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, don’t miss this! “Great Songs” Coloring the J-POP Scene (41–50)
If I were to die tomorrowKitanitatsuya
A track that opens Tatsuya Kitani’s album ROUNDABOUT and profoundly questions the meaning of living in the present.
Released in January 2024, this song breaks from his usual composing style of starting with the chorus, instead being carefully built from the intro.
Beginning with a beautiful piano melody and surging forward cloaked in grand strings, the sound carries a wish for listeners to keep living even while holding despair.
The lyrics, like a pinky swear of a promise, can be seen as Kitani’s declaration of intent for the music itself to be a source of support for the listener.
It’s a song that stays close to the hearts of those struggling to breathe through their days or prone to holding back their emotions.
Gen Z listeners, take note! “Great Songs” Coloring the J-POP Scene (51–60)
MusicSakanakushon
The single that drew attention in January 2013 as the theme song for the drama “dinner” is a rare work in which Ichiro Yamaguchi’s introspection—why do we make music?—resonates with the professionalism of artisans depicted in the show.
It’s striking for its one-coin 500-yen single concept, whispery vocals recorded in a home apartment, and an evolved form of dance rock where techno and band sounds intertwine.
By stripping away explanation in the lyrics and centering words that surfaced unconsciously, it creates space for interpretation, letting a club-like groove coexist with an introspective message.
Also included on the album “sakanaction” and performed at the year-end NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, this track is one to hear when you feel lost in your daily engagement with music.
Bouquet of WordsRinu
Rinu, a singer also known as a member of the entertainment unit Strawberry Prince (SutoPuri).
This song, written especially by the popular creator unit HoneyWorks, opens the album “Kotonoha Wonderland,” set for release in August 2025.
It tells a story of moving forward while believing in the power of words, even while carrying loneliness and anxiety, gently comforting those struggling through difficult days.
A hopeful pop tune whose warm worldview blooms in the heart alongside its dreamy sound.
next toMarushii
Marcy is a three-piece rock band from Fukuoka.
This song was written as an answer to “Love Song,” released in September 2023.
Carried by gentle vocals, it traces the protagonist’s feelings as they come to realize the true nature of love through the gestures and expressions of the precious person by their side each day.
A gem of a love song from a group that has earned strong support, especially among Gen Z.
It’s a track to play when you want to reaffirm your gratitude to your partner or spend a quiet, cherished moment with someone important.
Express Ticket and RhythmConton Candy
Written as the theme song for the film “Zenbu of Tokyo,” released in October 2024, this track marks a major milestone for Conton Candy as their first movie theme song.
Its exhilarating guitar sound and lyrics depicting the struggles of youth set against the city of Tokyo leave a strong impression.
Loveless words and unpleasant memories of the past are all reset by a loved one’s smile—imbued with the purity and strength that come with youth.
Vocalist Tsumugi has said the song was created with the message “I want you to be yourself,” conveying a wish for listeners not to forget their own colors even amid a chaotic city.
It’s a masterpiece we highly recommend to anyone who can relate to the conflicts of adolescence and the hope for the future.
Tomorrow as wellSHISHAMO
A rock number that cheers on our everyday efforts through its weekend heroes.
It was included on the 2017 album “SHISHAMO 4” and became widely known as the CM song for NTT Docomo’s “Docomo Student Discount.” That same year, the band performed it on the NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen for their first-ever appearance, generating major buzz.
The song frankly depicts the strength to keep running forward even when things are so tough you want to cry, along with gratitude for those who support you.
Inspired by watching a Kawasaki Frontale match, it’s also loved as a fight song—perfect for anyone looking to get fired up at sports events or live shows.
It stands as one of the band’s signature classics.
A world where the sun does not riseAimer
This is a song by Aimer, written as the theme for the anime film Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle Arc Part 1: Akaza Returns.
The dual-theme arrangement with LiSA also drew attention.
The song portrays a steadfast will and heartfelt prayer to keep fighting for what one wants to protect, even in a lightless, desperate situation.
Aimer’s uniquely resonant vocals intertwine with the sweeping strings to grip the listener’s heart.
It’s sure to resonate not only with Demon Slayer fans but also with anyone seeking the strength to face forward in the midst of adversity.