Recommended songs for university students. Classic and popular Japanese songs.

Mercury feat. Onomatopoeia Ministertofubeats

tofubeats – Mercury feat. Onomatopoeia Minister (PV)

This track, with its floating beats and mellow groove, is a pleasure to listen to.

It’s a collaboration between trackmaker tofubeats and rapper Onomatopedaijin, released in June 2012.

The glittering, urban sound that evokes a city’s nightscape meshes perfectly with a slightly dreamlike worldview that unfolds while depicting everyday life.

The song is also included on tofubeats’s album “Lost Decade.” It drew attention again in February 2022 when it was featured in a Suntory Horoyoi commercial.

On nights when you’re chased by deadlines, take a walk and listen—you might sink into a sentimental mood.

It’s also a calming number recommended for the moments before studying, when you want to clear your mind.

Amber-Hued City, Morning of Shanghai Crabskururi

Quruli – Amber-Colored Town, Morning of the Shanghai Crab

This song features a relaxed groove infused with R&B and hip-hop elements, making it a truly pleasant listen.

It’s a track by Quruli, the Kyoto-based band known for showcasing different musical styles with each release.

Released in July 2016 to commemorate the band’s 20th anniversary, this piece stands out with its rap-like vocal delivery.

It depicts the slightly bittersweet scenery of the city and the feelings of thinking about someone dear.

The blend with UCARY & THE VALENTINE’s airy vocals is irresistible.

It’s a wonderful song you’ll want to play in those moments when you need a breather—while studying, taking a walk, and more.

hazy spring sky (literally: “flower-clouded” sky; overcast sky during cherry blossom season)Sato Chiaki

Chiai Sato – Hazy Spring Sky (Lyric Video)

Chia Sato, a singer-songwriter also known as the central figure of the band Kinoko Teikoku, which went on hiatus in 2019.

Released in April 2023, this track was also included on that year’s album “BUTTERFLY EFFECT.” Its lyrical melody—evoking a cloudy spring sky—and a comfortably alternative R&B-tinged beat create a perfectly chill atmosphere.

The lyrics trace a story that recalls past promises and memories while gently letting them go, likely resonating with the personal landscapes in each listener’s heart.

It’s an emotional pop tune recommended not only for when you want to focus on studying or assignments, but also for a slightly sentimental nighttime walk.

JuneYuga

Yuga – June

This is a work by singer-songwriter Yuga, whose minimal and refined sound is soothing.

Through depictions like rainy-day scenes and the moon floating in the night sky, the song expresses an introspective state of mind that quietly tries to accept oneself despite doubt and imperfection.

The track is included on the mini-album “Meguru,” released in May 2019.

Whether you put it on while studying in a café or walking alone at night, its cool sonic palette and delicate yet powerful vocals may help calm a restless heart.

That’s enough already.Fuji Kaze

Fujii Kaze – Mo-Eh-Wa (Official Video)

Singer-songwriter Fujii Kaze, who had been posting piano performance videos since childhood and drawing attention for his exceptional technique.

Released in December 2019, this track later became a core piece of his debut album, HELP EVER HURT NEVER.

It features a sound defined by a minimalist, hip-hop-influenced beat interwoven with gospel-style choruses.

The lyrics, which step away from entanglements like competition and the desire for approval to free the self, gently resonate with hearts weary of the daily clamor.

Rather than resignation, it’s a song that offers a positive sense of release, embracing everything and moving forward.

Nagisaimase

【imase】Nagisa（MV）

Singer-songwriter imase, whose track “NIGHT DANCER” recently became a global hit, is still fresh in our memories.

He also made waves by making his major debut just one year after starting his music career.

This song is a refreshing, danceable number inspired by 1980s city pop.

The retro synthesizer tones evoke the arrival of summer and feel so pleasant.

The lyrics feature a strong-willed woman who boldly pushes a romance forward, yet the nuanced shifts in his vocals convey her fragility too, making your heart skip a beat.

Released in May 2023, the track was also used as the theme song for the news program ABEMA Prime, so many listeners may find it familiar.

It’s a stylish song you’ll want to play on your way to school, and it’s included on his first album, Bonsai.

TOGEAKASAKI

【AKASAKI】TOGE (Lyric Video)

AKASAKI is one of the singer-songwriters who drew attention following the breakout hit “Bunny Girl.” This track is his work from September 2025.

It marks a clear departure from his previously catchy style, tackling a very serious theme as he confronts his own painful experiences.

Carried by a quiet, minimal sound, his vocals vividly convey pain and memory, powerfully stirring the listener’s heart.

It’s the kind of song that will surely offer deep comfort on nights when you want to sit alone and face yourself in silence.