[Latest/Trending] A roundup of popular Japanese songs among teens and people in their 20s

Smile for me.Sambomaster

Sambomaster / Please Smile MUSIC VIDEO

Sambomaster is a three-piece rock band that thrills fans with passionately stirring lyrics and a musical style that blends a variety of genres.

Their song “Waratte Okure,” included on their 10th album Love & Peace! Masterpiece!, was written as the theme song for Season 2 of the Netflix comedy series Talk Survivor! — The Drama Where Good Talk Keeps You Alive.

The powerful, straightforward lyrics that cheer you on carry a passionate energy that blows away worries and sadness.

It’s a heartfelt rock tune marked by driving melodies and an impressive ensemble.

thorn; brambleAdo

[Ado] Ibara

Ado, a singer who made a sensational debut in high school and has since become a household name, released her 20th digital-only single, “Ibara,” which was chosen as the theme song for the TV program Mezamashi TV.

The fact that the track was provided by Vaundy also drew attention.

The rock ensemble, featuring empowering lyrics delivered with powerful vocals, feels like the perfect song to start your day.

It’s a refreshing rock tune that’s sure to be a hit at karaoke as well.

MainstreamBE:FIRST

BE:FIRST / Mainstream -Music Video-

This song, a track by BE:FIRST released in September 2023, is defined by a beat that leaves a deep impression the moment you hear it.

Beyond the commanding presence of the track from the very beginning, the razor-sharp rap and dance are incredibly compelling.

The lyrics declare they have no interest in following trends—they’re going to create them—delivering a powerful message that might be one reason for their popularity.

Although the song maintains a cool, steady progression throughout, it has a distinctive character that, once heard, lingers in your memory.

Guilty verdictBLUE ENCOUNT

BLUE ENCOUNT 'Guilty Proclamation' Music Video

“Indictment of Guilt” has also attracted attention as the theme song for the drama Lawyer Sodom.

It’s a track produced by the rock band BLUE ENCOUNT.

Featuring a distinctive, bass-heavy sound centered on the guitar, its lyrics explore the difficulty of judging good and evil.

Its appeal lies in the use of unique wording to convey a dark worldview unlike any other.

Including the title, you’ll come across unfamiliar expressions, so I hope you’ll listen while reflecting on their meanings.

AceCHiCO

Ace / CHiCO

Singer CHiCO, known for her powerful vocals, is active on many fronts.

She’s widely recognized for her extensive work on anime songs and for forming a collaborative unit with HoneyWorks.

Her track Ace serves as the ending theme for the anime Shangri-La Frontier.

The song combines a sense of speed with a rich, weighty sound.

With its rousing, motivational message, it’s the kind of track that makes you feel empowered just by listening.

Fuzzy NavelConton Candy

Conton Candy – Fuzzy Navel [Official Video]

Conton Candy is a rock band formed in 2018.

Their exhilarating love song “Fuzzy Navel” captures that rush of emotion.

It likens the ups and downs of romance—the fun and the sorrow—to a sweet-and-bitter fuzzy navel cocktail.

The song also weaves in various metaphors, such as comparing the setting sun to the orange hue of a fuzzy navel.

When the music fades, it leaves a slightly bittersweet aftertaste.

The end credits aren’t sad.DISH//

DISH// – The End Credits Aren’t Sad [Official Video]

End Roll Isn’t Sad is a digital-only single released in May 2023 by DISH//, led by Takumi Kitamura, who is also highly active as an actor.

The music video premiered on YouTube simultaneously with the release and quickly reached a wide audience.

It’s a rock tune with an emotional sound that really grabs you, and the lyrics—singing about two people doing their best to live life to the fullest as it flashes by—also strike a chord.