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

escape (feat. Kankan)Natsunose

[Official Music Video] escape feat. Kankan

Escape, produced by Natsunose, who rose to prominence after a song posted on YouTube drew attention.

The vocals are by singer Kankan, and it’s a sentimental track that portrays moments when feelings of love for someone special overflow.

Her crystal-clear singing etched into the rhythmic track is striking, with a voice that conveys a love that doesn’t fade with time.

Set against an urban-tinged beat, this number captures the fleeting moments when night turns into morning.

Waves of LoveMacaroni Enpitsu

Macaroni Enpitsu “Wave of Love” Official Audio

Macaroni Enpitsu is a four-piece rock band that describes their musical style as “Maca-Rock for all ages,” and true to that concept, they’re drawing attention from a wide range of listeners.

Their eighth major single, the digital-only release Ai no Nami, was written as the theme song for the TV drama Wave, Listen to Me!.

It’s a track whose intro, with its distinctive sense of floating, lingers in your ears.

The contrast between the tight guitar sound and the striking keyboards further elevates the lyrical melody.

With its arrangement full of twists and turns that adds depth to their sound, it’s a catchy rock tune.

Love songMarcy

Malcy – Love Song (Music Video Teaser)

Marcy is a three-piece rock band gaining attention for their emotional love songs, with popularity growing both in Japan and abroad.

Their track “Love Song,” released digitally in September 2023, is memorable for its delicate, acoustic guitar–driven intro.

Its straightforward message—dreaming about a future with the one you love—may make listeners feel happy just by hearing it.

With gentle vocals and a clear, transparent ensemble, it’s a heartwarming love song that feels wonderfully soothing.

trajectoryLuck Life

Kiseki

The ending theme song for Season 5 of the anime Bungo Stray Dogs.

It’s a full-throttle uptempo track from the band that has continuously handled the ending themes since Season 1’s “Namae o Yobuyo.” Packed with elements from past installments, it’s a song that deepens the love for both Luck Life fans and anime fans alike.

From the intro onward, the beautiful tones of the electric guitar are striking.

Alongside Luck Life’s signature band ensemble, this emotional number lets you feel the journey you’ve walked and the undeniable proof you’ve gained.

Solo HeavenNogizaka46

Nogizaka46 “Heaven for Singles”

Nogizaka46’s 33rd single, “Ohitorisama Tengoku” (Solo Heaven), features Miyu Matsuo as center for the first time.

While there are many songs that profess to love loneliness and carry a somewhat outlaw vibe, this track is a full-on celebration of solo life, shouting “Hooray for being on your own!” Being a ‘party of one’ can sometimes be mocked or pitied, which can feel awkward—but who cares? This song praises those who can fully enjoy all kinds of things on their own—because that’s wonderful!

Tokyo dependencyNo Murasaki

Noa (Noshii) – Tokyo Dependence [Official Music Video]

Singer-songwriter Noshi first gained attention—especially among younger listeners—when her original songs, posted on TikTok under the persona of a “mysterious female college student,” began trending.

Her fourth single, Tokyo Dependency, released digitally on June 21, 2023, is a track with a lively beat and a catchy melody that sticks in your head.

The lyrics depict a life dyed by Tokyo, gradually blending into the fabric of the city, evoking an image that feels, true to the title, almost addictive.

It’s a pop tune with a vivid sense of reality, marked by a track that mirrors the city’s atmosphere—glitzy yet decadent—leaving a strong impression.

1 LOVE 1Yuma Uchida

Yuma Uchida “1 LOVE 1” Music Video

Yuma Uchida, a voice actor also known for playing Megumi Fushiguro in the anime Jujutsu Kaisen.

Alongside his voice acting work, he is active as a singer, and in 2023 he released the track 1 LOVE 1.

The song delivers a passionate message that could be read as a dedication to his fans: because you’re there, he can enjoy so many different views, and he wants to keep going with you to see even more wonderful scenery together.

It’s a song that will excite not only those who were already fans of Uchida, but also those who became fans because of this track, about what he’ll do next.