Trending Music [July 2023]

Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICHane Keisuke
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. After working in a music studio and handling wedding sound, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with a variety of instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in junior high school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on my own musical activities and the experience gained through my work, I produce daily articles, including various song introductions, features on music festivals around the country, and live reports. In music, I enjoy not only rock from Japan and abroad but, lately, a wide range of J-pop as well.

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 [July 2023] (41–50)

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TV Anime “The Girl I Like Forgot Her Glasses” Non-Credit Opening | Tsuzuri “NAME”

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Singer Tsuzuri, who began their music career by posting their first YouTube video at age 13, made a major-label debut while still a high school student.

The title track of their 1st single, “NAME,” was chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime The Girl I Like Forgot Her Glasses.

The ensemble, featuring a fresh, vibrant guitar sound, creates a perfect contrast with the transparent vocals that carry a mature air.

It’s a refreshing pop tune whose driving beat lifts your spirits.

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Hoshino Takashi

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fake face dance musicOnda Masanori

'fake face dance music' / Masanori Onda

fake face dance musicOnda Masanori

Masaki Onda is a singer-songwriter known for his hit song “Wedding,” which went viral mainly on social media after he wrote it for his sister’s wedding.

In contrast, the track “fake face dance music” is almost the polar opposite of “Wedding”—it feels like he’s venting distrust and a hazy, pent-up frustration toward someone.

Part of the appeal is the comfort of Onda’s vocals, but the way his voice locks in with the melody is so satisfying it becomes addictive.

You’ll have it on repeat for sure.

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Song of the SkafinNakamura Kaho

Song of the Skafin

Song of the SkafinNakamura Kaho

Singer-songwriter Kaho Nakamura, who gained broad recognition among listeners for starring in and performing the songs in the 2021 animated film Belle (Ryū to Sobakasu no Hime), released “Sukaffin no Uta” digitally on July 12, 2023.

The track was written specifically for Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s web commercial for the “Pocari Sweat Returnable Bottle.” Its lyrics revolve around the theme of “Sukaffin,” referring to the lines engraved over time as a bottle is reused, reminding us of the importance of sustainability in today’s society where the SDGs are in the spotlight.

It’s a catchy pop tune with an addictive quality you won’t forget after a single listen.

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Hoshino Takashi

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In conclusion

The music scene in July 2023 is brimming with the brilliance of new songs that color our hearts.

The words and melodies filled with artists’ feelings transcend seasons, staying close to listeners’ hearts—sometimes giving courage, sometimes delivering deep emotion.

This summer as well, let’s enjoy encounters with wonderful music and spend each day with a rich and fulfilled heart.