Gen Z listeners, take note! Great songs that color the J-pop scene
The definition of a good song differs from person to person, doesn’t it?
Songs about someone special, ones that give you a push, or those that depict strong determination—all of these could be considered good songs, but it likely depends on the listener’s feelings and situation.
So this time, we’ve focused on Gen Z listeners and compiled a list under the keyword “good songs.”
They’re all great tracks, so we hope not only Gen Z but listeners of all ages will enjoy them.
- An iconic song by a female artist that Gen Z can get hyped about with their peers
- Recommended for Gen Z! Classic love songs sung by female artists
- Tear ducts guaranteed to burst! Heart-wrenching masterpiece songs I’d recommend to Gen Z
- Tear-jerking masterpieces sung by male artists that I’d recommend to Gen Z
- Get fired up for the hot season! Summer songs recommended for Gen Z
- Nothing but famous and hit songs! K-pop tracks recommended for Gen Z
- Hype songs sung by male artists that are recommended for Gen Z
- Revival hits driven by social media! Classic Showa-era songs popular with Gen Z
- Definitely when you want a boost of power! Energetic songs recommended for Gen Z
- Karaoke songs sung by female artists recommended for Gen Z
- Only masterpieces that color the season of meetings and farewells! Spring songs recommended for Gen Z.
- [Women Artists Only] Breakup Songs Recommended for Gen Z
- Packed with everything from friendship to romance! Youth anthems recommended for Gen Z
Gen Z listeners, take note! “Good songs” coloring the J-POP scene (21–30)
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A digital single written for high school students across Japan.
It carries a message that speaks to the hearts of young people whose Inter-High Championships were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The lyrics, sung over a relaxed melody, are relatable even if you’re not a high school student.
The warmth unique to back number’s vocals and their choice of words that resonate deeply are especially compelling.
Surprise-released on YouTube on August 18, 2020, the song captured the hearts of many listeners and generated a major response on streaming platforms.
It’s a recommended track for anyone who wants to be close to the memories and dreams of their youth.
My dressneguse.
That taut mix of nervous tension and exhilaration the moment you step onto the figure skating rink.
This song by Neguse., a four-piece band from Nagoya, turns that heart-pounding thrill into positive energy.
Rhythmic, rhyming lyrics intertwine with a buoyant beat, and the self-affirming message—sung by vocalist Ryotachi—about donning your own “personal battle outfit” really stands out.
Released as a single in March 2025, it also drew attention as the ending theme for the TV anime Medalist.
It’s the perfect track to boost your spirits before a do-or-die moment, or to light up the room by belting out its catchy chorus at karaoke!
Gen Z listeners, take note! “Great Songs” Coloring the J-POP Scene (31–40)
Good musicneguse.
Do you ever feel worn out by the daily stream of grim news and harsh words on social media, and just want to put on your headphones and escape into your own world? This song captures that uniquely modern, real emotion and sets it to an upbeat rock sound.
The words and melodies crafted by vocalist Ryotachi burst with a refreshing energy that blows away any sense of stagnation, and each listen will make your heart feel a little lighter.
Released digitally in July 2022, it was also included on the mini-album “Wanderland ni Aijō o!” released in September of the same year.
It drew major attention, with related videos on TikTok racking up hundreds of millions of views.
When you want to forget the bad stuff and refresh yourself, or as background music for your commute to school or work, this track is sure to lift your spirits.
Be sure to enjoy it at full volume.
Try loving—it’s not like you’ll lose anything.neguse.
Have you ever had that bittersweet experience where you like someone but can’t be honest about it, and the urge to have them all to yourself just spins out of control? Set to a poppy, fast-paced band sound, it paints a picture of a slightly tangled-up love.
The down-to-earth lyrics by vocalist Ryotachi will strike deep in the hearts of those wrestling with complicated feelings in love.
It’s a track by Neguse., a four-piece band from Nagoya in Aichi Prefecture, released as a digital single in April 2023.
It was later included on their first full-length album, “Fantasy na Shukujitsu wo!!!” It’s like a spark plug that instantly cranks up the heat at live shows, and it’s perfect for when you’re troubled by love or just want a refreshing rush.
Give it a listen.
Everyday Revolutionneguse.
This is a heartfelt ballad that vividly portrays the pain of an unforgettable love and the quiet that follows your absence.
NAGASE., a band based in Nagoya, carefully nurtured this song while moving audiences to tears at live houses, and it was included on their mini-album “Give Love to Wonderland!” released in September 2022.
Vocalist Ryotachi’s gentle yet trembling voice amplifies the chest-tightening sense of longing.
It became a long-running hit, surpassing 76 million streams in 2024, and in August of the same year, it was performed on THE FIRST TAKE, where a piano arrangement drew a huge response.
It’s a song that gently stays by your side on nights when your heartbreak hasn’t yet healed and you want to cry your heart out alone in silence.
MizukiriYuuri
Singer-songwriter Yuuri, whose moving vocals continue to captivate many listeners.
This track, included on his first album “Ichi,” released in January 2022, was written as an insert song for the Fuji TV drama “SUPER RICH.” The way the world becomes tinged with color through love and the sparkle of moments when the distance to someone precious grows smaller overlap with the image of a stone skipping across the water, striking straight to the heart.
Though an album track, it boasts such popularity that it has surpassed 100 million streams, and it is cherished as one of Yuuri’s signature songs.
With a structure that lets emotions swell toward the chorus, it’s perfect for times when you want to sing with feeling, or belt it out comfortably at karaoke.
We againSG
Singer-songwriter SG, a Japanese-Korean artist who gained popularity through TikTok and YouTube, released this song in April 2021.
Embraced as a “Reiwa-era graduation song,” it captured the hearts of younger listeners and surpassed 150 million streams.
The lyrics, which blend the loneliness of parting with the hope of reunion, resonate with people at life’s turning points, such as graduation or changing jobs.
In November 2024, a concert band arrangement was featured in Calorie Mate’s exam-season support commercial, and a collaborative production with the Blossoming Tokuei High School Wind Ensemble also drew attention.
Its simple “don-don-pa” rhythm makes it easy to sing and popular at school events.
It’s a perfect song for those facing farewells with someone important, as well as middle and high school students about to graduate.