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

Harvest Moon&TEAM

&TEAM ‘Jyuugoya’ Official MV

This song evokes a cozy Britpop breeze and paints a picture of an autumn night sky.

Performed by &TEAM, it was released as a digital single in October 2024.

Produced by David Stewart, the track is the third installment in a series themed around the four seasons.

Its post-chorus, marked by striking guitar tones, heightens emotion and instills a sense of hope and solidarity in listeners.

The lyrics, which intertwine thoughts of friendship and dreams with the scenery of the Harvest Moon, are deeply moving.

It’s a perfect listen when you want to strive toward your dreams or feel a bond with someone special.

chang[e]BLUE ENCOUNT

BLUE ENCOUNT『chang[e]』Music Video

A high-energy rock sound that lingers in your ears, this track radiates fiery passion.

Created by BLUE ENCOUNT, it was released digitally in October 2024.

Chosen as the opening theme for the live-action drama Wingman, the collaboration between the beloved ’80s manga and a contemporary band drew widespread attention.

Powerfully singing about the importance of staying true to yourself, the song encourages anyone who wants to keep moving forward without fear of challenge.

The CD single also includes the new track Prometheus.

It’s also garnering attention as part of their 20th Anniversary Tour celebrating the band’s 20th year.

FIREWORK&TEAM

&TEAM ‘FIREWORK’ Official MV

&TEAM is a nine-member boy group composed of multinational members—Japanese, Taiwanese, Korean, and Japanese of German descent.

FIREWORK, which opens their 2nd EP “First Howling: WE,” also drew attention for the involvement of syudou, the Vocaloid producer known for Ado’s Usseewa.

Gazing up at fireworks while thinking of someone dear evokes the feeling that a hot season is about to begin.

With its driving beat and crystalline vocals that lift your spirits, it’s a refreshing, summery number that ramps up the energy.

Miss You feat. Vernon of SEVENTEEN(sic)boy

(sic)boy – Miss You feat. Vernon of SEVENTEEN (Prod. KM)

Here it is: Tokyo-born rapper (sic)boy has released a single featuring Vernon, a member of the K-pop group SEVENTEEN.

Vernon has apparently been a fan of (sic)boy for some time, and it sounds like the two had fun working together.

For fans, it’s an exciting and intriguing collaboration.

(sic)boy is an artist who rose to fame from SoundCloud.

It’s great that, unlike in the past, wonderful artists can now emerge through so many different channels.

DIGNITYAdo

【Ado】DIGNITY

Ado, a singer who got her start as a “utaite,” drew attention as a new-generation songstress when her major debut track “Usseewa” became a massive hit and a social phenomenon.

Her 19th digital-only single, “DIGNITY,” written as the theme song for the film The Silent Service, also made waves for being provided by B’z.

The lyrics, which lament futile conflict, resonate with the film’s storyline and provoke reflection.

It’s a beautiful rock ballad whose sweeping arrangement and the contrast of its rock ensemble are moving to the core.

Where the light isCHiCO

Where the Light Is / CHiCO

CHiCO, also known as the singer of the collaboration unit CHiCO with HoneyWorks—a creative collective affectionately nicknamed “Haniwa”—released this song, “Hikari no Arika” (Where the Light Is), in July 2023 as the first single of her solo career.

It’s a motivational anthem that gives you the strength to face forward—highly recommended for anyone feeling discouraged or up against a wall.

You’ll be blown away by CHiCO’s dynamic vocals, which shift seamlessly between gentle, conversational warmth and powerful intensity.

Adventure LogEVE

Adventure Log – Eve Music Video

It’s a grand, atmospheric song by Eve that evokes the image of moving toward scenery we’ve never seen before.

It was also chosen as the opening theme for the smartphone game “Aster Tatariqus.” The use of piano and strings is striking, and the floating sound conjures an anticipation of heading toward a fantastical landscape.

The lyrics, which look back on the record of an adventure, simultaneously convey nostalgia for the path traveled and hope for the future—an uplifting track that stirs the heart.