Trending Music [July 2023]
The music scene is evolving with every passing moment.
In July 2023, the songs reaching our ears carry the spirit of the times and reveal fresh expressions.
Tracks going viral on social media, hits lighting up the streaming charts, voices that move us echoing through live shows.
Here is your chance to encounter the music you should be listening to right now—sounds that will stir your soul.
Shall we surrender to the magic of music and journey together through this summer’s soundscape?
- Trending Music [June 2023]
- Trending Music [August 2023]
- Trending Music [September 2023]
- Trending Music [March 2023]
- Trending Music [October 2023]
- [July Songs] A selection of Japanese summer tunes perfect for the start of the season!
- Trending Music [August 2024]
- Trending Music [November 2023]
- Buzz-Worthy Summer Classics on YouTube Shorts [Viral Tracks Special]
- From new releases to classics: Popular summer songs on TikTok
- Trending Music [September 2024]
- Trending Music [May 2024]
- Reiwa-era summer songs: A roundup of new staple tracks that color the hot summer
Trending Music [July 2023] (21–30)
Utopiaimase
Singer-songwriter imase has captured massive support from younger generations—especially on TikTok—and is drawing attention on the J-pop scene, with his debut track surpassing 500 million streams.
His digital single Utopia, released on July 7, 2023, was written as the theme song for the animated film SAND LAND.
Its message—that a peaceful everyday life is what truly matters—may help those prone to overthinking loosen up and breathe a little easier.
It’s a positive pop tune, featuring a refreshing ensemble over a lively shuffle beat that feels wonderfully uplifting.
disgracesyudou
This is a song I want you to listen to when you’ve lost confidence in yourself, created by syudou, a singer-songwriter who also works as a Vocaloid producer.
In life, there are so many moments when things don’t go well—comparing yourself to others and feeling down, losing sight of your own worth, making the wrong choices at important moments.
This song embraces all those negative feelings and gives you a light, encouraging push: “Even if you make a fool of yourself, take a breather and enjoy life.” When you’re feeling low and listen to it, you might just feel a weight lift off your shoulders.
Hollows…kujira
Kujira, who is active across a wide range of work as a music creator—from Vocaloid pieces to providing songs for artists.
This track, “Hollows…,” takes its title from meanings like cavity, space, and dent.
We often say “a hole left gaping in the heart,” and many listeners will likely relate to the lyrics that feel as if they’re drifting in an indescribable void.
Don’t you also find yourself spacing out and thinking endlessly about trivial things? That ineffable something is strung through the lyrics, making it a song that feels perfectly in tune with our times.
Standing in the wildernessnon
Singer Non, who rose to prominence after playing the heroine in the NHK morning drama Amachan and launched her own music label in 2017, has been working energetically.
Standing in the Wilderness, included on her second album PURSUE, drew attention as an autobiographical song from Non.
Its string-featured ensemble and wistful melody, combined with her vocals that are both powerful and delicate, are truly stirring.
With lyrics that surge and crash as if hurling raw emotion, it’s a track with a powerful impact that invites instant empathy.
By your side.riria.
Singer-songwriter Riria, who made her major debut under VIA—a label born with a focus on digital distribution.
Her single “By Your Side,” released digitally on July 6, 2023, was selected as the opening theme for the TV anime My Happy Marriage.
The lyrics, which depict an encounter powerful enough to change one’s values, are likely to resonate with anyone who has ever been in love.
It’s a pop yet sentimental number, where a cute singing voice and delicate piano create a moving contrast.
Mr./Ms. Seironren
If you’re feeling irritated or frustrated with relationships or work right now, I highly recommend the song “Seiron-san.” Created by singer-songwriter Ren—who has been active mainly on social media and exploded in popularity especially among younger generations—this track was made at the end of his teens and is a number that listeners of any age can surely relate to.
Even when we understand “the right thing to do” in our heads, it’s often hard to accept it, isn’t it? Ren speaks straight to that hazy, conflicted feeling and expresses it perfectly on our behalf.
Blue HabitatKitanitatsuya
Tatsuya Kitani is a singer-songwriter who also plays bass for ajou no hana and is known as a supporting member of Yorushika since its formation.
The title track of his third EP, “Ao no Sumika,” was selected as the opening theme for the TV anime Jujutsu Kaisen: Hidden Inventory / Premature Death.
Its piercing high-toned vocals and memorable melody perfectly set the tone for the start of an anime episode.
With a powerful ensemble that cranks up the excitement, it’s a rock tune you won’t want to miss.