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

KICKBACKKenshi Yonezu

Kenshi Yonezu – KICKBACK

Kenshi Yonezu, a singer-songwriter who also has a persona as a Vocaloid producer and continues to expand the musical possibilities of the J-pop scene.

The track released in November 2022, used as the opening theme for the TV anime Chainsaw Man, drew major attention for featuring Daiki Tsuneta of King Gnu on arrangement.

With its drum’n’bass-driven, intense beat and whirlwind progression, the sound feels like a roller coaster that sweeps listeners along, deeply linking with the work’s frenzied worldview.

The lyrics, infused with the protagonist’s somewhat nihilistic and self-destructive desire for happiness and good fortune, strike a powerful impulse into the listener’s heart.

It’s an aggressive, cool rock tune that blasts away the boredom of everyday life and lifts your mood to the max.

Naked HeroVaundy

Naked Hero / Vaundy: MUSIC VIDEO

A song by singer-songwriter Vaundy, who showcases his talents across music, artwork, and video production.

Used as the opening theme for the TV anime Ranking of Kings, the track blends power and delicacy in a way that once again highlights Vaundy’s expressive range.

The lyrics, said to be inspired by the anime’s story, are likely to resonate especially with people in their teens and twenties—the same generation.

It’s the latest number from a musician who embodies the evolution and true value of the new generation of artists, and one who is poised to point a new direction for today’s J-pop scene.

The world is supposed to be beautiful.yama

yama “The World Should Be Beautiful” MV

This is the second single by yama, a singer who keeps their profile private and brought a fresh breeze to the J-pop scene with their first solo original track, Haru wo Tsugeru, which became a massive hit surpassing 100 million total streams.

Released as a triple A-side single alongside Oz.

and Smoky Heroine, it was also featured in a commercial for Kao’s Essential the Beauty.

Riding on rich, supportive strings, yama’s androgynous vocals illuminate a world full of unfairness and brim with a sense of hope that pushes you forward.

It’s a track poised to become a beacon for younger generations—teens and people in their twenties—who are just beginning to discover the world’s shape and vastness.

LeoYuri

Yuuri 'Leo' Official Music Video

A singer-songwriter who is also active as a YouTuber, Yuuri has gained popularity for his lyrical lyrics that paint vivid scenery and his wistful, moving vocals.

This song, included on his first album Ichi, which also features big hits like Dry Flower and Sakura-bare, is sung from the perspective of a pet dog, and the lyrics really hit home.

As we spend more time with friends or partners, it’s only natural—especially in the thick of our teens and twenties—that the time we spend with family dwindles.

Even so, this uniquely relatable track reminds us that there’s someone who waits faithfully for us.

Daphne (winter daphne)DISH//

DISH// – Sweet Daphne [Official Video]

This is the 14th single by DISH//, a four-member dance-rock band whose members are also known for pursuing music and acting in parallel.

The song was selected as the theme for the TV drama “The Winners in February: The Classroom of Certain Success,” and it also drew attention for being a co-written collaboration with Hattori, the vocalist of the rock band Macaroni Empitsu.

With lyrics expressing everyday gratitude and a pop melody, it seems to give voice to the feelings of younger listeners—especially teens and people in their twenties—who often struggle to express their appreciation.

Accompanied by a lively shuffle beat, it’s a track that lifts your spirits.

Zankyo SankaAimer

Aimer「Zankyosanka」MUSIC VIDEO（Demon Slayer:Kimetsu no Yaiba Entertainment District Arc Theme Song）

This is the 20th single by the female singer Aimer, who uses as her artist name a French word meaning “to love,” which has also been her longtime nickname.

Released as a double A-side with “Asa ga Kuru,” the track drew attention for being selected as the opening theme for the TV anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Entertainment District Arc.

Its fast-paced arrangement, featuring a rich brass section and jazzy piano, heightens anticipation for the new chapter of the hugely popular anime that became a social phenomenon.

It’s a number we especially hope teenage and twenty-something listeners—who are among the generations most passionate about anime—will check out alongside the series.

If I Could Paint LifeYOASOBI

YOASOBI "If I Could Draw Life" Official Music Video

Even after the smash hit of their major-label debut song “Yoru ni Kakeru,” the music duo YOASOBI has continued to set new standards in the J-pop scene with their distinctive production style and high-quality tracks.

This song, included on their second album THE BOOK 2, served as the theme for the stage play “If I Could Draw Life.” The piano sound, which creates a fragile vocal aura and a mystical atmosphere, matches beautifully, delivering lyrics centered on life and humanity deep into the heart.

It’s a richly layered number by a new-generation artist—one that teens and twenty-somethings who drive trends should definitely know.