BGM for summer drives: A roundup of songs that feel like summer [2026]

fireworks (launched into the sky)DAOKO × Yonezu Kenshi

DAOKO × Kenshi Yonezu 'Uchiage Hanabi' MUSIC VIDEO

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

KANA-BOON “Naimono Nedari” Music Video

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

ORANGE RANGE “Ikenai Taiyō” Music Video

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.

You, the Sheep, and the BlueRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – You, Sheep and Blue [Official Music Video]

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.

Beautiful finsupittsu

Spitz / Beautiful Fin

Released in April 2023 as the theme song for the film Detective Conan: Black Iron Submarine, this track is a clear, translucent work themed around an oceanic worldview.

Through the symbolic expression “beautiful fins” depicted by Masamune Kusano’s delicate vocals, a profound world emerges where fragility and hope intersect.

As Spitz’s first tie-in with the Conan series, the song debuted at No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and has been beloved by many fans.

It’s recommended for seaside drives in summer or for quiet nights when you want to calm your mind.

Stars swimmakaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Enpitsu “Hoshi ga Oyogu” MV

Powerfully voicing the anxiety of summer and the defiance of fate, this track is a true masterpiece of fast-paced summer rock.

Released by Macaroni Enpitsu in April 2022, it was written as the opening theme for the TV anime “Summer Time Rendering.” The lyrics portray feelings for a lost loved one, a sense of bereavement, and the struggle to confront destiny, carrying a profound message centered on a fate that vanishes fleetingly like fireworks.

With its robust rock sound, the song evokes the beginning of a story and a sense of uplift, making it a guaranteed mood-booster when listened to in the summer season.

Mela!Ryokushokushakai

Ryokuoushoku Shakai 'Mela!' Music Video / Ryokuoushoku Shakai – Mela!

This song celebrates the heart of someone who keeps their inner passion burning.

The lyrics portray the impulse born from the pure wish to “become a hero,” and the courage to act driven by that feeling, stirring the hearts of listeners.

Released digitally in April 2020, it was featured in Darya’s “Palty Coloring” commercial, and later adopted as a JRA commercial song in 2025.

It was also chosen as the theme for a dance project supporting high school dance teams across Japan who lost opportunities to perform during the COVID-19 pandemic, giving courage to many young people.

Its exhilarating, fast-paced feel makes it especially appealing to listen to in the summer.