Recommended songs for female college students. Classic and popular Japanese songs.

SUMMER ENDiri

SUMMER END

At the end of summer, when the night air turns a little cooler, the songs I want to listen to on a walk are by singer-songwriter iri.

That irresistibly pleasant groove feels like the fleeting nature of the passing season melting together with the lingering aftertaste of a summer romance.

You can hear that bittersweet frustration in her husky voice—the wish to keep dreaming sweetly while already sensing the inevitable end.

This track was released in September 2019 following iri’s album “Shade,” and it resonated widely as the theme song for the dating reality show “Renai Dorama na Koi ga Shitai ~Kiss to survive~.” It’s a song that gently stays by your side—perfect for nights when you want to sink into a slightly sentimental mood.

A bite on the cheekkojikoji

kojikoji / A Bite on the Cheek (Official Video)

Singer-songwriter kojikoji is beloved by many listeners for mellow vocals and chill sounds.

Among her works, the gentle songs that make your heart feel a little lighter are especially popular.

This track was released as a single in April 2023 and was chosen as the ending theme for the drama “Kashimashimeshi,” which portrays people gathering around home-cooked meals while grappling with life.

Whether you listen on nights chased by deadlines or during a quiet solo walk, you’ll feel a warmth that gently nudges you forward.

Be sure to add it to your playlist.

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.

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.

Blue JeansHANA

HANA / Blue Jeans -Music Video-

It’s a mid-tempo ballad that sings of the bittersweetness of being in love and the down-to-earth longing to see the person you like.

The lyrics cleverly and stylishly overlay complicated feelings of love onto worn-in jeans and sneakers.

It portrays the emotions of nights when you feel insecure and lack confidence—something many high school students will surely relate to.

The song is by HANA, a girl group born from an audition program, and it was released as their second single in July 2025.

Their debut track, ROSE, even hit No.

1 on the Billboard JAPAN HOT 100, showing no signs of their momentum slowing down.

This release also features a collaboration with the casual brand DIESEL, and its visuals drew considerable attention.

It’s the kind of song you’ll want to listen to on your way to school or on nights when you’re feeling a bit sentimental.

importantFUNKY MONKEY BABYS

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS “Precious”

The unadorned, straightforward lyrics are highly relatable and really resonate with me.

I think it’s a song that makes you once again feel the importance of what’s important.

It’s perfect as a song to give to someone you care about.

It’s a song that makes you want to truly cherish the things that matter.