[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!
- Drive Song Rankings [2026]
- A Must-See for Those in Their 20s: A Collection of Youthful Songs That Bring Back School Days
- [For Teens] Recommended Songs for an Uplifting Drive
- Going out will definitely be more fun! Drive songs recommended for Gen Z
- Recommended songs for a drive (for people in their 30s)
- [Night Drive] Songs recommended for nighttime drives
- Recommended classic songs for winter drives. Japanese songs that are also great for drive dates.
- [2026] Popular Songs Among Today’s Youth [J-Pop]
- BGM for summer drives: A roundup of songs that feel like summer [2026]
- Popular Japanese songs among men in their 20s. Recommended masterpieces and classic tracks.
- Emotional tracks perfect for a drive; road trip songs that deepen your memories.
- [2026] A lineup of next-generation artists! Autumn songs we want people in their 20s to hear
- [2026] Recommended Japanese songs for a spring drive: A roundup of perfect tracks for outings
[2026] Recommended Japanese Songs for Driving: Popular J-POP for People in Their 20s (131–140)
GO!!!FLOW
FLOW is a rock band known for creating numerous anime songs, and they also perform live overseas, drawing on their wide-ranging musical style.
Their 2004 release “GO!!!” is an up-tempo track that’s perfect for a high-energy drive.
It was used as the fourth opening theme for the anime NARUTO.
The melodious sound, reminiscent of American power pop, is striking, and the skillful rap parts mesh perfectly with the rock instrumentation.
Put it on during a drive with friends and it’s sure to get everyone pumped!
TORICOIwatatakanori
This is a solo work by Takanori Iwata, featuring a pleasing, passionate Latin rhythm.
Released in July 2025, it was chosen as the CM song for JATA’s “More! Overseas” campaign, enhancing the open, carefree mood of summer.
The sound instantly captivates listeners, and the lyrics—framing the push-and-pull of romance—leave a strong impression.
With Iwata’s lustrous vocal performance, it skillfully conveys a mature passion.
It’s perfect not only as BGM for a beachside party, but also for setting the mood on a special night with someone important.
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.
BAM-BOOIMP.
A track defined by its dynamic beat and powerful performance.
Chosen as the theme song for X Games Chiba 2024, it was released as IMP.’s third single in October 2024.
The song portrays each member standing independently like bamboo while being connected at the roots, conveying the group’s strong bond.
During its debut performance at Makuhari Messe on September 21, the group delivered a commanding stage that electrified the venue.
The up-tempo music and energetic choreography fuse seamlessly, showcasing IMP.’s growth.
You’ll surely be captivated by the passionate performance.
HIRAKEGOMANumber_i
This track was released as a surprise gift for Number_i’s fans.
It’s an energetic piece themed around challenge, self-growth, and the pursuit of dreams.
It expresses the determination to overcome long trials and step into a new frontier, and it’s sure to give listeners courage.
The song is included as the first track on the album “No.
I (Deluxe),” released digitally on December 2, 2024.
Number_i has been expanding their presence both in Japan and abroad, including a performance at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival 2024 in April 2024.
It’s the perfect song when you need the courage to take on new challenges or to fire yourself up.
DALMATIANPEOPLE 1
This song strikingly portrays the sense of nihilism and loneliness in contemporary society.
Released by PEOPLE 1 at Christmas, it pairs a sophisticated sound with a deft depiction of emotions swaying between reality and ideal.
Themes like the clamor and emptiness of everyday life and lingering attachment to lost love are woven through a distinctive musicality that fuses J-pop and alternative rock.
At their solo concert held at Ariake Arena in December 2024, they captivated around 20,000 people, proving their prowess.
PEOPLE 1 also created Meriba, the theme song for the TBS Tuesday drama “I Want to Punch That Scumbag.” It’s a track that resonates soothingly—perfect for a calm nighttime drive or moments of quiet reflection.