[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)
Ur ZoneNumber_i
This is a Number_i track released in September 2025 as an advance single from their second full album, “No.Ⅱ.” Its low-center-of-gravity, club-oriented beat and intensely evolving rap create a one-of-a-kind soundscape.
The lyrics, which portray a strong resolve to carve out a new realm of their own without flinching at outside evaluations, are likely to resonate with many.
It’s an aggressive, floor-shaking dance tune with a strikingly hard-hitting track.
Shanghai Love StorySebunsu Bega
Seventh Vega is a four-piece city rock band gaining attention for their refined, urban sound.
Shanghai Love Story was released in September 2025 ahead of their first album PRINCESS, which followed in October.
Set against the glittering nights of Shanghai, it portrays the push and pull of a romance between a man and a woman.
The lyrics blend Japanese, English, and Chinese, conveying both exhilaration and the emptiness of hearts passing by each other.
Centered on a floating, airy guitar riff, the ensemble mirrors the protagonist’s wavering emotions.
It’s a bittersweet yet beautiful track—perfect for moments of quiet reflection.
InstallICEx
A track that grabs your heart as it flips from a cool rap part to an explosive mix of cuteness and swagger in the chorus! This is a single ICEx released in July 2025.
The work’s charm lies in its original story: a robot installing warm human emotions through errors.
The structure shifts from a mechanical vibe in the first verse to a burst of human expressiveness in the chorus, showcasing the breadth of their artistry.
Perfect for anyone craving the thrill of watching a sci-fi movie.
[2026] Recommended Japanese Songs for Driving: Popular J‑Pop for People in Their 20s (81–90)
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.
Onomatopoeia ISLANDYamashita Tatsuro
A heartwarming number by Tatsuro Yamashita that fuses the glittering allure and refined sensibility of city pop.
Released for streaming in September 2025, it was selected as the theme song for the Netflix series “Pokémon Concierge.” The lyrics gently wrap the listener in the joy of finding a cherished presence long sought after.
Onomatopoeic expressions are sprinkled throughout, vividly painting the scenery of an island paradise.
The stop-motion music video featuring 16 Pokémon is also a must-see.
When your heart feels a little tired, this song is sure to soothe you.
Summer Ride (feat. ¥ellow Bucks)LANA
A groovy track by LANA that evokes the West Coast breeze.
Released in July 2025, this piece is a feel-good driving tune, highlighted by a smooth back-and-forth with featured artist ¥ellow Bucks.
The lyrics paint scenes like seaside drives with friends and lounging by the pool—moments that feel like an “endless weekend,” leaving you with a warm, happy feeling as you listen.
Put it on during a summer trip, on your way to the beach, and it might help create the perfect memories.
Love Like ThisFuji Kaze
This is a song by Fujii Kaze that was premiered during his European tour and generated a huge response among fans.
It serves as the lead track from his album Prema, released in September 2025 after roughly three years, and it’s a universal love song sung entirely in English.
Kaze says he “pretended to know” the answer to the question, “What is the purest form of love?” True to those words, the piece invites each listener to reflect on their own shape of love, offering a profound and beautiful world that’s deeply compelling.
Its sound, reminiscent of ’80s pop, gently accompanies the feelings you have for someone important.