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

The palette is transparent.yama

yama “The Palette Is Transparent” MV

Singer yama, who has gained popularity for their distinctive masked look and a voice that captivates everyone, wrote the song “The Palette Is Transparent” for Chugai Pharmaceutical’s participatory music production project, “Raising Awareness of NMOSD with yama.” It also drew attention for being a co-creation with Ze, an artist active as a Vocaloid producer.

The lyrics, themed around “conflict in communication,” remind us that staying true to ourselves can lead to new realizations.

Set to a relaxed shuffle beat, the gentle ensemble soothes the heart—an emotional pop tune.

reflected lightyama

yama “Henko (Movie Edition)” Lyric Video (Theme song for the film “Sweet My Home”)

Singer yama drew sudden attention with the breakout success of Spring Tells, their first original solo track released in 2020.

The digital-only single Hengo, released on July 12, 2023, was selected as the theme song for the film Sweet My Home.

With Seikan Ozaki of CreepHyp providing distinctive lyrics and a richly layered ensemble, the song creates an atmosphere that feels gentle yet tinged with shadow.

It’s a pop tune you’ll want to keep listening to—powerful yet delicate vocals leave a lasting impression.

As my longing desiresyama & Tatsuya Kitani

yama × Tatsuya Kitani “As Long as I Admire” KONA Collaboration Video

Singer-songwriters yama and Tatsuya Kitani are both at the forefront of the J-POP scene.

Their collaborative single Akogare no Mama ni was chosen as the image song for Hyundai’s KONA.

The ensemble opens with brisk, choppy guitar and an urban vibe, giving it a pop feel that makes your heart dance just by listening.

It’s a refreshing, fast-paced pop tune whose melody—where their distinct voices blend exquisitely—stirs the heart.

die die dieAimyon

die die die

Singer-songwriter Aimyon is known for her acoustic sound that captivates listeners across generations and her lyrical world spun with unique perspectives and phrases.

Among the tracks on her 15th single “Anone,” the song “die die die” is likely to catch many people’s attention with its striking title.

The lyrics, which blend a desire to cherish the present precisely because we never know when things might end with the anxiety of not being able to fully understand each other, may resonate deeply with some listeners.

Set to a lively beat and a melody that sticks in your ears, it’s a heartwarming love song.

Sequel: Lifewhale

Kujira – Sequel: Life (Official Video)

You also won’t want to miss Zoku: Seikatsu, which depicts ordinary life from an unusual angle.

It’s a pop song by Kujira, known as a singer and Vocaloid producer, included on their second album, Vegetable Drawer.

Over an uptempo guitar sound, the song sings about days filled with hardship and the small happiness found within them.

The highlights are the relatable situations that anyone might have experienced—you’ll find yourself nodding along.

A flower for a monmeI wish it could stay midnight forever.

ZUTOMAYO - Hanaichi Monme (Music Video)

Hana Ichimonme is a track included on the album Jinmokugaku that ZUTOMAYO released in June 2023.

It’s a dance tune with a cool, mature sound, featuring a lavish brass section that’s seriously stylish.

The bass uses slap technique for a funky feel that becomes addictive the more you listen.

Its late-night vibe makes it perfect for the small hours, and it’s a song I especially want young people—staying up past bedtime, eager to grow up—to hear.

The piano at the end is awesome too, so keep an ear out for that!

Riding in a Time Machinebedhead

Neguse: “Ride on a Time Machine” Official Music Video

Neguse, a rock band popular especially among younger generations, released “Riding in a Time Machine” in 2023—a heartwarming love song about the happiness of days spent with a partner.

The lyrics portray various scenes around the theme of what one would do if there were a time machine that could go back and forth between the past and future.

Memorable lines overflow with honest feelings toward a lover and the desire to stay together forever.

It’s a lively rock number whose upbeat guitar, bass, and drums—and the vocals by Ryotachi—convey a joyful mood.