Hi-STANDARD’s Signature Songs and Hidden Gems Guide [2026]

My First KissHi-STANDARD

My First Kiss - Hajimete no Chuu (cover)

In addition to their original songs, Hi-Standard have made many punk covers of nostalgic tracks, which are also popular.

This “My First Kiss” is a cover of the song “Hajimete no Chuu.” Apparently, guitarist Ken Yokoyama heard it playing by chance at a ramen shop and thought, “Let’s do this with Hi-Standard!” The original was sung in the high-pitched voice of the famous anime character Korosuke, but in Hi-Standard’s cover, they speed up the tempo and lower the key.

As a result, the original melody’s charm and the energy of punk rock create a remarkable synergy.

Rain ForeverHi-STANDARD

Rain Forever

This track, included on Hi-STANDARD’s single “ANOTHER STARTING LINE,” which was released without prior notice in October 2016, features lyrics that liken a stagnant period in life to rain, leaving a deep emotional impact.

It conveys a message that will resonate with many: even though we get discouraged by repeated failures, there are things we gain precisely because there are things we lose.

Hi-STANDARD’s characteristically high-velocity sound rings out as if to sweep away that inner turmoil.

It’s a song with the power to push you forward when you’re feeling down and helpless, or when you’re hoping to take a step toward tomorrow.

The GiftHi-STANDARD

Hi-STANDARD -The Gift(OFFICIAL VIDEO)

In 2017, Hi-Standard released an album for the first time in 18 years.

Its title track is “The Gift.” The album, released after nearly two decades, was welcomed by fans with tears and joy, and the way this song was unveiled was unique.

Remarkably, it was announced in the form of a band score on station advertisements in places like Shibuya and Umeda.

A band score is sheet music that notates parts for instruments like guitar, bass, and drums.

Before their hiatus, Hi-Standard refused to distribute their songs for karaoke, saying, “If you want to sing our songs, don’t go to karaoke—start a band.” Although karaoke is now permitted, this approach brilliantly embodied the band’s foundational idea: they wanted fans to enjoy playing in bands too.

Another Starting LineHi-STANDARD

Hi-STANDARD- ANOTHER STARTING LINE- Full ver.(OFFICIAL VIDEO)

Hi-STANDARD went on hiatus in 2000 and resumed activities in 2011 after an 11-year break.

Then, in 2016, they released “Another Starting Line,” their first new song in about 16 years, in a way that was quintessentially Hi-STANDARD.

Without any prior announcement, the single appeared as a surprise in CD shops on the release day.

It sparked a huge buzz on social media like Twitter and even made the top news on Yahoo! that day.

The understated manner in which they handled their first release in 16 years was also very much in the Hi-STANDARD style.

Growing UpHi-STANDARD

Hi-STANDARD – Growing Up [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

“Growing Up,” which is also the album’s title track, is another popular Hi-Standard song.

It features an oldies-style melody and chord progression paired with a punk beat—quintessential Hi-Standard.

By the way, although “Growing Up” is currently only available on the album, it was reportedly handed out as an EP when Hi-Standard opened for Green Day—now a household name in the U.S.—during their 1996 Japan tour.

Hi-Standard has shared the stage with many overseas bands, including Green Day, Blink-182, and The Offspring.

This track lets you trace that remarkable path.

Starry NightHi-STANDARD

Hi-Standrad STARRY NIGHT

The 4th album “Making The Road” can be considered the completed form of Hi-Standard’s music and of melodic hardcore, and one example of that is “Starry Night.” Compared to the tracks on their previous albums, even though it’s fast-paced, the sound feels extremely well-organized.

You could say this harmony became a model for later melodic hardcore, and conversely, because everyone imitated Hi-Standard, it may have led to a situation where you think, “All these bands sound the same.”

Endless TripHi-STANDARD

Hi-STANDARD – ENDLESS TRIP

“Endless Trip,” included on Angry Fist, is also a fan favorite.

For Hi-Standard, it’s fair to call it a mid-tempo track, and it carries both a sense of positivity and a hint of bittersweetness.

Hi-Standard once broke up and fell into an apparently hopeless relationship, with rumors of bad blood circulating.

Now that they’ve reconciled and started performing again, the phrase “endless trip” resonates all the more with fans.