[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 (121–130)
Taxi to the MoonPenthouse
A funky dance tune that evokes the polished soul-disco of the 1980s.
Released by Penthouse in November 2024, the track opens their second album, “Laundry.” It features playful wordplay that sounds like English, with themes of breaking free from the noise of the city and venturing into the unknown.
The music video follows a girl traveling through space in a taxi, with the chorus dance scene as a highlight.
It’s perfect for anyone who wants to step away from the everyday and leap into a new world.
With Penthouse’s distinctive worldview and groove, this song is sure to captivate listeners.
Lights Off (feat. Natori)TAKU INOUE
It’s a track with a cool vibe.
Produced by TAKU INOUE with vocals by natori, “Lights Off” was released as a single in December 2024.
It’s a polished piece where sharp-edged electronic sounds and pop elements blend in perfect balance.
It garnered attention through behind-the-scenes stories shared on NHK-FM and the release of its music video featuring actor Misaki Hattori.
It might be a great fit for a late-night drive.
astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN
When you remember the sweet-and-sour and heartrending moments of your youth, your chest tightens, doesn’t it? In times like that, the song that gives you a push is “Tentai Kansoku.” It was released in 2000 by the rock band BUMP OF CHICKEN and was used as an insert song for the drama Tentai Kansoku.
The track delivers a rock sound that evokes the band’s unique worldview.
The introductory guitar, played with the image of a shooting star, is truly one of a kind.
It’s packed with messages that give you strength when you’re struggling with love or life—try listening to it while driving under the night sky, gazing at the stars.
bergamotTomonari Sora
The music of Sora Tomonari, a highly regarded singer-songwriter born in 2002, showcases a superb sense for sophisticated, genre-defying songwriting and sound design.
Released in March 2025, Bergamot blends rap-inflected vocals with a stylish, contemporary city-pop track driven by a groovy bassline, letting you fully savor a cool, compelling 16-beat feel.
It’s also a track that those studying track-making will surely find informative, so be sure to check it out.
[2026] Recommended Japanese Songs for Driving: Popular J-POP for People in Their 20s (131–140)
Wonderlandiri
A masterpiece depicting the heart of someone striving to find light within deep darkness has arrived from iri.
Set to a luscious melody steeped in R&B and soul, it tenderly envelops the emptiness and loneliness of everyday life while powerfully singing of the will to move toward the light.
Included on the album “Private,” this track has continued to soothe countless listeners since its release in March 2023.
It’s a warm song that keeps you company on late-night drives or in moments when you want to cherish time alone.
iri’s gentle yet resolute voice is sure to resonate deeply in the hearts of those who listen.
I hope it’s sunny.DREAMS COME TRUE
A gentle, lyrical song that weaves together childhood memories and growth.
Released by DREAMS COME TRUE in October 1992, this piece captured the hearts of many as the theme song for the NHK morning drama Hirari.
Warm memories of time spent with family in nature—like hiking in the mountains and playing in streams—are portrayed over a calm melody.
The transition from being a child supported by her father to becoming independent and supporting her own family now is especially striking.
Included on the album The Swinging Star, the song evokes the landscapes of Miwa Yoshida’s hometown, Ikeda in Hokkaido, and is perfect for a springtime drive, sure to lift your spirits.
FUNKEYSDa-iCE
On January 15, 2025, Da-iCE is set to release a new song to celebrate the 11th anniversary of their debut, and it looks like fans are in for a treat! This will be their first packaged single in about three years, featuring two tracks: the title song and a coupling track.
Speaking of Da-iCE, their song “I wonder” made headlines for surpassing 100 million streams on subscription platforms just four months after its release.
I have a feeling this new track will also be packed with their spirit of innovation.
Their music, which spans a wide range of genres from pop and R&B to rock, is perfect for when you want a change of mood or a boost of energy.