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

Blue JeansHANA

Blue Jeans

A mid-tempo love ballad that layers the ache of a lovestruck night over well-worn jeans and sneakers.

Released in July 2025 as HANA’s second single, the track showcases a different side of the group whose debut song “ROSE” hit No.

1 on the Billboard JAPAN HOT 100.

Their collaboration with the casual brand DIESEL has also become a hot topic.

The lyrics, crafted by producer Chanmina, capture the raw feelings of love—frustration at not being able to see the one you like, and the jealousy that flares up over someone else.

On sleepless nights when you can’t stop thinking about that special person, this song might make your heart feel a little lighter, reminding you you’re not alone.

Young & RecklessONE OR EIGHT

ONE OR EIGHT / Young & Reckless (Music Video)

The boy group ONE OR EIGHT, which has been drawing significant attention—such as winning “Upcoming Dance & Vocal Group” at MTV VMAJ 2025—delivers a track defined by edgy electronic textures layered over a nostalgic, ’90s-inspired beat.

Its sound intricately weaves melodies that incorporate Arabic scales with trap-style rap, resulting in a truly cross-genre production.

The lyrics carry a message: don’t be swayed by others’ evaluations; instead, embrace challenges with the pure, childlike spirit you once had.

It’s a fresh pop number where futuristic soundscapes coexist with a sense of nostalgia.

88888888PiKi

PiKi “88888888” × Collaboration Movie with the film “Exit No. 8”

The hard four-on-the-floor beat and metallic synth riff pull you straight into their world.

It’s a track by PiKi, a unit featuring Karen Matsumoto from FRUITS ZIPPER and Haruka Sakuraba from CUTIE STREET, set to be released in August 2025.

Created as a collaboration song for the film “Exit 8,” its lyrics count up from zero, seemingly expressing the protagonist’s desperation as they search for a way out of an endless maze.

It’s a dance tune that also highlights their cool, thrilling side.

Iogood-for-nothing

Good-for-Nothing “Io” / Rokudenashi – Io [Official Music Video]

This work welcomes NayutalieN as the composer and, together with “Spica” and “Albireo,” forms the Celestial Trilogy.

It was released in August 2025.

Inspired by Jupiter’s moons, it portrays a bittersweet romance—so close, yet just out of reach.

The lyrics, where mounting feelings and hope intersect, are woven into a deeply emotional melody.

A cinematic number that lets you immerse yourself in its story.

BirirabiriraHajime Todoroki (ReGLOSS)

Biri-Labi Lira (Hajime Todoroki SOLO)

Hajime Todoroki, who performs as a member of the VTuber group ReGLOSS.

Her fourth solo single, released in August 2025, is a dance track with cool, resonant synth sounds.

The lyrics—conveying a strong will to “keep pushing forward no matter what”—pair perfectly with the energetic beat! With a catchy, uplifting melody, it’s an EDM tune you’ll want to play when you need a boost.

Emergency exit — I tried running away.Natori

natori – NO EMERGENCY DOOR

This is a work that singer-songwriter Natori surprise-released digitally in August 2025.

The way the lyrics, filled with negative words, mesh perfectly with the unsettling sound arrangement is exquisite—and addictive.

The depiction in the ominely styled animated music video of a protagonist who keeps running from something is also striking.

It’s a thrilling, artistic number that draws you into its world before you know it.

CocktailA.B.C-Z

A.B.C-Z / Cocktail (Music Video)

“Cocktail” is a track released in August 2025 as the first installment of a three-month consecutive release.

Written and composed by singer-songwriter Anna Takeuchi, it’s marked by a romantic ensemble with a floating, airy feel.

The lyrics depict someone drowning in a love as sweet as a cocktail.

You can’t help but be entranced by the members’ luscious vocals, which convey a fleeting, delicate longing.

Be sure to add this mellow dance tune to your playlist.