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

godlikePinocchioP

PinocchioP – God-ish feat. Hatsune Miku / God-ish

This is a digital-only single by PinocchioP, an artist who began working as a Vocaloid producer in 2009 and wears many hats as a composer, illustrator, and character designer.

It’s his 102nd released track, and it drew attention for becoming his 17th song to reach a million plays.

With its relentless melody, abrupt beat changes, and catchy, addictive lyrics, the unconventional arrangement leaves a powerful impression.

It feels like an evolution of Japanese music born on a different vector from J-pop—a new-era Vocaloid number that we hope will spread even more among younger listeners in their teens and twenties.

StargazeSixTONES

SixTONES – Stargaze [YouTube ver.]

This is a song by SixTONES that drew attention even before its release because it was written specifically for them by Yojiro Noda of RADWIMPS.

Released in 2025, the group’s 10th anniversary year, the track was chosen as the support song for Nippon TV’s 45th National High School Quiz Championship.

Its poetic lyrics and dramatic sound come together to make you feel as if you’re watching a scene from a coming-of-age film.

You can almost see friends joining hands and facing hardships head-on with hope in their hearts.

This piece gives a powerful push to anyone striving toward a goal, so it’s also recommended listening before an important exam or game.

Is being cute not enough?CUTIE STREET

[Choreography Video -MV edition-] CUTIE STREET 'Is Being Cute Not Enough?"

CUTIE STREET’s debut single hits the very heart of KAWAII culture! This work comically portrays that girlish feeling of wanting your makeup to be perfect even when you’re about to be late, along with the bold confidence to declare that your cuteness is a talent.

While asking, “Is being cute not enough?” it delivers an ultra-positive message about turning your shortcomings into strengths—absolutely awesome.

Released in November 2024, the single debuted at No.

3 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

The catchy choreography is sure to get everyone copying and hyped! It’s like a magical cheer song that boosts your self-esteem whether you listen or dance.

Shine in the cruel nightLiSA

LiSA 'Shine in the Cruel Night' MUSIC CLIP

This is a track that powerfully paints the hope that, no matter how deep and dark the night, a bond of trust becomes our guiding light.

Performed by LiSA, it has been chosen as the theme song for the film Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle Arc Chapter 1: The Return of Akaza, set for release in July 2025.

With a sound crafted by Yuki Kajiura that weaves weighty orchestration with fierce rock, it is nothing short of breathtaking.

The resolve of the characters—who refuse to yield to a cruel fate and aim for a place beyond hatred—overlaps with LiSA’s soul-stirring vocals to strike straight at the heart.

When you need the courage to face hardship, give it a listen.

Glass LineTele

Tele | Glass Line – Music Video

A song by Tele, the solo project of Kitaro Taniguchi, written as the ending theme for the anime “Guilty Children (Takopi’s Original Sin).” It is a grand and beautiful number that gently accompanies the painful feelings of characters who want to save others but cannot.

This work deeply embraces the themes of the original and is imbued with a strong wish to deliver music that lets you breathe calmly.

Why not listen to it on nights when you wish for someone’s happiness yet are tormented by your own powerlessness?

heartAimyon

Aimyon – Heart [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

This song is by Aimyon, a singer-songwriter influenced by folk music who also works as a lyricist and composer.

It was chosen as the theme song for the drama “Only Just Married.” The lyrics, which poignantly portray the moment when love is born and the various emotions that accompany it—echoing the drama’s themes—leave a strong impression.

Beginning with a gentle atmosphere and building in power toward the chorus, the sound seems to express how the feeling of love grows within oneself.

Black NightmareNaniwa Danshi

Naniwa Danshi – Black Nightmare [Official Music Video Short ver.]

A cool dance track chosen as the theme song for Joichiro Fujiwara’s starring drama “Laundering”! It’s a mysterious and mature-sounding song that you’d never expect from Naniwa Danshi’s usually friendly, cozy vibe.

The thrilling, slightly poisonous lyrics—like the members probing each other’s true identities—make a huge impact.

The edgy sound also lures listeners into a nightmare-like world.

This track is included on the single “Asymmetry / Black Nightmare,” releasing in September 2025.

Ready to get your heart racing with their new appeal?