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

Over DriveJUDY AND MARY

Over Drive

It’s a perfect, high-energy song for when you’re heading out on an adventure somewhere far away.

The fast tempo and driving momentum make it great for playing on a road trip—you can feel the heat of the summer sun and the wind through both the lyrics and the vocals, helping you get into the vibe.

Baka, go home.milktub

Baka Go Home

It’s the ending theme from the anime Baka and Test: Summon the Beasts.

It’s a song that makes you feel like all the silly games and drinking parties that are unique to student life become cherished memories once they’re behind you.

“Baka” is usually taken in a negative sense, but this song brightly declares, “So what if we’re idiots? The ones who have fun and enjoy each day are the real winners,” and that’s its charm.

Summer Colorsyuzu

Yuzu 'Natsuiro' MUSIC VIDEO

It’s truly the anthem of youth.

I bet many students spend their long summer vacations lazing around with this song on, then hop on their bikes at sunset to head to their part-time jobs.

It’s a classic that instantly puts you in a summer-break mood.

I’m sure it’s a song someone always queues up at karaoke.

There’s always tomorrowUrufuruzu

Ulfuls Ashita ga Aru sa Vietsub There’s Always Tomorrow!!

The song became famous through a Georgia commercial and is a cheer song for all working salarymen.

However, the lyrics are relatable for students, women—really everyone—and in those moments when you wonder what you’re working so hard for, the song encourages a positive outlook, making you feel that things will go well tomorrow.

MINTSuchmos

Suchmos – MINT [Official Music Video]

They’re a six-piece band whose fame skyrocketed after being chosen for a car commercial song.

Their stylish sound is incredibly cool, and they’re very popular among college students.

Suchmos’s soulful, Jamiroquai-like sound is distinctive and awesome.

astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN

BUMP OF CHICKEN “Stargazing”

A song that enjoys great popularity among college students.

It isn’t a recent release, but it’s beloved as a karaoke staple.

For the band that performs it, BUMP OF CHICKEN, this track was their first to reach the top three on the Oricon charts and was the song that ignited their popularity.

Osaka LoverDREAMS COME TRUE

Da-iCE – “Osaka LOVER” [Lyric] (From “The best covers of DREAMS COME TRUE Doriuta Vol.1” Released on 2017.7.7!!)

It’s a song popular not only among college students but across a wide range of ages.

Many people in their parents’ generation seem to be hooked on it.

It’s an up-tempo track that sings about the loneliness of a long-distance relationship.

It’s perfect for those who became college students and ended up being separated from their partners!