisk rhythm will likely lift your spirits even when you’re stuck in traffic.

It’s a pop-rock number that helps both mind and body move forward—perfect for listening to during long holiday journeys.

Love in the Southern Hemisphere ~Star Love~ feat. Maki Saejima (CV: Akari Kito)MARUMOCHI from HoneyWorks

Love in the Southern Hemisphere ~Star Love~ / Maki Saejima (CV: Akari Kito) [Music Video]

MARUMOCHI from HoneyWorks is a creator team led by Gom and Kaoru from HoneyWorks.

Their new release in February 2026 is a track sung by Maki Saejima, a character from the music project “M Gakuen.” The lyrics depict the starry sky of the Southern Hemisphere and scenes of summer, expressing a bittersweet and aching love for someone far away.

The character’s singing voice, performed by Akari Kito, is captivating, and the song features a pop sound brimming with youthful HoneyWorks vibes.

It’s also set to be included on the EP “M Gakuen in Blanket,” scheduled for release in April 2026, so if you love heart-throbbing love songs, be sure to check it out.

IMAAile The Shota

Aile The Shota / IMA -Official Video-

Released in May 2022 by BMSG singer-songwriter Aile The Shota, this track will make you want to head out for a sleek city drive.

Co-written with producer unit KNOTT, it fuses a powerful, fast-paced, heavy beat with a shimmering, slightly nostalgic ’80s-style synth sound.

The lyrics, which convey a resolve to move forward on one’s own path despite uncertainty, really hit home.

Included on the July 2022 EP “IMA,” it received heavy rotation on radio stations nationwide.

It’s perfect for late-night highway runs or whenever you want to savor the thrill of heading toward your destination.

Let the groove carry you along with the scenery flowing past your car window.

Spring of LifePerfume

[Official Music Video] Perfume「Spring of Life」

Perfume’s “Spring of Life” is the perfect BGM for a girls’ drive in search of a new spring romance.

Its bright, poppy melody is sure to amp up any spring road trip! Spring brings lots of new encounters, making it the ideal season to start a new love, right? This song accelerates and elevates those fluttery feelings.

If you’re thinking of hopping in the car and going a little farther to find a fresh romance, why not head out for a drive with this track to boost your mood?

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Spring meltsindigo la End

indigo la End 'Spring Melts'

With its catchy melody and breezy sound, this song powerfully evokes the arrival of spring.

Composed by Enon Kawatani of indigo la End, it was written as a campaign song for FM802 and Hanshin Expressway.

Since its release in March 2022, it has captivated many listeners.

The lyrics vividly portray a springtime world brimming with vitality, harboring a wish to be reborn into a new self through repeated meetings and partings.

It’s also a perfect cheer song for those starting a new chapter in life—an ideal pick when you want a fresh start or as a companion for a springtime drive.