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

Team friendsYuki Chiba

Yūki Chiba – Team Tomodachi (Official Music Video)

A warm, pop tune that celebrates the importance of friendship and bonds.

It’s a track by Yuki Chiba released in February 2024.

Live footage on social media drew attention, generating buzz even before the release.

The music video, filmed with about 70–80 friends from his hometown, is as lively as a festival, and Chiba reportedly had a great time shooting it.

It’s the kind of song you’ll want to sing with friends at karaoke or play when everyone gets together.

A remix version is also slated for release, so keep an eye on the growing circle it’s creating.

Oni BanquetSora Tomonari

Sora Tomonari – “Demons’ Banquet” [Lyric Video]

It’s perfect for teens who enjoy Japanese-style songs with a distinctive atmosphere.

This track by Sora Tomonari, released as a single in January 2024, quickly went viral on TikTok.

The fact that it’s been played over 2.

5 million times speaks volumes about its popularity.

The lyrics depict a strange world of a demons’ banquet, drawing you in as if you’re stepping into a story.

Paired with a danceable rhythm, it’s a song that grows more captivating the more you listen.

It’s a work that showcases Tomonari’s multifaceted talent—he even created the illustration himself.

Turn up the volume and immerse yourself in its world.

URLAmo SAKAGUCHI

Ami Sakaguchi “URL” Music Video / Ami Sakaguchi – URL

Singer-songwriter Anbo Sakaguchi, who aspired to be a musician in elementary school and even worked as a radio DJ in high school.

Her 6th single “URL,” chosen as the ending theme for the TV anime Horimiya -piece-, is delightful with its cute vocals and pop ensemble.

The lyrics tell the story of wanting to be able to go see the person you like right away, a feeling that resonates even more strongly thanks to the instantly imaginable phrase “URL,” especially for younger generations.

It’s an emotional number that brilliantly contrasts a timeless, universal longing for love with contemporary imagery.

Traces of LightGen Hoshino

Gen Hoshino – Why / Traces of Light (Official Video)

A track that captures listeners’ hearts with its warm melody and profound lyrics.

Hoshino Gen’s gently crafted world is truly captivating.

It drew attention as the ending theme for the film SPY×FAMILY CODE: White, released in December 2023.

Hoshino himself was inspired by the beautiful sunsets of Kamakura for this piece.

While you can sense influences from ’80s R&B and ’90s hip-hop, his unique touch shines through.

When you feel like reflecting on time spent with someone special, give it a listen—you’re sure to find new discoveries and be moved.

Japanese lantern plantYoh Kamiyama

“Hyakushō-san’s House’s Ayakashi Prince” Non-Credit Opening | Yoh Kamiyama ‘Hoozuki’

I’m completely captivated by its lyrical lyrics and unique sound.

It’s YOH KAMIYAMA’s new single, released digitally in January 2024.

It’s also used as the opening theme for the TV anime “The Elusive Samurai Prince of Ayakashi at the Momochi House.” Incorporating elements of K-pop, reggaeton, and club music, it achieves a dark yet catchy finish.

The beautiful Japanese aesthetics blend seamlessly with a dark fantasy worldview.

The lyrics, depicting eternal love, bonds, and complex emotions, are especially striking.

It’s an irresistible track that makes you want to turn up the volume.

Highly recommended for those who enjoy music with a Japanese flair.

YoursMasaki Suda

Masaki Suda 'Yours'

Masaki Suda is a singer whose vocals are highly acclaimed even as he enjoys immense popularity as an actor.

His fifth digital-only single, Yours—written as the theme song for the TV drama The Best Teacher: One Year Later, I Was ■ by a Student—features a strikingly clear, airy ensemble centered on piano and strings.

Its message of living without being swayed by others’ eyes or feelings toward them may help lighten the heart as we go through life.

It’s a heartfelt ballad, with a gentle vocal that lingers in the ear.

DarlingChippoke Ohashi

Chippoke Ohashi “Darling” Music Video

Chippoke Ohashi is a singer-songwriter who began pursuing music in earnest in 2016.

You might know him from his work on the theme song for Suntory’s Horoyoi commercial.

His song “Darling” is a love song that sings of clumsy love over a light, upbeat track.

It begins with him fretting over how, despite loving straight from the heart, he can’t express it well—but by the end, he blurts out, “Anyway, I’m going to love you for the rest of my life!!” That unclouded, pure love and the way he faces his own awkwardness are what really, deeply move you.