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! “Great Songs” Coloring the J-POP Scene (31–40)
cold; curt; blunt; unfriendlyRADWIMPS
A song that captures the frustration of an ambiguous relationship and the ache of unrequited feelings.
The delicate emotions that sway with the other person’s attitude and the uncertain distance where neither can read the other’s heart are carefully woven with the distinctive word choices of Yojiro Noda.
Although it’s a track from the 2018 album ANTI ANTI GENERATION, the music video featuring Nana Komatsu and Fuju Kamio also created a big buzz.
In August 2020, it was chosen as the theme song for the ABEMA show Who Is the Wolf?, once again resonating with many listeners.
Unfolding at a relaxed tempo, this piece is a gentle companion for nights troubled by love or quiet moments of contemplation.
favorite songfumino
Released in January 2026, the debut single “favorite song” features a catchy pop band sound highlighted by electric guitar.
Created as a “gift” from Chanmina to her, the track drew major attention with a live performance on Nippon TV’s “Shuichi.” Its warm yet powerful worldview affirms being true to oneself and gently encourages those who are ready to take on a challenge.
Just listening to it fills you with energy—truly a vitamin song.
SoranjiMrs. GREEN APPLE
Is there any other song that sings of the preciousness of life with such tenderness and strength? Released in November 2022 as Mrs.
GREEN APPLE’s first single in about three and a half years, this piece was written as the theme song for the film “From Siberia With Love,” starring Kazunari Ninomiya and Keiko Kitagawa.
In step with a story that upholds love for family against the harsh backdrop of a Siberian labor camp, the lyrics—like reciting by heart one’s feelings for a beloved—etch themselves into the soul.
Its grand arrangement featuring strings wraps unspoken everyday emotions and hope for tomorrow into a sweeping ballad.
It’s a song that gently stays by the side of anyone choosing to believe in the future, no matter how difficult the days may be.
Cinderella BoySaucy Dog
Written from a female perspective, this song is a heartfelt love ballad that portrays unrequited feelings and the turmoil of betrayal.
Paralleling the story of Cinderella, it poignantly captures the moment when, like magic fading after midnight, she notices her lover’s true self beneath the idealized image.
Self-deception in turning a blind eye to betrayal, and the complex emotions of anger and dependence, are conveyed over a wistful melody.
Included on the mini-album “Lazy Sunday,” the track was released digitally in August 2021.
It debuted on Music Station in 2022 and ranked second in the annual karaoke charts.
It’s a must-listen for anyone struggling with one-sided love or feeling hurt by a complicated relationship.
Love is litrokudenashi
This is a ballad that gently stays close to the hearts of those who feel lonely or anxious.
Performed by ROKUDENASHI, the music project fronted by Ninzin, it was released in February 2023 as a collaboration with Vocaloid producer MIMI.
The simple, piano-centered arrangement highlights Ninzin’s delicate vocals.
The lyrics, which evoke the warmth of someone’s presence lighting a candle in your heart, resonated with many listeners.
The song is also included on the album “Ai ni Saku Hana,” and it has gained strong support among younger audiences on social media, with over 27,500 videos posted on TikTok.
It might be a good one to listen to when times are tough and you need encouragement.
Gen Z listeners, don’t miss this! “Great Songs” Coloring the J-POP Scene (41–50)
I Sing a Love Song to You Across a Hundred Years. feat. aixeNatsunose
Composer Natsunose, known for creating songs that evoke nostalgic scenes, has gained widespread popularity.
Released in December 2025 as a collaboration with Yozora Fuyuno’s novel “A Song of Love to You Across a Hundred Years,” this piece recreates in reality the song written by the story’s protagonist.
Featuring vocalist aixe, the track blends her crystal-clear voice with the heartrending narrative in a delicate harmony.
The lyrics, which express feelings that transcend time, may grip your heart even more deeply when listened to after reading the novel.
It’s an emotional song that invites you to fully immerse yourself in its world.
The calling voiceVaundy
Written by singer-songwriter Vaundy as the theme song for NHK General’s “Vaundy 18-sai Matsuri,” this piece was released digitally in December 2025.
It was created on the premise of being sung together with “1,000 18-year-olds gathered from across the country.” It brilliantly fuses introspective personal emotions and a forward-looking stance toward the future with the anthemic exhilaration of voices raised in unison.
It’s a track brimming with overwhelming energy that powerfully pushes the backs of those who are earnestly taking on a challenge.