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

Nothing I do goes well.meiyo

[meiyo] Nothing I Do Goes Right [MV]

“Nani Yatte mo Umaku Ikanai” by singer-songwriter meiyo drew attention after being posted on TikTok in 2021.

Just two months after uploading the track to TikTok, it was released as his major-label debut single.

As the title suggests, the song’s lyrics directly reflect a state where nothing seems to go right, no matter what you do.

According to meiyo, after repeated trial and error on how to make a song a hit, he aimed for something addictive—and indeed, he created a track that listeners can’t get out of their heads.

The lyrics will especially resonate with people in their teens and twenties who, like meiyo, want to upload videos and go viral.

POP SONGKenshi Yonezu

Kenshi Yonezu – POP SONG / Kenshi Yonezu

This is the fourth digital-only single by Kenshi Yonezu, a singer-songwriter who enjoys immense popularity both as a Vocaloid producer and as a J-pop artist, dominating the Japanese music scene.

The track is featured in SONY PlayStation’s commercial “A World Without Play | Play Has No Limits,” and drew attention as the first-ever music video to premiere within PlayStation itself.

Its atmosphere—blending the playful comedy and meticulous detail reminiscent of his Vocaloid producer persona, Hachi—likely electrified teens and twenty-somethings who are trend-savvy and passionate about gaming.

It’s the latest song from Kenshi Yonezu, who consistently unveils fresh evolutions that exceed listeners’ expectations.

Sugar-freeJapanese rice bran

Sugar Loss / Wanuka [Music Video]

This is the eighth single by Wanuka, who performs with all personal details kept private aside from the title of “active university student singer-songwriter.” Written as part of a collaboration with Morinaga’s DARS, it’s a heartbreak song packed with striking phrases.

Despite its contemporary complexity—an elusive yet catchy melody, a breezy beat that injects pop appeal, and arrangements that shift at a dizzying pace—it remains easy to listen to.

Brimming with modern flair, it’s sure to resonate with listeners in their teens and twenties living in a new era.

Let Love Begin Now. feat. Azuki Mochizuki (CV: Rie Takahashi)HONEY WORKS

Let love begin now. feat. Azuki Mochizuki (CV: Rie Takahashi) / HoneyWorks

HoneyWorks, the creator unit beloved for their heart-fluttering coming-of-age stories.

First unveiled at an event in August 2025, this song marks a new chapter in the Confession Executive Committee series.

It portrays the thrill of love that begins to move after a reunion with a childhood friend.

The exhilarating band sound and catchy melody link perfectly with the sweet-and-sour lyrics, resulting in top-tier youth pop.

It’s perfect for when you want to savor the rush of a budding romance, or to brighten your mood on a morning when you’re taking on a challenge!

fireworksAdo

[Ado] Fireworks

The singer Ado, who made her major-label debut with the socially explosive hit “Usseewa” and has been hailed as a new diva of the J-pop scene, delivers this track featured on her first album, Kyogen.

It also drew attention because it was provided by Vocaloid producer Kujira, known for producing yama’s “Haru wo Tsugeru.” Set against a modern sound and a laid-back shuffle beat, her vocals reveal a new side to Ado—beyond the strong image of “Usseewa.” Although it wasn’t released as a single, it’s a buzzworthy song that music lovers in their teens and twenties should definitely check out.

Ah, geez.Saucy Dog

Saucy Dog “Ah, geez.” Music Video

Saucy Dog’s “Aa, Mou” vividly captures the hazy, restless feelings of unrequited love.

Released digitally in 2021, this track is a collaboration with Morinaga’s DARS and was also used as the theme song for the drama “Dekinai Futari.” It portrays things like the kind of behavior from someone you like that makes you get your hopes up, and the agonizing back-and-forth over whether to send a message or hold back.

When your mind is consumed by thoughts of your crush, you just want to throw up your hands and say, “Ugh, enough already!” It’s a song that has resonated strongly with people experiencing unrequited love.

W/X/YTani Yuuki

W/X/Y – Tani Yuuki (Official Lyric Video)

This is the sixth digital-only single by singer-songwriter Tani Yuuki, who skillfully plays a variety of instruments such as guitar, piano, and keyboard, and handles everything in his production—from writing lyrics to composing and arranging.

Written around the theme “beyond ‘I love you,’ to someone I can’t live without,” the lyrics poignantly depict the everyday lives of men and women—similar yet entirely different beings.

The beautiful melody, carried by a memorable piano tone and a light, upbeat rhythm, resonates deeply in tandem with the lyrical content.

It’s a number we hope younger listeners in their teens and twenties—who are likely to experience romance—will hear, as it helps you realize who is truly important to you.