Lovely karaoke song

[2025] Popular Songs Among Today’s Youth [Japanese Music]

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and have been contributing to music magazines and web media for over 15 years. Although Western music is my main field, I always strive to stay curious with the motto, “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in a band, where I was a bassist responsible for songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve performed on include bass, guitar, and piano. I resumed piano lessons after turning 40 and have been continuing ever since!

Now that we live in an era where anyone can broadcast on the internet and information is overflowing, music trends are emerging differently than before.

These days, it’s completely normal for Vocaloid producers to thrive as singer-songwriters, or for a song posted online to spark widespread popularity.

What’s more, trends—especially among younger generations—are shifting at a tremendous pace.

So in this article, our editorial team, which regularly researches a wide range of music, will carefully select and introduce tracks that are currently hot among young people.

It’s become a must-hear playlist where you won’t want to miss a single song, so be sure to read to the end!

[2025] Popular Songs Among Today's Youth [J-Pop] (161–170)

The night I spent with youTokoyami Towa × Shishiro Botan

The night I spent with you

The night we revealed ourselves together — Tokoyami Towa × Shishiro Botan

A song performed by VTubers Tokoyami Towa and Shishiro Botan.

This piece was created as an original song for the manga “Hain Inugami” and is set to be released in September 2025.

The lyrics and composition are by Manaka Tokyo.

The lyrics strikingly capture the atmosphere of the night when the two protagonists first met and the precious bond of having each other’s backs.

You can’t help but be moved by the two as they vow to keep singing the memories they share, even if they turn to ash.

It’s an emotional ballad where the strength to face fate coexists with fragility.

Raise the rankinglower

KICK BACK (Frost Children Remix)Kenshi Yonezu

[Ado] Ado sings Kenshi Yonezu's 'KICK BACK' [clip]

KICK BACK (Frost Children Remix) Kenshi Yonezu

Kenshi Yonezu, a singer-songwriter who continues to expand the musical possibilities of the J-POP scene.

His track “KICK BACK,” which held the No.

1 spot on Billboard JAPAN’s anime chart for 21 consecutive weeks, has been remixed by New York artists Frost Children.

Released in September 2025 to commemorate the streaming of the TV anime Chainsaw Man: Compilation, this version reconstructs the original’s hysteric impulse with even sharper electronic sound.

Let yourself be swept away by this wave of sound.

Raise the rankinglower

[2025] Popular Songs Among Today's Youth [J-Pop] (171–180)

PremaFujii Kaze

Fujii Kaze – Prema [Official video]

Prema Fujii Kaze

Fujii Kaze, the singer-songwriter who has won numerous awards for “Love All Serve All” and now enjoys worldwide acclaim.

“Prema” is the title track from his all-English album released in September 2025.

Born from his guiding principle of “creating songs that feel classic,” the piece is truly a prayer through music.

True to its title—Sanskrit for “supreme love”—it unfolds a grand, expansive world.

The lyrics, which sing of universal love, quietly stay by your side when you want to face yourself.

Lend your ears to its sacred sound.

Raise the rankinglower

a prayer to the gods; relying on divine interventionsyudou

Kami-yoromi by syudou

Divine Plea by syudou

Syudou, also known for working on Ado’s “Usseewa.” This work centers on the theme of “yearning for happiness,” affirming the figure of someone who keeps facing forward while carrying shame and gritty desires.

While seeking salvation from a god yet ultimately trying to carve out their fate by their own power, that paradoxical human strength is depicted through word choices that are quintessentially Syudou—combining aggression with delicacy.

The song is set for release in July 2025 and will serve as the opening theme for the TV anime The Banned Mole.

When you’re up against a reality that won’t go your way and fed up with your own weakness, listening to it might make you feel as if a weight has been lifted from your shoulders.

Raise the rankinglower

platitudesHoshimachi Suisei

Beautiful Words / Hoshimachi Suisei (official)

Beautiful Words Hoshimachi Suisei

This is a song by VTuber Suisei Hoshimachi.

It’s one of the tracks included on the album “Shinsei Mokuroku,” released in January 2025, with arrangement by music producer TAKU INOUE.

Her resolute vocals mesh perfectly with the cool sound.

A major appeal lies in the lyrics, which reject superficial words and portray a strong will to engage with one’s true feelings.

It’s a song that will support your heart when you want to look ahead despite lingering frustration.

Raise the rankinglower

Gimme Gimme SanctuaryNanawo Akari

Gimme Gimme Sanctuary / Nanawo Akari

Gimme Gimme Sanctuary Nanaou Akari

An uplifting upper-tune in search of a true, personal “sanctuary”! With lyrics and composition by Nayutalien and arrangement by Akita Horie, this track brilliantly fuses a highly addictive melody with a fast-paced band sound.

Its lyrics, which accept one’s inner frailty and express the desire to stay true to oneself, are encouraging.

The song is included on the best-of album “Flying Best 2,” released in August 2025 to celebrate the 7th anniversary of the major-label debut.

It’s a work that will support anyone searching for a place they belong.

Raise the rankinglower

tear(s)Marcy

Tears

Tears Marcy

Released in August 2025, this song marks Marcy’s first summer ballad.

It opens with scenes that evoke dazzling memories of love, and the story that unfolds in the past tense grips your heart.

Like a letter with no addressee, the feelings have nowhere to go, and the earnest pain of heartbreak is rendered lyrically.

It’s a sentimental track that embraces those who want to linger in the afterglow of a past romance at summer’s end.

Raise the rankinglower