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 for summer drives: A roundup of songs that feel like summer [2026] (51–60)
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!
BGM for summer drives: A collection of songs that feel like summer [2026] (61–70)
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.
Midsummer FireworksLIL LEAGUE
A gem of a love song that likens a once-in-a-lifetime summer romance to the fleeting brilliance of fireworks painting the night sky.
Released in July 2025 as the fifth single, it was selected as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s “Wednesday Platinum Night.” Layering vocals over a dance track with traditional Japanese flair, it portrays a heartrending love.
Just reading the lyrics conjures up the relationship between the two and really tugs at the heartstrings.
Hearing this song will surely bring back the bittersweet memories of summer.
Hi-FiveME:I
This song is the perfect way to amp up summer vacation with friends.
It’s the title track of ME:I’s single “Hi-Five,” released in August 2024, and its theme is the sparkle and exhilaration of spending summer with your crew.
Packed with the refreshing vibe of lemonade sipped under the sun and the joy that makes every day shine just by being together, it’s a track full of feel-good energy.
The song has gained popularity for its upbeat sound, debuting at No.
2 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
Put it on as your summer vacation BGM, and it’s sure to elevate the fun.