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 (1–10)
LepidoNEW!Kakizaki Yūta
Yuta Kakizaki has earned support for his delicate portrayals of shifting emotions.
Among his works, this track—released in April 2025—stands out for its heart-piercing vocals.
Produced in a home-recording style with Kakizaki performing all instruments himself, the song channels inner turmoil through an alternative sound.
The meticulously layered guitar and keyboard arrangements reveal new details with every listen.
Right after its release, it earned high praise overseas, reaching No.
6 on Apple Music’s J-POP chart in Latvia.
On nights when you’re burdened with unnameable anxieties, or when you want to immerse yourself in music alone, surrender yourself to this sound.
Become a ghostNEW!Kakizaki Yūta
The crystalline guitar sound and the almost vanishingly delicate vocals leave a strong impression.
It conveys a sense of loneliness as if you’ve become transparent and disappeared, yet also a heartfelt wish to stay close to someone you cherish.
This is a digital-only single released by Yuta Kakizaki in September 2025.
From songwriting and composition to playing all the instruments himself, this work distills his multifaceted talent.
It’s also intriguing that it has garnered cross-border support, ranking 17th on the UK J-Pop chart.
There’s nothing flashy here, but it overflows with a gentle warmth that quietly stays by your side, and every word is sure to resonate in your heart.
Highly recommended for quiet nights alone or when you want to filter out the haze in your mind.
Please give it a listen.
Because you were thereNEW!INI
This is a ballad written as the theme song for the documentary film “INI THE MOVIE: I Need I,” which reflects roughly four years since their debut.
Won’t it make your heart swell as it ties in with the film’s story? Six members contributed to the lyrics, expressing their gratitude to those who supported them in down-to-earth words.
Also included on the single “THE WINTER MAGIC,” released in November 2025, this track’s piano tones and the overlapping voices of all eleven members have a gentle, enveloping power.
The lyrics, which look back on their journey so far, may even bring unexpected tears.
It’s a song you’ll want to savor on a winter night, or when you want to reaffirm your feelings for someone important.
unravelAdo
This track by Ado was released in November 2023 as part of her cover project album, “Ado no Utatte Mita Album.” The original song, crafted by TK from Ling Tosite Sigure, is widely known as the opening theme for the anime Tokyo Ghoul.
With arrangement by Naoki Itai, it has been transformed into a rock number with a vast emotional range, fusing dramatic vocal expressions that shift from whispers to shouts with layered guitar sounds.
Reconstructing the original’s worldview—centered on identity and inner conflict—through Ado’s signature dynamism, this rendition is sure to encourage anyone who wishes to break out of their shell.
HarukaYOASOBI
A unique story told from the perspective of a mug, depicting a girl’s growth.
Based on Osamu Suzuki’s novel Tsuki Ōji and released by YOASOBI in December 2020, it’s a graduation song.
It was also used as the CM song for Takara Tomy’s Punirunz and as the image song for “Art Aquarium 2021: Hakata – Festival of Goldfish.” Conveyed from the warm gaze of a presence that was always by your side in everyday life, its message of gratitude evokes the joy of having met more strongly than the sadness of parting.
It’s a perfect song for those facing a farewell or wanting to express thanks to someone important.
LeoYuuri
Let me introduce a ballad that reminds us how irreplaceable our everyday, ordinary moments truly are.
Included on Yuuri’s album “Ichi,” released in January 2022, this song tells the story of the bond between a dog and its owner.
As the owner grows up and spends more time with a romantic partner, the lyrics tenderly convey the lonely feelings from the pet’s perspective.
The music video, directed by Mai Sakai and starring rising actress Rin Kataoka, became a hot topic as a tear-jerking MV.
Singing about the importance of the “ordinary” that we often only recognize after it’s gone, this song will gently accompany you when you want to reflect on the time you share with family or pets.
FateOfisharu Higedan Dism
A passionate cheer for people devoting themselves to their dreams, this song by the four-piece piano pop band Official HIGE DANDism was chosen in July 2019 as the “2019 ABC Summer High School Baseball Support Song / ‘Netto Koshien’ theme song,” and it also became the train arrival melody at Hanshin Railway’s Koshien Station.
Its music video, filmed in New York, drew considerable attention as well.
With lyrics that stand by everyone who strives—starting with high school baseball players—the song resonates deeply with those facing setbacks or anxiety.
It’s a track that gives you the courage to confront any hardship, and one we especially hope Gen Z listeners will hear.