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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- 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]
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BGM for summer drives: A roundup of songs that feel like summer [2026] (41–50)
blue carsupittsu
A perfect driving song for summer scenes by the sea or on sandy beaches is Aoi Kuruma (Blue Car).
It was released in 1994 by Spitz, a band loved by generations.
The fresh guitar tone in the intro, which hints at the beginning of summer, is especially memorable.
It beautifully captures the feelings of going on a drive date with a lover on a summer day.
Many listeners are surely soothed by Masamune Kusano’s clear, translucent vocals.
With its exhilarating, fast-paced band performance, it’s a song that makes you want to drive endlessly.
Share this rock number that colors your summer memories with someone special.
Summer VacationGENERATIONS from EXILE TRIBE
A breezy summer tune from GENERATIONS, produced and lyrically penned by member Ryuto Kazuhara.
Released in July 2025, the track serves as the culmination of a six-month consecutive project.
With lyrics that free your heart—telling you not to worry about everyday rules and conventions—and a surf music-inspired sound, it’s impossible not to feel your spirits lift.
Break out of your constricting routine and stretch your wings under the sun! This magical song makes that wish come true.
Midsummer CitrusReGLOSS
It’s a refreshing, exhilarating track packed with the sparkle of midsummer and the burst of a budding romance.
Created by the VTuber group ReGLOSS and set for release in July 2025, the song rides on a comfortable synth sound to beautifully capture a vivid slice of youthful life.
Its lyrics remind us that even amid the whirlwind of everyday life, each moment with someone special is an irreplaceable treasure—that, in itself, is love—gently warming the listener’s heart.
A perfect piece for the start of summer, when you want your heart to skip a beat!
Youth is eternalShōnan no Kaze feat. Atarashii Gakkō no Leaders
A collaboration that transcends generations and genres has produced the most powerful cheer song! This work, a team-up between Shonan no Kaze and ATARASHII GAKKO!, will be released in July 2025 and has been chosen as the opening theme for the second season of the TV anime Grand Blue.
The lyrics—saying that youth is all about moving forward because “the present is always in season”—give you a strong push from behind.
As you listen, your heart starts to blaze more and more.
Perfect for when you want to take on something new or make the best memories with your friends!
Short-Sleeved AngelHKT48
A pure, refreshing song that feels like dashing through the dazzling summer sun.
Released in July 2025 as HKT48’s 19th single, this track sets sweet and slightly bittersweet feelings of love—where a crush’s casual gestures look almost angelic—to a light, buoyant melody.
Listen under the summer blue sky, and your romantic mood is sure to soar! Take this song along and make some wonderful memories.
Perfect Blue feat. Tiji Jojo, Daichi Yamamoto, RYO-ZSTUTS & ZOT on the WAVE
It’s a refreshing, feel-good track with a groove that feels like gazing out at an endless blue sky and sea.
It’s a STUTS & ZOT on the WAVE release coming out in July 2025, featuring Tiji Jojo, Daichi Yamamoto, and RYO-Z.
The lyrics, which capture “perfect summer moments,” are striking; within all the fun, a sudden touch of wistfulness vividly paints scenes of unforgettable memories.
Perfect for summer drives—and just right for those slightly sentimental twilight hours, too!
Family Summer VacationTUBE × FRUITS ZIPPER
This song, which made headlines by teaming up with FRUITS ZIPPER to celebrate the 40th anniversary of TUBE—a band synonymous with summer—was released digitally in July 2025 and is included on the album “TUBE×.” Created around the theme of “A Father and Daughter’s Summer Vacation,” it’s a heartwarming track where the shy feelings of father and daughter intersect over TUBE’s exhilarating sound.
It’s the kind of classic that will make you want to go back to your parents’ home, evoking a sense of cross-generational bonds.