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!
- [Driving the Coastline] Classic and Latest Songs Perfect for a Seaside Drive
- Drive Song Rankings [2026]
- A collection of summer-like songs: tracks that go perfectly with summer, like the sea and the sky.
- Perfect for driving BGM and karaoke! Recommended summer songs for people in their 40s [2026]
- [2026] Recommended Japanese Songs for Driving: Popular J-POP for People in Their 20s
- [2026 Updated] Western songs to listen to in summer: Recommended summer tunes
- Nostalgic Songs Perfect as Driving BGM for People in Their 40s
- [2026] Recommended Japanese songs for a spring drive: A roundup of perfect tracks for outings
- [Oldies] Summer Songs Recommended for People in Their 50s [2026]
- Going out will definitely be more fun! Drive songs recommended for Gen Z
- A song by a rock band bursting with exhilarating energy and a sense of speed that you want to listen to in the summer.
- [Standard] A Collection of Songs You Want to Listen to While Driving—Tunes You'll Find Yourself Humming
- [August Songs] Carefully selected masterpieces, classics, and the latest hits you’ll want to listen to in midsummer!
BGM for summer drives: A collection of songs that feel like summer [2026] (21–30)
Atsuatsu Boogie BackSuzuki Suzuki
A heart-thumping summer tune from Suzuki Suzuki, the brother duo with a massive following centered on social media.
Set to a modern beat that captures the euphoria of summer, this exhilarating track lifts your spirits the moment you press play.
Its positive message—enjoy the moment without overthinking—adds color to a liberating drive.
Released in July 2023 and included on the album “SS-POP Ver.
Ao,” it’s perfect for cruising along the coast.
The light, catchy rhythm amps up the excitement!
Ocean living roomSuzuki Suzuki
With the uniquely beautiful harmonies only siblings can create, Suzuki Suzuki deliver a perfect song to color the summer of the Reiwa era.
Its fresh, up-tempo melody lifts the listener’s spirits and whisks you away to glittering summertime scenes.
Upon its release in August 2021, the track became a hit, inspiring over 110,000 related videos on TikTok, and it topped the Billboard JAPAN charts for two consecutive weeks in September of the same year.
It’s also included on the album “313.” Ideal for a seaside drive or lively moments with friends, this is a song that’s sure to boost your mood.
StarmineDa-iCE
This song, which captures the exhilaration of a fireworks festival, is the ultimate summer anthem themed around a special summer night for lovers.
The scenes of a fireworks show spent with a partner in a yukata vividly come to mind, and the lyrics depicting a mature summer romance make it a particularly memorable track.
Released in August 2022 as a digital-only single, it became a major sensation with over 600 million views on TikTok.
The YouTube music video became the fastest in Da-iCE’s history to reach 10 million views, and the song was selected for the Excellent Work Award at the 64th Japan Record Awards.
It’s perfect for anyone planning a date at a fireworks festival or looking to soak up the atmosphere of a summer matsuri.
We’ve gotta do what seems impossible.Sambomasutā
This song is packed with a fiery message that ignites the spirit to take on challenges.
It celebrates the courage to face any hardship head-on with positivity and the strength to keep believing in your own potential.
Characterized by a powerful rock sound that stirs the listener’s heart, it became familiar as the theme for Nissan’s Serena commercial in 2010 and was later chosen as an image song for the 2022 film “Cheer☆Dance.” Beloved by fans as a surefire crowd-pleaser at summer festivals, it has continued to be cherished by many as an anthem that gives you a push—when you hit a wall in club activities or exam studies, when you’re trying something new, or when you feel like giving up.
Live Like SummerSkaai × KM
It’s a track by next-generation rapper Skaai and producer KM that vividly conjures up a seaside drive.
The sound is refreshingly bittersweet, evoking the end of summer in a way that feels just right.
The contrast between KM’s meticulously crafted beat and Skaai’s smooth flow—balancing intellect and playfulness—creates an exquisite groove.
Released first as a single in July 2025, it was later included on the EP “Podium.” The lyrics, which seem to cherish fleeting brilliance while lingering over the passing seasons, may also tie into the duo’s shared love of cars and a sense of speed.
It’s a perfect number not only for weekend drives, but also for nights when you want to sink into a slightly sentimental mood.
Slow & EasyHirai Dai
This track features a tropical vibe, evoking a pleasant sea breeze and warm sunlight.
The warm tone of the acoustic guitar blends beautifully with Dai Hirai’s gentle vocals.
The lyrics advocate the importance of living slowly in today’s society, soothing the hearts of those who lead busy lives.
Released in May 2015 as the title track of the album “Slow & Easy,” it was also used in the Sumitomo Forestry commercial for the “Sakimachi Arai-Minami Sustaina Town.” It’s a perfect song for summer drives, trips to and from the beach, or for unwinding when you want to step away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE
It’s a refreshing summer track that evokes both nostalgia and hope for the future.
The lyrics, which capture the fragility and beauty of youth, really hit home when you listen while driving.
Also chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime “Oblivion Battery,” this song—released in April 2024—features Mrs.
GREEN APPLE’s signature energetic sound.
Before you head out to make new summer memories, why not add it to your playlist? It will surely stay close to your heart and color an unforgettable page of your summer.