Trending Music [August 2023]

Trending Music [August 2023]

Last updated:2025/7/10

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 world of music is in the midst of a wave of new trends emerging one after another.

In August 2023 in particular, captivating tracks from a wide range of genres are drawing attention.

Still, you might sometimes find yourself wondering, “In such a rapidly changing music scene, what songs are truly popular right now?” To answer that question, this article introduces the music that’s shining brightest at this very moment.

Take this opportunity to savor melodies that stick in your ear and lyrics that stir your heart.

Trending Music [August 2023] (1–10)

RaiseChilli Beans.

Chilli Beans. – Raise [TV animation “ONE PIECE” Ending Theme Song]

RaiseChilli Beans.

Formed by students from the music school VOICE, which has produced numerous artists, Chilli Beans.

is a three-piece rock band known for lyrics that portray the authentic psychology of women.

Their song “Raise,” included on their 4th EP “for you,” was selected as the ending theme for the TV anime ONE PIECE.

The lyrics, which evoke an image of moving forward while holding up one’s ideals, resonate with the anime’s story and give courage to anyone striving hard.

With a laid-back shuffle beat and a stylish ensemble that leaves a strong impression, it’s a cool number with real impact.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Adventure LogEVE

Adventure Log – Eve Music Video

Adventure LogEVE

It’s a grand, atmospheric song by Eve that evokes the image of moving toward scenery we’ve never seen before.

It was also chosen as the opening theme for the smartphone game “Aster Tatariqus.” The use of piano and strings is striking, and the floating sound conjures an anticipation of heading toward a fantastical landscape.

The lyrics, which look back on the record of an adventure, simultaneously convey nostalgia for the path traveled and hope for the future—an uplifting track that stirs the heart.

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Miss You feat. Vernon of SEVENTEEN(sic)boy

(sic)boy – Miss You feat. Vernon of SEVENTEEN (Prod. KM)

Miss You feat. Vernon of SEVENTEEN(sic)boy

In contrast to its poppy, cute-feeling melody, “Miss You feat.

Vernon of SEVENTEEN” paints a heartrending reality.

Released in 2023 by rapper (sic)boy, this track is a collaboration with VERNON from the popular Korean group SEVENTEEN.

The lyrics blend Japanese, English, and Korean, creating a distinctive world.

The words evoke the image of someone who has lost a loved one, not knowing what to do, trudging through a world where they can’t feel anything—enough to make your chest tighten with sorrow.

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PSYCHOFurui Riho

Furui Riho – PSYCHO (Official Music Video)

PSYCHOFurui Riho

“PSYCHO,” released in August 2023 by Hokkaido-born singer-songwriter Furui Riho.

The lyrics feel like a secret confession of thoughts she wouldn’t usually say out loud, and although the song explores a slightly dark-side mood, its R&B flavor turns it into a danceable track that makes your body want to move.

The cool image that’s one of Furui Riho’s trademarks fits the song perfectly.

The music video is also cute, so be sure to watch it together.

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Dear Sir/Madam,Hakubi

Hakubi – Dear Sir/Madam [Music Video]

Dear Sir/Madam,Hakubi

This is a song by Hakubi, a three-piece rock band from Kyoto, that feels like reading aloud a letter that will never reach a loved one.

It’s said to depict member Katagiri’s feelings for her late grandmother, and the sorrow and gratitude come across with striking realism.

The way the words are densely packed, almost like spoken narration, evokes an unvarnished outpouring of emotion and the sense of feelings that can’t quite be organized.

While the piano-centered sound emphasizes the sadness and leaves a strong impression, the gradual build in intensity also conveys a resolve to move forward while holding those memories close.

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spiralLONGMAN

LONGMAN 'Spiral' Music Video (TV Anime 'Mushoku Tensei II: Jobless Reincarnation' Opening Theme)

spiralLONGMAN

LONGMAN is a three-piece band with male-and-female twin vocals that made their major-label debut in 2019.

They’ve provided numerous anime theme and tie-in songs, and their track “spiral” is used as the opening theme for the anime Mushoku Tensei II: Jobless Reincarnation.

Stories about once having a dream that ultimately didn’t come true are everywhere.

This song resonates like a declaration from one’s present, grown-up self to their past self: the dream didn’t come true, but here’s how I’ll live and move forward from now on.

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LIGHTNINGMAZZEL

MAZZEL / LIGHTNING -Dance Performance Video-

LIGHTNINGMAZZEL

MAZZEL is an eight-member boy group formed from the audition program MISSION×2.

Their digital single “LIGHTNING,” released on August 14, 2023, was created as the group’s first step toward the global stage.

Built on a Latin-style beat, the arrangement, together with aggressive lyrics, amps up the listener’s excitement.

It’s a powerful track you’ll want to check out—complete with a passionate dance performance.

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Hoshino Takashi

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