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

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?

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.

Turn off the neon.chilldspot

chilldspot – Turn Off the Neon (Official Music Video)

chilldspot, a band hugely supported by people their age.

This track, which they made while still in high school, features a mellow R&B-driven groove that feels incredibly smooth.

While the song centers on the theme of “the beautiful aspects of sexuality,” it also delicately portrays the inner conflicts and subtle, realistic emotions that lie beneath.

Its slightly mature worldview—like facing your true self on a quiet night after the neon lights have gone out—will likely resonate gently with university students.

The song is included on the November 2020 EP “the youth night,” and was later used as an insert track in the film Thorn of Love.

It’s a perfect number to accompany a solitary nighttime walk for reflection or to help you focus while studying.

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.