[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] (51–60)
I like the me who likes you.Sakurai Yui
Yui Sakurai, who is also active in the idol group FRUITS ZIPPER.
Her solo debut track, released digitally in September 2025, is a delightful piece with a light, breezy electropop sound.
The lyrics depict a cycle of self-affirmation: falling for someone, having them return your feelings, and in turn learning to love yourself even more—warming the hearts of listeners along the way.
First unveiled at a fashion event in September 2025, this song is a perfect anthem for those moments when you want to feel optimistic.
I want to forget.Mitsume
If you’re into city pop, this is a must! It’s a track by Mitsume, a four-piece band from Tokyo, released digitally in April 2023 and included on the Drive EP that came out in May.
The effortless feel of the song is so pleasant it makes you want to close your eyes and just listen.
The lyrics are only three lines long, yet what lingers after it ends is a sense of satisfaction and euphoria.
It’s the perfect soundtrack for a walk—or, of course, a drive.
Add it to your playlist!
MonsterDa-iCE
An aggressive track by Da-iCE where their heavy sound and explosive vocals take center stage.
Released in October 2025 as the opening theme for the TV anime “Monster Strike: Deadverse Reloaded,” this self-produced song features lyrics and composition contributions from members Tetsuya Iwaoka and Hayate Wada.
Its dynamic arrangement fuses a pop melody with hip-hop and electronic beats, perfectly matching the anime’s worldview.
The lyrics, themed around inner ambition and impulse, are sure to resonate with anyone striving to break through their limits.
Be sure to check out this energetic dance number.
SWISH DATPSYCHIC FEVER
This track, released digitally by PSYCHIC FEVER in October 2025, showcases the group’s continued growth as a dance and vocal act competing on the world stage.
It was selected as the opening theme for Kamen no Ninja Akakage, a tokusatsu drama produced by TV Asahi and Toei.
While grounded in hip-hop and R&B, the song skillfully weaves in nuances of traditional Japanese instruments.
Its heavy, bass-driven beat interlaces each member’s rap and vocals, exuding a cool, stylish vibe reminiscent of ninjas racing under the moonlight.
Highly recommended for fans of urban music.
[2026] Recommended Japanese Songs for Driving: Popular J-POP for People in Their 20s (61–70)
Reaching for Your LightIwatatakanori
Takanori Iwata, who has been active as a performer in Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS and EXILE and has won numerous awards as an actor, released “Reaching for Your Light” via streaming in October 2025.
The song was written as the opening theme for TV Tokyo’s Drama NEXT series “My Oshi Became My Boss: Full Throttle.” This work portrays a bittersweet longing for someone out of reach as a single ray of light piercing the darkness.
Its driving melody and straightforward, love-song lyrics resonate deeply.
It’s a number that will encourage anyone troubled by an unattainable love or holding on to earnest feelings.
Better OffiScream
A light, danceable track that modernizes 2000s electropop.
Released digitally in September 2025, the song was chosen as the ending theme for the TV anime “Yano-kun’s Ordinary Days.” Its lyrics, expressing a positive resolve to stay true to oneself no matter where you are, carry a warmth that gives you a gentle push when you find yourself pausing in everyday life.
It’s perfect for anyone ready to break out of their shell and take a new step forward.
RainSIRUP
SIRUP’s tracks blend a sophisticated R&B sound with a laid-back groove.
This song is included on his EP “SIRUP EP2,” released in August 2018.
It paints a romantic world where a rainy day—often felt as gloomy—turns into a special dance floor for just two, and its stylish lyrics leave a strong impression.
The positive message of enjoying even negative situations showcases SIRUP’s unique sensibility.
With his silky-smooth vocals intertwining with sleek, urban melodies, this number will elevate your time at home—and is perfect not only for a rainy-day drive but also for making any indoor moment feel a touch more refined.