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 (51–60)
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.
As the sea willsYOASOBI
A song by YOASOBI created as part of the “Hajimete no” project in collaboration with a Naoki Prize–winning author.
The original story is a novel by Mizuki Tsujimura, depicting a girl who runs away from home and experiences a mysterious encounter by the sea at night.
The yearning to escape everyday life and the poignant wish to be found by someone resonate over a comfortable mid-tempo sound.
With arrangements that evoke the gentle sound of waves and ikura’s crystal-clear vocals, this track feels like it stays close to your sentimental moods.
Released in November 2022, it is also included on the album THE BOOK 3.
It’s recommended for moments when you want to drift into thought on your way to school or for nights when you want to be alone in your room.
A pop number tinged with melancholy that many troubled high schoolers will likely relate to.
IRIS OUTYonezu Kenshi
This piece was written as the theme song for the feature film Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc.
It was produced with deep attention to the characters’ relationships and emotions.
The propulsive sound ties in with the story’s thrilling developments, and I think many listeners will be electrified by the sonic blend of wistfulness and destructive impulse.
It also notably incorporates elements from the previous song, KICK BACK.
It’s the epitome of a badass anime track.
flameLiSA
Released in October 2020 as the theme song for the feature film Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train, this piece was composed and arranged by Yuki Kajiura and completed with lyrics co-written with LiSA.
The sweeping ballad mirrors the life and spirit of the central character, Kyojuro Rengoku, portraying parting and hope, and the will that is passed on.
It powerfully sings of the strength to keep moving forward without being swept away by sorrow.
It won the Grand Prize at the 62nd Japan Record Awards and topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart for three consecutive weeks, becoming a social phenomenon that transcended the anime-music sphere.
It is a song we hope you’ll listen to if you’ve experienced the loss of someone dear or need courage to face difficulties.
Gen Z listeners, take note! “Great Songs” Coloring the J-POP Scene (61–70)
Bedroom TalkOfisharu Higedan Dism
A song written and composed by Daisuke Kozasa that captures a moment of sharing true feelings in a bedroom at night.
It’s included on the album “Editorial,” released in August 2021.
The song carries a warm message that gently lights an unwavering lamp in hearts worn out by the online world, reminding us of the importance of quiet conversations that connect us with others.
mabanua’s mellow arrangement wraps the stillness of the night, while the delicate guitar tones resonate pleasantly.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to on nights when you’re tired of human relationships and want to take your time talking with someone you trust.
The lyric video is created entirely with illustrations, beautifully depicting the passage of time from dusk until sleep.
Irodori Stepruuto
This piece, produced by Root for the children’s TV show Oha Suta’s theme song, features lyrics co-written with TOKU and music co-composed with Matsu.
The track carries a positive message that cheers on children as they take steady steps toward their dreams.
Its refreshing pop sound and exhilarating, fast-paced melody feel great—listening in the morning really gives you energy.
Highly recommended for anyone starting a new challenge or looking to approach each day with a positive mindset.
more than wordsHitsuji Bungaku
Hitsujibungaku captivates with their unique sound that blends inorganic coolness and warmth, along with poetic, delicate word choices.
Released in September 2023, this track was selected as the ending theme for Season 2 of the TV anime Jujutsu Kaisen, the Shibuya Incident arc, and has surpassed 100 million streams.
Incorporating a four-on-the-floor beat and programmed sounds for the first time, the piece is an ambitious work produced by Moeka Shiotsuka after a year of studying DTM (desktop music production).
The lyrics, which reflect on how to convey feelings that words alone can’t express and on how to navigate one’s own life, really resonate.
The transparent vocals meld into the expansive soundscape, making it a song you’ll want to savor on a quiet night.