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

Standing in the wildernessNon

Non – Standing in the Wilderness [Official Music Video]

Singer Non, who rose to prominence after playing the heroine in the NHK morning drama Amachan and launched her own music label in 2017, has been working energetically.

Standing in the Wilderness, included on her second album PURSUE, drew attention as an autobiographical song from Non.

Its string-featured ensemble and wistful melody, combined with her vocals that are both powerful and delicate, are truly stirring.

With lyrics that surge and crash as if hurling raw emotion, it’s a track with a powerful impact that invites instant empathy.

a kind of mononoke (supernatural being/monster)Mei-chan

Mononoke-type / Mei-chan

Meichan, a male singer with a striking orange image color, is captivating for his multifaceted talent: after debuting as a vocalist in 2017 with his first album “Meichan no Atama no Naka wa Daitai Konna Kanji desu,” he also debuted as a Vocaloid producer in 2019 with “Victor.” His song “Mononoke no Tagui” is an original track sung by Meichan himself, yet it carries the vibe of a ‘tried singing’ cover of a Vocaloid song, showcasing a contemporary, genre-defying style.

Be sure to check out the stylish music video—which even made it onto YouTube’s trending rankings!

Our JourneyKaneyori Masaru

Kaneyori Masaru [Our Journey] Music Video

Kaneyori Masaru is a three-piece rock band whose name was chosen to evoke something friendly and easy to relate to—like a middle-aged office worker.

Their digital single “Our Journey,” released on June 14, 2023, features a simple yet catchy rock ensemble that feels great on the ears.

Its lyrics, about turning memories into strength and moving forward even through tough days, might just ease the fatigue that builds up from daily work.

With gentle vocals over a rock sound that lightens the mood, it’s a poppy rock tune that lifts your spirits.

I want to be your lover.Chou Kyumei

“I Want to Be Your Lover” Music Video / Cho Kyumei

Chokyumei, who have been drawing attention for their one-of-a-kind aesthetic, explore the emotions of the exact moment you fall in love in “I Want to Be Your Lover.” They delve into that mysterious instant by comparing it to chocolate.

The pop-jazz-like melody can also be taken as depicting the excitement and flutter of falling in love.

First, I hope you’ll listen without overthinking and just feel the sweetness and poignancy of love.

Then on your second listen, why not focus on their powerful vocals and the stylish music video?

A city that belongs to no oneAi Higuchi

Ai Higuchi / A Town That’s No One’s [Official Video] | Ai Higuchi ‘Daredemonai Machi’ [Limited-Time Version]

Singer-songwriter Ai Higuchi wrote “Dare Demo Nai Machi” (“A City Belonging to No One”) as the theme song for the film The Great Detective of Joshi-Daikōji.

From a woman’s perspective, the song portrays the sorrow of not being able to be with the one you love.

Its piano-led, jazz-tinged, sultry sound amplifies the song’s world.

Another appeal is how it takes on a different resonance once you know the film’s story.

If you’re curious, give it a listen.

Sorrow Rides the BusMacaroni Enpitsu

Macaroni Enpitsu “Sadness Rides the Bus” MV

It’s a song by Macaroni Enpitsu that portrays moving toward the future while carrying sorrow, layered with a sound that conveys a sense of restlessness.

The music video—directed by Yoshihito Mori and featuring Shota Sometani—is also a key highlight.

The sci-fi concept, in which the protagonist can see the remaining lifespan on others’ faces, seems to match the song’s curious, floating feel.

The way the arrangement shifts between roughness and lightness unsettles the heart and prompts reflection on the message embedded in the track.

raspberryMarcy

marcy – Raspberry (Official Music Video)

Marcy is a rock band from Fukuoka that has produced numerous hit songs, including Esora and Arika.

This song they released in 2023 is about a female protagonist’s unrequited love.

The lyrics are filled with feelings that anyone who has experienced unrequited love can relate to, so you’ll likely find yourself reflecting on your own experiences as you listen.

It’s especially recommended if you’re looking for a catchy love song that features guitar-driven sounds.