Trending Music [September 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.

A fresh breeze is blowing through the music scene right now! In September 2023, new forms of expression that transcend traditional genres and unexpected hits born from social media are changing the way we enjoy music.

From the countless new songs released every day, we’re bringing you tracks that are rapidly gaining popularity at this very moment.

The flow of music changes from moment to moment, but discovering songs that shine right now will surely remain in your heart as special memories.

Trending Music [September 2023] (21–30)

Decembermilet

milet「December」MUSIC VIDEO

Decembermilet

Singer-songwriter milet wrote “December” as a heartfelt message to her mother.

It’s a track from her album “5am,” released in August 2023.

Now that she recognizes the feelings her mother had—feelings she couldn’t understand back then—she turned her gratitude into a song.

The result is a slow-tempo ballad that fully showcases milet’s husky, resonant voice.

The first half, in particular, features only simple piano accompaniment and vocals, making it a highly recommended song for anyone who loves milet’s singing.

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Dinner Songtuki.

tuki. 'Banquet Song' acoustic self-accompanied version

Dinner Songtuki.

Singer-songwriter tuki, a 15-year-old amateur who’s been gaining attention on video platforms like TikTok and YouTube.

Her track “Bansanka,” released on September 28, 2023, features an arrangement that highlights a voice that still retains a touch of youth while conveying a sense of melancholy—something that truly moves the heart.

The dilemma of hurting someone even though nothing important has changed is something many people may relate to through their own experiences.

It’s a song that feels both sentimental and warm, leaving a strong impression and signaling a new, promising talent.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Camera Rolltota

Camera Roll / Tota

Camera Rolltota

Let me introduce Camera Roll, which is blowing up on TikTok.

It’s a ballad by singer-songwriter Tota.

The song portrays a woman who, after a breakup, opens the camera roll on her phone and looks back at photos with her ex.

By contrasting the past captured in the pictures with the present, it creates a poignant atmosphere.

Another highlight is its message that not everything can be captured by a camera.

You’ll be drawn in by the various expressions that revolve around the camera.

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osmanthus (fragrant orange osmanthus; sweet olive)natori

Natori – Fragrant Olive

osmanthus (fragrant orange osmanthus; sweet olive)natori

This song, with its slightly eerie lyrics and jazz-inspired arrangement, was released by the singer-songwriter Natori in August 2023.

The way they spin the melody—freely shifting from rich low notes to falsetto highs—makes listening exciting and keeps you wanting to hear more.

The lyrics, centered around osmanthus blossoms and the night, are open to interpretation, allowing each listener to find their own meaning, and it’s fun to imagine the story they suggest as you listen.

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Missingnaniwa danshi

Naniwa Danshi – Missing [Official Music Video] YouTube ver.

Missingnaniwa danshi

Since their debut single “First Love LOVE” became a smash hit, Naniwa Danshi’s unstoppable momentum hasn’t slowed down.

“Missing” is a song that shows a different side of Naniwa Danshi.

It’s used as the theme song for the drama “Knockin’ on Locked Door,” starring Hokuto Matsumura from SixTONES and Daigo Nishihata from Naniwa Danshi in double lead roles.

Having both the drama and its theme song handled by Johnny’s talents is a real treat for Johnny’s fans.

This track is a mature mid-tempo number that suppresses the group’s usual playful energy, and its mysterious, drama-inspired lyrics are a definite plus!

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Taki no namida pin ku

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Ikuriipuhaipe

I

Ikuriipuhaipe

Some of you might feel this song by CreepHyp, released in September 2023, sounds strangely familiar.

In fact, it was created based on “Douse, Ai da feat.

CreepHyp,” a track released with Soraune in 2020, and they share the same chorus.

The lyrics of “I,” which takes on this interesting approach, depict a strong, straightforward unrequited love, something many of us have likely felt.

The honest, unadorned words are sure to strike a chord.

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SWEET BABYKetsumeishi

SWEET BABY

SWEET BABYKetsumeishi

This song, overflowing with a happy vibe throughout, is a track released by Ketsumeishi.

It was used as the theme song for Nissan Roox’s TV commercial “A Kei Car that Brings Families Closer,” which aired in September 2023.

Some of you may have heard it in the commercial.

The lyrics include lines that evoke the feeling of driving in a car, and combined with its moderately paced, bright mood, it’s perfect as background music for a drive.

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