BGM for summer drives: A roundup of songs that feel like summer [2026]
In summer, there are more chances to go out by car—like heading to the beach or mountains, or returning to your hometown! At times like that, you probably want to be picky about your in-car BGM and look for summer-themed driving songs, right? In this article, we’ll introduce a wide range of classic Japanese tracks perfect for summer drives—from the latest hits to timeless favorites.
We’ve selected songs themed around driving and summer, as well as stylish city pop, mellow and emotional tunes, and high-energy tracks that are perfect for the road.
Be sure to use this as a reference!
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BGM to listen to on a summer drive: A collection of songs that feel like summer [2026] (81–90)
The Summer When You Were ThereMr.Children
This is Mr.
Children’s very first single, known for its refreshing guitar sound.
It blends the melancholy of late summer with faint memories of young love, making listeners’ hearts ache in the sweetest way.
It’s as if the melody itself carries the purity of youth and nostalgia for days gone by.
Released in August 1992, the song was featured again in 2017 as the theme for NTT Docomo’s 25th anniversary commercial, etching itself into many hearts once more.
Play it on a summer drive or by the seaside at dusk, and you’ll be wrapped in a feeling that’s bittersweet yet warm.
It’s also perfect for when you want to bask in the sweet-and-sour memories of youth.
sea glassSaucy Dog
It’s a song by Saucy Dog that evokes sparkling summer scenes and the sweet-and-sour memories of young love.
Sung over a driving, exhilarating sound, it captures the charm and fragility of a wonderful romance, and the fleeting brilliance of youth that will never return.
It’s sure to deliver a bittersweet yet heartwarming emotion to listeners.
Released as a digital single in July 2020, the track was also included on the mini-album “Take Me” in September of the same year.
The music video, produced in collaboration with Honda’s youth support project “Honda×Music: Wanna Ride a Bike? MUSIC FES.,” expresses the dynamism of youth racing forward on a motorcycle.
Whether you’re feeling the wind on a summer drive or suddenly reminiscing about your school days, listening to this song may bring back the flutter of those moments.
NatsuneYuuri
This is Yuuri’s rock ballad that captures that heart-tightening sense of longing you suddenly feel at summer’s end.
The pure wish to “stay together forever” flows through his emotive vocals and the beautiful melody, resonating deeply with listeners.
Released as a single in September 2021, the song was created for the Hulu original drama “Dry Flower – Room 707 -.” It reached No.
23 on the Billboard JAPAN Hot 100 for the week and is included on the album Ichi.
It’s the kind of song that might really hit home when you’re soaking in a slightly sentimental summer twilight or quietly reminiscing about an old romance.
fireworks (launched into the sky)DAOKO × Yonezu Kenshi
This representative work by DAOKO × Kenshi Yonezu overlays the fleeting beauty of summer fireworks with a moment of youth.
DAOKO’s translucent vocals and Yonezu’s rich voice blend exquisitely, delicately expressing the ache of young love and the emotions of parting.
Released in August 2017, it was created as the theme song for the animated film “Fireworks.” It topped the Billboard Japan Hot 100 and ranked third on the year-end chart, becoming a major hit.
It’s a must-listen for anyone with memories of summer festivals and fireworks displays, or those who want to reminisce about the bittersweet romances of their youth.
asking for the moonKANA-BOON
This is a fast-paced rock number themed around emotional misalignment between lovers.
It deftly portrays the complex, wavering feelings of a couple who harbor frustrations with each other—jealousy toward a boyfriend who stares at pretty women, dissatisfaction with selfish behavior, and other realistic relationship struggles that resonate.
A signature track included on the mini-album “If I Released a CD,” released in April 2013, it became a sensation in 2020 with a collaboration on the YouTube channel THE FIRST TAKE featuring Mossa from NECRY TALKIE, garnering over 10 million views.
It’s a recommended song for those struggling with their relationship or anyone looking to feel refreshed on a summer drive.
Naughty SunORANGE RANGE
It’s a refreshing rock number that blows away the feeling of being overwhelmed by the summer heat.
Released in July 2007, the track combines ORANGE RANGE’s signature mixture rock with retro-pop elements, delivering a bright, energetic sound themed around the sun.
Chosen as the opening theme for the Fuji TV drama “Hanazakari no Kimitachi e ~ Ikemen Paradise ~,” it became a major hit, reaching No.
3 on the Oricon weekly chart.
This song is perfect for summer drives, seaside outings, or anytime you want to amp up the energy with friends.
BGM for summer drives: A collection of songs that feel like summer [2026] (91–100)
You, the Sheep, and the BlueRADWIMPS
This song overflows with dazzling passion and a sense of exhilarating drive.
Included on the 2011 album “Zettai Zetsumei,” it was chosen as the theme for NHK’s soccer broadcasts and captured the hearts of many during J.League and Emperor’s Cup coverage.
It carries a powerful message: miracles aren’t something you wait for—they’re something you create with your own hands—encouraging a spirit of challenge.
The up-tempo rock sound and impassioned lyrics fuse beautifully, delivering a performance that shakes the listener to the core.
It’s a perfect track for those who want to feel the rush of summer or are striving toward a goal.