[2026] Recommended Japanese Songs for Driving: Popular J-POP for People in Their 20s
Whether you’re driving with friends, on a romantic trip for two, with family, or even solo, going for a drive is always a lot of fun, isn’t it?
Some of you in your twenties may have just gotten your long-awaited driver’s license and are now picking out BGM for your first drive—whether you’re a student or already working.
In this article, we introduce popular Japanese songs—J-POP—that are especially recommended for drives, with a focus on listeners in their twenties.
Centered on recent and current hits across various genres, this lineup will hype up your drive and add a stylish touch.
Feel free to use it as a reference!
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[2026] Recommended Japanese Songs for Driving: Popular J-Pop for People in Their 20s (71–80)
Heavy rotationAKB48
When you’re going for a drive with someone you’re interested in, it’s hard to decide what songs to play, right? For those people, I recommend “Heavy Rotation.” It’s a song released in 2010 by the idol group AKB48 and is known as one of their signature tracks.
The refreshing guitar riffs and driving, fast-paced melody are striking.
The lyrics are full of charm, evoking the beginning of a romance.
If you use this song as the background music for a drive date, it’ll naturally give you something to talk about.
Recipetimelesz
This song, one of the tracks on a double A-side single, was chosen as the theme for the TV Asahi drama “Papa to Oyaji no Uchi Gohan.” It’s a piece that closely aligns with the drama’s worldview, in which member So Matsushima stars and Shuto Inomata appears.
It gently sings about everyday happiness, layering the idea of time spent with someone and mutual support onto the word “recipe.” The music video is set in a kindergarten, capturing the members as teachers interacting with the children, and the warm scenes are truly wonderful.
Please take in their positive message.
Paranoid RendezvousGen’in wa jibun ni aru.
Released in October 2025 as their 4th single, this track shines with a catchy melody and uniquely crafted word choices.
Its decadent sound and philosophical lyrics—laced with meta perspectives and self-referential elements—intertwine in an alluring way.
The beat is danceable, with a dynamic, dramatic structure.
Before you know it, you’re drawn in and can’t escape its world.
Be sure to give it a listen and discover a new side of their allure!
Carrying nostalgic oldiesAKASAKI
This is a work released by singer-songwriter AKASAKI in October 2025.
It portrays a girl who keeps running forward with her memories, suffused with nostalgia for days gone by.
The lyrics delicately capture the flow of time and a wistful, nostalgic feeling that stirs up the “back then” everyone carries.
It may resonate especially with those who treasure their youthful memories.
Why not let this emotional pop tune take you back to the past?
My BodyHANA
This is a track HANA released in October 2025 as the theme song for Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s “BODY MAINTE” commercial.
Following the previous single “BAD LOVE,” member MOMOKA also contributed to the lyrics.
Centered on the powerful message that “your body is your own,” the song boldly celebrates autonomy and self-affirmation, unshaken by others.
The memorable phrase repeated from the intro stirs listeners’ hearts with the resolve to “take care of yourself.” Whenever you feel like you’re losing your sense of self, give this song a listen.
Steal The Showtimelesz
A song by timelesz has been selected as the support anthem for basketball broadcasts on Nippon TV.
It’s crafted as a high-energy dance number, with lyrics depicting the process of honing the time and effort invested and the bonds with teammates.
In the rap part written by Fuma Kikuchi, a strong determination to seize the stage is embedded, aligning with Japan’s national basketball team’s slogan of “Shocking the World.” Scheduled for release in November 2025, it will be included on the double A-side single “Steal The Show / Recipe.” It’s the perfect track when you want a boost for taking on a challenge.
First kissrikon densetsu
Released for streaming in October 2025, this work is a newly written song created as the TV commercial track for Honda’s VEZEL e:HEV RS.
Its appeal lies in a driving feel like a tailwind that evokes bittersweet memories, and the lyrics revolve around the theme of unwavering feelings for a precious person, even as the world keeps flowing by.
The melody line, carrying raw emotion, and the groovy sound are irresistible.
It’s also perfect for moments when you want to look back on the time spent with your partner.