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

Beloved daysYoung Skinny

Young Skinny – Oh, Beloved Days [Official Music Video]

Young Skinny is a rock band capturing the attention of youth with songs that depict the dynamics of teenage romance.

Their 2023 release “Beloved Days” was selected as the campaign song for Ezaki Glico’s Seventeen Ice.

The track was created with authentic input from high school students—such as their worries and anxieties—gathered when the band visited Hyogo Prefectural Hibari-gaoka Gakuen High School.

It conveys a candid message to friends, portraying the feelings of students who, though sometimes troubled and hesitant, face each day as it comes.

With a driving band performance, it’s a rock number that amplifies the spirit of youthful days.

Sparklers feat. Lila IkutaChiahi Sato

Sparklers feat. Lila Ikuta

Chiahi Sato is a singer-songwriter who previously worked as an actor and is also known as a central figure of Kinoko Teikoku.

Senko Hanabi feat.

Ikuta Lilas, a pre-release single from the album BUTTERFLY EFFECT released on June 28, 2023, is, as the title suggests, a track featuring YOASOBI’s Lilas Ikuta.

The scene of watching fireworks with an unrequited crush evokes the hot, bittersweet season of summer.

Its transparent, floating ensemble is an emotional pop tune that brings back memories of youth.

The BeastWagakki Band

Wagakki Band / The Beast MV (Anime “Baki Hanma” Wildman War Arc Opening Theme)

Wagakki Band, who shot to prominence with their cover of the Vocaloid hit Senbonzakura, released The Beast in 2023.

The band is especially memorable for Yuko Suzuhana’s vocals, which evoke a distinctly traditional Japanese flavor.

This track is a powerful rock tune that serves as the opening theme for the anime Baki Hanma: The Pickle Wars Saga.

The band’s instrumentation is more aggressive than ever—cool, hard-hitting, and perfectly matched to the anime’s mood, with a propulsive sense of speed that’s guaranteed to get you hooked after just one listen.

The especially catchy chorus hook is well worth checking out!

memoryRiu Domura

memory – Riu Domura (Official Lyric Video)

Riu Domura, who is active mainly by releasing music on YouTube, presents a breakup song titled “Memory.” The track centers on a man who has gone through a breakup.

In the first half, he gently sings about looking back on their memories alone; in the second half, he soulfully voices the regret that wells up inside him.

This contrast between the two halves makes the protagonist’s feelings feel even more real.

Also, if you watch the music video, you’ll notice there’s an unexpected twist—that’s another highlight.

Front Memory feat. ACA-ne (Zutto Mayonaka de Iinoni.)Shinsei Kamattechan

Shinsei Kamattechan “Front Memory feat. ACA-ne (Zutomayo)” Music Video

The three-piece rock band Shinsei Kamattechan has built a devoted following with introspective, hard-hitting lyrics and a sound that refuses to pander to the mainstream.

Their eighth digital single, Front Memory feat.

ACA-ne (ZUTOMAYO), re-recorded to commemorate the band’s 15th anniversary, drew attention for featuring ACA-ne from ZUTOMAYO as a guest vocalist, just as the title suggests.

The ensemble—highlighting delicate piano and hooky synths—achieves a refined balance that remains lyrical without sacrificing pop appeal.

It’s a pop tune you’ll want to keep on repeat, with a unique sense of weightless drift that becomes downright addictive.

GO!!!Hitsuji Bungaku

Hitsujibungaku – GO!!! (Official Music Video)

Hitsujibungaku is a three-piece alternative rock band gaining attention for the beauty of their music—imbued with a unique sense of weightlessness—and their lyrical world.

“GO!!!,” a track from their fourth album, 12 hugs (like butterflies), stands out with an ensemble that features a sprightly guitar riff.

Its lyrics convey a determination to forge ahead on the path one believes in, even against a headwind—strength that many listeners may find empowering.

With its relaxed beat and simple ensemble, it’s a comfortable, emotional anthem of encouragement.

more than wordsHitsuji Bungaku

Hitsujibungaku – more than words (Official Teaser)

Even after two members left and they became a three-piece, Hitsujibungaku has continued to work energetically.

Apparently they put the character for “sheep” in their band name simply because the word “sheep” sounded cool.

Now that name sounds incredibly cool indeed—how curious.

The Japanese title of the song “more than words” literally means “something beyond words,” which links nicely with the “literature” part of Hitsujibungaku’s name.

It also serves as the ending theme for Season 2 of the hugely popular anime Jujutsu Kaisen, the Shibuya Incident arc.

With both sound and lyrics steeped in mystery, it’s a track you should hear even if you don’t yet know Hitsujibungaku.