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

Say My NameHEY-SMITH

HEY-SMITH – Say My Name【OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO】

HEY-SMITH is a rock band popular not only in Japan but also in the United States.

They created “Say My Name” as the ending theme for the anime Tokyo Revengers: Tenjiku Arc.

The track is a hard-hitting piece with clear punk and heavy metal influences.

Another highlight is that the fully English lyrics are closely tied to the anime’s story.

If you listen with the plot in mind, you’ll find yourself thinking, “I see.”

I Got ItIMP.

IMP.「I Got It」Official MV

IMP, a seven-member idol group that made their worldwide simultaneous streaming debut in 2023 and has been drawing significant attention, returns with their 4th digital single, “I Got It.” Its arrangement stands out, moving from a mysterious opening into a modern ensemble that lingers in your ears.

The urge to do whatever the person who has captured your heart desires is something anyone with experience in love can probably relate to.

It’s a stylish track where the thrilling sound and the lyrical worldview are perfectly in sync.

Ketatama feat. Mori CalliopeKERENMI

KERENMI – Ketatama / KETATAMA feat. Mori Calliope (Official Music Video)

KERENMI is a music project by Koichi Tsutaya, a music producer who has worked with numerous famous artists.

The track “KETATAMA feat.

Mori Calliope,” released on November 15, 2023, is a hysteric number featuring virtual YouTuber Mori Calliope.

Its ensemble fuses surf rock and rap, and together with an irresistibly singable chorus, it delivers a powerful impact.

It’s a modern pop tune whose fast-paced, exhilarating chorus is sure to lift your spirits.

If only I could say I love youKERENMI & Atarayo

KERENMI & Atarayo – If Only I Could Say I Like You (Theme song for the film 'The Exchange Diary of Lies')

The digitally released track “Tada Suki to Ietara” was selected as the theme song for the live-action film Kokan Uso Nikki, which is based on a coming-of-age novel.

It’s a collaboration between KERENMI—the project led by music producer Koichi Tsutaya that’s been generating buzz—and Atarayo, a band known for the tagline “a band that grows by eating sadness.” With a simple ensemble and a hooky melody, it’s an undeniably catchy number.

The delicate lyrics, which overlap with the film’s story, evoke a sense of nostalgia.

A pop tune with gentle vocals and a refreshing arrangement that feels so good you’ll want to keep it on repeat.

It's damp (feat. Aizawa & Shikiura Sōgo)MAISONdes

[No. 832] [feat. Aizawa, Shikiura Sougo] Kinda Damp / MAISONdes

MAISONdes is a project themed around an apartment where artists gather, like Tokiwa-so.

In September 2023, they released “Shimeppoi ne,” featuring Aizawa and Shikiura Sogo.

The song was chosen as the image song for the drama Reset Button, created by manga artist and illustrator Tina Yamashina.

The lyrics, which evoke the clammy dampness of summer sweat, are particularly striking.

The deliberately off-kilter piano tones in the intro also leave a strong impression.

Into the rainbowMr.FanTastiC

Mr.FanTastiC-Into the rainbow[MV]

Formed around Megatera Zero, a vocalist known for covering numerous songs, Mr.

FanTastiC released “Into the rainbow” in 2023—a rock number that unfolds the love story of two people in love.

Beginning with guitar arpeggios and Megatera Zero’s vocals, the intro shifts into a passionate full-band sound.

With lines that speak out to the world and a blazing, soaring chorus, the song conveys a heartfelt message to someone precious.

BYE BYE (Prod. Chaki Zulu)Novel Core & THE WILL RABBITS

Novel Core & THE WILL RABBITS / BYE BYE (Prod. Chaki Zulu) -Music Video-

Novel Core, who is active as a singer-songwriter, performs under the name Novel Core & THE WILL RABBITS when working with his house band.

The title track of their first digital single as a band, BYE BYE (Prod.

Chaki Zulu)—produced by Chaki Zulu—is a fast-paced number that opens with a catchy guitar riff.

The lyrics depict scenes of living each day true to one’s heart despite contradictions, evoking the image of an all-out, youthful era.

It’s a pop tune with the uplifting feel unique to a band sound and a pleasantly positive freshness.