[2026] Recommended Japanese Songs for Driving: Popular J-POP for People in Their 20s

Nobody Knowsmilet

milet “Nobody Knows” Music Video (Minami Maezono) | Insert Song from the Film “Unknown Girlfriend”

Included on the double A-side single “I still / Nobody Knows,” released in February 2025, it was written specifically as an insert song for the film “Unknown Girlfriend,” in which she made her debut as an actress.

She penned the lyrics herself, infusing them with a resolve to step toward a version of herself that no one knows yet.

The music video was directed by filmmaker Takahiro Miki and was also used in the movie.

It’s a song we especially recommend to those embarking on new challenges or searching for their true selves.

Galactic ExpresswayHanbureddāzu

Humbreaders “Galactic Expressway” Music Video

Hambrettes are a four-piece rock band from Osaka, formed under the impact of watching the TV anime K-On!.

Their digital-only single Ginga Kousoku, released on June 12, 2019, was used in 2023 for ABEMA Fighting TIMES’ ONE Friday Fights.

The lyrics, said to have been written while reflecting on the band’s journey up to that point, evoke a sense of a major farewell and firm resolve.

It’s a rock tune whose driving sound links with the scenery of the expressway—refreshing yet tinged with melancholy.

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Hoshino Takashi

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TWILIGHTyama

yama『TWILIGHT』　Lyric Video

Released in December 2025 to mark the 5th anniversary of yama’s debut, this work is a lead single from the concept EP “C.U.T,” set for release in March 2026.

Serving as the gateway to a collection themed around the keywords “Chill out,” “Urban,” and “Tender,” it features a comfortably urban sound.

Set against a city at twilight, it portrays a desire to step slightly away from the everyday and set the heart free, with vocals over gentle beats that sink deep into the soul.

It’s a track I’d highly recommend as a soundtrack for a drive.

The Zero Sense10-FEET

10-FEET – The Zero Sense (Ending Theme Song of the Film 'THE FIRST SLAM DUNK')

The song, released as a digital single in November 2022, is also included on 10-FEET’s ninth album, Collins, their first in about five years.

Specially produced as the ending theme for the film THE FIRST SLAM DUNK, it captured many hearts with its striking melody and rhythm.

It also gained traction on TikTok, and in 2023 its appeal was widely recognized when it won Best Rock Video at the MTV Video Music Awards Japan.

It’s a perfect track for a drive in your twenties, and its lyrics—centered on the themes of pursuing dreams and self-actualization—carry a message that resonates with young people.

Blue HabitatKitanitatsuya

Where Our Blue Is / Tatsuya Kitani

It’s a song marked by messages that gently reach the heart.

Tatsuya Kitani’s delicate vocals and poetic lyrics beautifully capture the bittersweetness and transience of youth.

Released in July 2023, it was chosen as the opening theme for the second season of the popular anime Jujutsu Kaisen.

Listening to it while driving may bring back memories of days gone by, giving you a sense of nostalgia and the courage to look ahead.

It might also be nice to listen with a friend or partner and reminisce about your youth together.

I especially hope people in their twenties can feel the song’s deep appeal.

NON STOPHANA

HANA / NON STOP -Music Video-

Created as the track to cap off HANA’s debut year, this song is an aggressive dance tune packed with the year’s relentless sprint and a determination to “make dreams come true.” Over a heavy beat infused with hip-hop and trap elements, rapid-fire switches between English and Japanese rap unfold alongside a melodious hook.

The confident vocal performance meshes perfectly with the hard-hitting sound.

It’s a number that gives you strength when you want to charge headlong toward your dreams.

BREAK IT DOWNTHE RAMPAGE

THE RAMPAGE / BREAK IT DOWN (MUSIC VIDEO)

The single “BREAK IT DOWN,” released in January 2026, was created as the entrance theme for member Kaisei Takechi’s activities as a professional wrestler.

Written and composed by Hi-yunk and SLAY, the track is a battle anthem that fuses a heavy beat with phrases that ignite fighting spirit.

The music video has also drawn attention for its unprecedented lineup, featuring eight star wrestlers from four different wrestling promotions.

It’s a powerful number you’ll want to play when you need to fire yourself up.