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

bergamotSora Tomonari

Tomonari Sora – “Bergamot” [Lyric Video]

Sora Tomonari, born in 2002, is a highly acclaimed singer-songwriter who handles everything himself—from writing and composing to the artwork.

His refined, genre-defying sensibility is truly remarkable.

Released in February 2025, this work features a stylish, contemporary city-pop-inspired track with a groovy bassline that feels great, serving up plenty of cool beats to savor.

The song tells the story of a protagonist living amid the bustle of the city, whose fleeting whiff of a passerby’s fragrance triggers the return of an unforgettable love.

The loneliness behind a glamorous daily life and the bittersweet pull of the past are artfully expressed through lyrics rich in wordplay.

It’s the kind of track that elevates your mood before you head out dressed up on a weekend night.

naporiVaundy

napori

Singer-songwriter Vaundy, who has garnered attention for his multifaceted talent spanning from songwriting and composing to visual production.

This track, included on his May 2020 album “strobo,” is also known as the song used in the commercial for Bourbon’s Alfort Mini Chocolate.

Its intimate vocals and minimal sound delicately capture the anxiety and emotional wavering that lurk within peaceful moments with a lover.

The worldview, which cherishes the fleeting “now” precisely because it is ephemeral, makes you want to sink into it alone late at night.

With total streams surpassing 300 million, this mellow pop tune became a long-running hit, resonating widely with its chill atmosphere.

First Love KillerNo Murasaki

Noashi (noa) – First Love Killer [Official Music Video]

Singer-songwriter Noshi, who has gained popularity with her unconventional melodies and lyrics that particularly resonate with women.

Known for her genre-defying musical style, she releases songs with a different vibe from her previous work every time.

The piece she created in May 2024 could be described as a pop portrayal of the sweetness and bitterness of first love.

It’s a bittersweet story about being betrayed by someone you were infatuated with, ignoring warnings from friends and parents.

Still, we can’t help but empathize with the protagonist’s strength as she doesn’t give up and sets out to find her next love.

Even before its release, the song drew buzz on TikTok, with around 100,000 related videos posted.

It’s a cute yet slightly bitter cheer song, one that we especially want those troubled by love to hear.

Bedroom TalkOfficial HIGE DANDism

Official HIGE DANDism – Bedroom Talk [Official Lyric Video]

This track, co-arranged with mabanua, is perfect for late-night vibes.

It’s included on the album “Editorial,” released in August 2021, and was written and composed by guitarist Daisuke Ozasa.

For Official HIGE DANDism, it’s a slightly unusual but pleasantly neo-soul-tinged number.

Its laid-back beat and mellow melody feel like they gently wrap away the fatigue of the day.

The song depicts the importance of stepping away from social media and outside voices to face your own heart on a quiet night, or to have an honest conversation with someone you care about.

It’s recommended for when you want to relax in your room after studying, or spend a peaceful moment in a café.

A stylish, warm song that softly stays by your side.

Brave GenerationBE:FIRST

BE:FIRST / Brave Generation -Lyric Video-

A song by BE:FIRST, a seven-member boy group selected from THE FIRST, an audition that SKY-HI—active as a member of the dance and vocal group AAA—personally funded with over 100 million yen.

The arrangement features a noisy guitar sound and a simple beat, topped with airy, transparent vocals and rap that feel undeniably cool.

The lyrics, urging listeners to push through absurdity and keep moving forward, are likely to give strength to teens and twenty-somethings living their youth in what’s often called a dark era.

It’s an emotional fight song that conveys a quiet fighting spirit within its restrained tone.

chameleonKing Gnu

King Gnu – Chameleon

King Gnu, who lead the J-pop scene with each member’s outstanding musicianship and wide-ranging musicality.

Although they’re beloved even by listeners who don’t usually listen to rock, this work is a bittersweet yet beautiful ballad written as the theme song for the drama “Don’t Call It Mystery” starring Masaki Suda.

The song portrays the contrast between the “true self” everyone has and the “face we show others,” as well as the inner conflicts hidden deep in the heart, making you feel as if you’re facing your own feelings as you listen.

Released as a single in March 2022, it has been loved for a long time, surpassing 300 million streams.

It might be the perfect track to listen to on the train to school while lost in thought.

The WarriorNovelbright

Novelbright – The Warrior [Official Music Video]

This is the second major-label single by Novelbright, a five-piece rock band that has gained popularity especially among younger listeners with their high-tone vocals, lyrical melodies, and straightforward rock sound.

Chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime “Ryman’s Club,” the song kicks off with a sharp, edgy guitar riff that instantly raises the excitement.

The driving drum fills and well-placed breaks give the track a sense of speed, and the energetic arrangement showcases the explosive power unique to a young band.

It’s a fresh rock number you’ll want to hear alongside its unadorned message that’s sure to resonate with listeners in their teens and twenties.