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

ChessboardOfficial HIGE DANDism

Official HIGE DANDism – Chessboard [Official Video]

Official Hige Dism, a four-piece piano pop band dominating the J-POP scene with an overwhelming pop sensibility that makes even complex arrangements feel effortless.

Chessboard, released as a double A-side with Nichijo, is their 6th single and was written as the set piece for the Junior High School division of the 90th NHK All-Japan School Choir Competition.

Its message—that with experience, your dreams and your path forward come into focus—will surely leave a strong impression on students with bright futures.

With a gently paced beat and a catchy melody that lingers in the ear, it’s a moving pop tune that stirs the heart.

Everyday lifeOfficial HIGE DANDism

Everyday life

Among Official HIGE DANDism’s songs, “Nichijou” was released as a double A-side single together with “Chessboard,” whose music video had been unveiled first.

The track was written as the theme song for the TV program “news zero,” for which the band members have themselves once been followed in a close-up feature.

The lyrics depict someone who feels gloomy about tomorrow—something many working adults and students can likely relate to.

Yet it goes on to convey the message that, while there are plenty of tough moments, small happenings can make you look forward to the next day, and that everyone is living out their own everyday life.

Listening to the song gives you a gentle, embracing sense of comfort.

KAMIKAZE (Prod.Gattem G Jones )RYKEYDADDYDIRTY

RYKEYDADDYDIRTY / KAMIKAZE (Prod.Gattem G Jones )

RYKEY DADDY DIRTY is a rapper from Hachioji with a Japanese father and a Kenyan mother, who started rapping at 17 under the influence of his seniors.

“Kamikaze,” a track included on his album MOTHER JANE released on December 12, 2023, is produced by trackmaker Gattem G Jones.

Its cynical lyrics, which seem to speak out on global affairs, are anarchic yet deeply stirring.

It’s a soulful hip-hop tune where emotional yet aggressive delivery creates a strong impact.

turquoiseSEKAI NO OWARI

SEKAI NO OWARI “Turquoise”

From SEKAI NO OWARI’s triple A-side single released in June 2023, the track that was pre-released in May is “Turquoise.” It was selected as the theme song for Kirin’s “Hyoketsu” series, and members of SEKAI NO OWARI also appear in the commercial.

The intro features bagpipes, which give the entire song an Irish music vibe.

In the released music video, the members deliver passionate performances as circus troupe members, so be sure to check it out.

Maximum reachSEKAI NO OWARI

The Peak

SEKAI NO OWARI is a four-member co-ed band that has gained popularity for its one-of-a-kind, fantastical sound and lyrics that span a wide range of themes from the intimate to the global.

Their sixth digital-only single, “Saikou Toutatsuten” (Highest Point), was written as the opening theme for the TV anime ONE PIECE.

Its positive and powerful message connects with the anime’s story and heightens the sense of anticipation.

With an ensemble that evokes forward motion and lifts your spirits, it’s a dramatic pop tune.

As I amSHISHAMO

Watashi No Mamade

SHISHAMO is a three-piece rock band whose lyrics, vividly depicting scenes of romance, have garnered strong support especially among younger listeners.

Their 14th digital-only single, “Watashi no Mama de,” used as the commercial song for the matching app with, is a lively track featuring an intro guitar riff that sticks in your head.

The lyrics, which declare a commitment to valuing one’s true self rather than conforming to someone else’s preferences, are sure to give courage to people of all ages and genders.

With its cute vocals that perfectly match the song’s world, it’s a catchy pop tune.

Sarracenia (Prod. Ryosuke “Dr.R” Sakai)SKY-HI

SKY-HI / Sarracenia (Prod. Ryosuke “Dr.R” Sakai) -Music Video-

SKY-HI, a rapper who made his major-label debut as a member of AAA and has also showcased his talents as a singer-songwriter and music producer.

His track “Sarracenia (Prod.

Ryosuke “Dr.

R” Sakai),” chosen as the opening theme for the Netflix anime Baki Hanma: The Father vs.

Son Arc, was released as a split single with BE:FIRST.

The lyrics, which tie into the anime’s story, ramp up the energy alongside his high-level rap skills.

It’s a stylish pop tune with an impressive sense of speed in the track.