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

Hana no YumeChatto Monchī

Chatmonchy 'Hana no Yume' Music Video

“Hana no Yume” is a song with Chatmonchy’s signature pop band sound that naturally lifts your spirits as you listen.

Their distinctive, vivid vocal harmonies shine here as well.

Enjoy this charming, unpretentious tune alongside the warm, sunny vibes of spring.

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zunx2P

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Kaiju no Hanabuta (Monster’s Flower Song)Vaundy

Monster’s Flower Song / Vaundy: MUSIC VIDEO

Singer-songwriter Vaundy, who dominates the J-POP scene with his cutting-edge musical sensibilities and multifaceted talent spanning artwork and video, has released Kaiju no Hanauta as the song for Maruha Nichiro’s WILDish series commercial “For Us.” The track was pre-released from his first album, strobo.

Its catchy, floating melody evokes a refreshing spring breeze.

It’s a pop tune that showcases Vaundy’s modern sensibilities and will elevate any drive.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Cherry Blossom Timeaiko

aiko - “Sakura no Toki” music video

A masterpiece that seeps into the heart, capturing a bittersweet yet beautiful scene of love under the radiant spring sunlight.

Released by aiko in February 2000, this song gently sings of a new romance budding with the season of cherry blossoms.

While carrying doubts from the past, the protagonist finds meaning in life through meeting someone special, portrayed alongside a calm, soothing melody.

Chosen as a Calpis Water commercial song, it has brought comfort to many listeners.

Included on the album “Sakura no Ki no Shita,” which reached No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Albums Chart.

It’s a track you’ll want to play on a spring drive beneath rows of cherry trees—resonating in your heart as the scenery passes by the window.

JourneyFuji Kaze

Fujii Kaze – Tabiji (Official Video)

This is a song that gently embraces the encounters and farewells, the days of growth and learning we experience along the journey of life.

The melodies woven by Fujii Kaze resonate warmly, as if close to the heart, carried by soulful arrangements and nostalgic breakbeats.

Released in March 2021, it was written as the theme song for the TV Asahi Thursday drama “Nijiiro Karte,” and is included on the album LOVE ALL SERVE ALL.

By contemplating the end of life, the piece reveals what truly matters and expresses a yearning for eternity that everyone holds deep within.

It’s a track best heard during quiet moments of self-reflection—on your daily commute to work or school, or while traveling long distances.

Walking with youNovelbright

Novelbright – Walking with you [Official Music Video]

A track included on Novelbright’s first mini album, “SKYWALK,” this song expresses a strong wish to walk forward together toward the future.

Centered on the theme of love, it movingly portrays the desire to cherish the bond with a loved one and the future you share, and it was also used as an insert song in AbemaTV’s drama “Koisuru Weekend Homestay 2020 Spring.” Yudai Takenaka’s clear, transparent vocals pair exquisitely with the heartfelt lyrics, gently conveying the happiness of being together and feelings of gratitude.

Since its release in October 2018, the song has warmed the hearts of many; it’s perfect not only as driving BGM but also for spending a peaceful day with someone special.

DriveWANIMA

WANIMA「Drive」OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

Riding on a high-velocity, exhilarating sound, this gem of a rock number sings of the strength and resolve to keep moving forward.

The track WANIMA created portrays an attitude of accepting past failures and setbacks while using them as fuel to sprint into the future.

With straightforward feelings and down-to-earth words, the lyrics stand by those wrestling with doubt and anxiety, giving them a gentle push forward.

Released in May 2018, the song was written as the theme for the film OVER DRIVE, which opened in June of the same year, marking the band’s first movie tie-in.

It’s the perfect track for long drives, for times when you need to fire yourself up, or when you’re about to take a new step forward.

FlowerFuji Kaze

Fujii Kaze – Hana (Official Video)

Fujii Kaze’s latest work poetically expresses the transience and preciousness of life, offering a song that stays close to the feelings of someone searching for their own path amid uncertainty.

With a gentle voice that encourages believing in your inner light and living true to yourself, and a soothing melody infused with jazz elements, it leaves a lasting impression.

Released in October 2023, it drew attention as the theme song for Fuji TV’s Thursday drama “The Best-Loved Flower.” The music video, filmed in New South Wales, Australia, symbolically portrays the boundary between life and death.

It’s a great pick to listen to alone on a long drive, and also as background music when you want to reflect on yourself.