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] (101–110)
When I Was YoungSunrise In My Attache Case
Sunrise In My Attache Case is a band known for their refreshing sound with a West Coast vibe.
This track from their 2017 release ‘Sunrise to Sunset’ blends a mellow atmosphere with the band’s signature breeziness and sense of speed, making it a pleasant listen.
It also incorporates a pop sensibility reminiscent of overseas rock bands, featuring a laid-back yet uplifting melody.
It’s the kind of refreshing tune that makes you want to listen while driving along the seaside.
I can flyYOSHIKI EZAKI x Bleecker Chrome
Hip-hop artist YOSHIKI EZAKI collaborated with the hip-hop unit Bleecker Chrome on the track “I can fly.” It was selected as the opening theme for the anime The Prince of Tennis II: U-17 World Cup.
The cool, bass-rich track pairs perfectly with the passionate lyrics about the protagonists’ dreams.
The summery music video—featuring them performing on a sunlit tennis court—is a must-see.
Because I met youmiwa
The song Kimi ni Deaeta Kara was written by miwa as a tie-in track for Shiseido’s SEA BREEZE.
It was created with the theme of being a cheer song for students working hard in their club activities, and the melody includes chant-like calls that fire up the listener.
In contrast, the lyrics convey the beauty of youth and the fact that it is finite.
As a result, the song motivates you while also leaving you with a hint of wistfulness.
LIFEkimaguren
Formed by two people who met at a swimming school during high school and disbanded in 2015, the music duo Kimaguren released the second single “LIFE,” which had multiple tie-ins, including serving as the opening theme for the music program PVTV.
Its brisk acoustic guitar sound and sing-along-friendly choral work make it a track that sticks in your ears.
The contrast between the message-driven lyrics and the passionate beat is sure to elevate those once-in-a-summer moments.
It’s a catchy, comfortable pop tune that perfectly suits summertime scenes.
swallowtail butterflyPorunogurafiti
Latin numbers go really well in summer, don’t they? So, the song I’d like to introduce is Agehachō.
It’s beloved as one of Porno Graffitti’s signature tracks.
In the lyrics, the narrator likens themself—heartbroken and journeying through a desert—to a traveler, and the person they long for to a butterfly flying over the sands.
I hope you can bask in its slightly dark, lonely atmosphere.
And if you try it at karaoke, there’s also the fun of singing the chorus together.
Let’s build that sense of unity and get the energy going.
BGM for summer drives: A roundup of songs that feel like summer [2026] (111–120)
Music HourPorunogurafiti
This is the third single by Porno Graffitti, who debuted with “Apollo” in 1999—a song that seems to capture a sense of rising excitement for summer.
Overall, it feels like it’s modeled after a radio program, and combined with the breezy sound, it conjures up an image of music playing from a car stereo cruising along the coastline.
The lyrics, which depict a radio host responding to messages from listeners, are memorable and give the impression of encouraging people to enjoy the summer.
It’s a track that conveys a refreshing yet powerful energy—highlighting the thrill of the season’s arrival as temperatures climb, and the determination to fully savor a youth that can only be found in summer.
Summer Splash!arashi
Your heart will dance to the light rhythm! This song by Japan’s beloved idol group Arashi is included on their ninth album, “Boku no Miteiru Fūkei,” released in 2010.
It drew attention as the CM song for JAL’s “JAL Wakuwaku Aloha Project 2010.” Its sound evokes an image of an endlessly blue sky, perfectly matching the refreshingly upbeat lyrics that say, “Let’s enjoy summer to the fullest!” It’s a feel-good pop tune that clears your mind, packed with the power to blow the heat away!
