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

at one’s own paceSun Set Swish

SunSet Swish – My Pace M/V

This song gently encourages you to move forward at your own pace when you feel anxious, influenced by the changes around you.

Moments of doubt often come when your rhythm is disturbed, and one of this song’s charms is that it reminds you to keep your own pace.

rainbowNdaho & Peketan from Fisshāzu

[MV] Rainbow / Fischer’s

This is an original song by a hugely popular YouTuber boasting 3 million subscribers.

It’s a piece packed with friendship and youth—something only Fischer’s, who became immensely popular by bringing together their unique personalities to create videos, could sing.

It’s a must-know track for university students.

Youthful AmigoShūji to Akira

Seishun Amigo [Shuji and Akira Cover] (Chor. Draft)

It’s a massive hit that has influenced many people beyond just Johnny’s fans.

With lyrics expressing passionate friendship between friends, it’s also famous as a duet song.

Since it’s a song everyone knows, it’s the first one you should queue up when you want to sing a duet with a friend at karaoke.

WOW WAR TONIGHT ~Sometimes You Gotta Make a Movement~H Jungle with T

Sometimes, start a movement.

This is a song I find myself relating to a lot after entering the working world.

If I had listened to a song like this back when I was a student, I could have compared the two phases of life, and the song itself would have felt even more poignant.

It might seem old-fashioned to the current generation, but when you feel like you’re about to be swept away by the tides of the times and change, this song will help you.

bookmarkAqua Timez

Aqua Timez “Shiori” Music Video

With its gentle vocals, this song lets you feel the calm flow of everyday life.

I especially recommend it to students busy with reports and part-time jobs—why not take a relaxed walk with this track as your BGM?

coloring; color scheme; hues; decoration; embellishment; added flair (figurative)ikimonogakari

Ikimono-gakari “Irodori” Music Video (Odakyu Group corporate commercial song)

It’s a gentle pop tune that portrays the small happiness found in everyday life and the connections between people.

This track is the lead song from the album “Asobi,” released in April 2025, and was selected for the Odakyu Group’s corporate commercial.

Its familiar, catchy melody and heartwarming lyrics make a lasting impression.

Another highlight is the grand choral work featuring choirs from Tokyo University of Agriculture, Seijo University, and more.

It’s a piece we hope you’ll listen to as music that accompanies your daily life, such as during your commute to work or school.

Fortune Cookie in LoveAKB48

[MV full] Koi Suru Fortune Cookie / AKB48 [Official]

It’s a dance song by the hugely popular idol group AKB48.

The dance is also a big hit for karaoke and party entertainment, and girls dancing to it look adorable—great for catching the attention of someone you like.

I think it’s not a bad idea to use the dance to interact with the opposite sex and even lead to a confession.