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

RPGSEKAI NO OWARI

SEKAI NO OWARI「RPG」

This is a song that resonates with people of our generation who grew up playing RPGs.

By mapping the joy of adventure, the friendships with comrades, and the resolve to protect what’s important onto our present selves, we can feel as if we are the protagonists of an RPG.

Thinking of it that way gives us courage.

Swaying (feat. Dengaryu)EVISBEATS

EVISBEATS [MV] Yureru feat. Dengaryu

The gentle piano melody and calm beat seem to invite you into a pleasant moment.

It’s a collaboration between EVISBEATS, a trackmaker from Nara Prefecture, and the rapper Dengaryu.

The lyrics warmly affirm the subtle emotional shifts that arise in everyday moments, and they really resonate, don’t they? This piece is included on the classic album “Hitosu ni Naru Toki,” released in July 2012.

Its enduring popularity is evident from its reissue on 7-inch vinyl in April 2018.

When your mind is crowded with assignments or thoughts about the future, listening to it while strolling at dusk might give you a gentle push forward.

Night Distance feat. mahinaI love you Orchestra Swing Style

I love you Orchestra Swing Style / Night Distance feat. mahina – official MV

That whisper-like singing really sinks into your heart.

This piece is by the band I love you Orchestra Swing Style, which is rooted in jazz and R&B, featuring mahina on vocals.

Its mellow, laid-back sound is irresistibly appealing, conjuring images of a city skyline at night.

Centered on the theme of the physical or emotional distance between people you long to see, it seems to capture the aching feelings that deepen in the stillness of the night.

The track is included on the April 2019 album “Smoky Valley,” and it was also used as the ending theme for a program on FM Kagawa.

On a night alone, when you dim the lights to focus on studying or take a sentimental walk through the streets, listening to it will surely keep you company.

LaundryLUCKY TAPES

LUCKY TAPES – Laundry (Official Music Video)

LUCKY TAPES is the solo project of Kai Takahashi, notable for its sound that blends J-pop with elements of indie pop and R&B.

Released in October 2020 and included on the album “Blend,” this track portrays the process of facing daily struggles and learning to live with them while moving forward.

The lyrics give voice to the conflict between the pressure to become “someone” and the reluctance to conform, yet ultimately offer a glimmer of hope.

It’s a song that seeps in during moments when you want to pause—while studying or on a walk.

The music video—Kai Takahashi’s first as a director—also drew attention, making this a number that gently accompanies quiet times.

GIRLS feat. ohashiTrioMichael Kaneko

Michael Kaneko – GIRLS feat. Ohashi Trio (Official Video)

It’s a track with a light, groovy feel and an urban, sophisticated sound that’s a pleasure to listen to.

It’s a collaboration between Shonan-born singer-songwriter Michael Kaneko and Ohashi Trio.

The lyrics charmingly portray a man getting giddy after meeting a woman at a bar, along with the exchanges of the friend watching over him.

The song was released in May 2022 and was later included on the album “The Neighborhood.” The key-change section—added at Ohashi Trio’s suggestion—significantly heightens the song’s dramatic quality.

How about giving it a spin when you want a breather or as a companion for an evening stroll?

DAY feat. PUNPEENulbarich

Nulbarich – DAY feat. PUNPEE (Official Music Video)

Centered around JQ and known for their sophisticated sound, Nulbarich teams up with rapper PUNPEE on this track, released in August 2023 and included on the album “The Roller Skating Tour.” The interplay between JQ’s soothing vocals and PUNPEE’s sardonic rap makes for an outstanding ensemble.

I hope you’ll take time to really listen to the lyrics, which question a more human form of love.

It’s a chic, mellow number that pairs perfectly with a contemplative nighttime walk through the city.

marble latteRin Oto

marble latte – Rin音 (Official Music Video)

You know how the cold winter air can make your heart feel just a little tense? This is a track by Rin-ne that gently accompanies the everyday life of university students.

The song has a comforting warmth—like a hot drink soaking into your heart—that lets you take a deep breath and relax.

It likens the blending of a latte to emotions, and the choice of words is truly lovely.

Released in December 2023, its rounded keyboard tones and gentle beat are perfect for studying in a café or taking a walk on a nighttime street.