A hidden gem known only to those in the know. A great J-pop/Japanese song.

Hide-and-seekYuuri

Yuuri “Kakurenbo” Official Music Video

Yuri’s debut work, which likens a heartrending unrequited love to a game of hide-and-seek, is a soul-stirring ballad that delicately portrays loneliness and the pain of parting.

In a room left behind after his live-in girlfriend has gone, the man’s feelings—surrounded by objects that still evoke her presence—are woven together by a gentle, translucent voice.

Released in December 2019, the piece is a labor of love born from street performances following the breakup of the rock band THE BUGZY.

The warm timbre of the acoustic guitar closely follows the man’s earnest emotions.

It’s a song recommended for those who wish to soothe the pain of heartbreak—perfect for a nighttime drive or for quietly sipping a drink alone at home.

ParachuterForder

Folder - Parachuter

This is a song by the idol group that Daichi Miura—now a global artist—used to belong to.

While I think Daichi’s vocal power plays a big role, it’s a wonderful pop tune.

They were fortunate to be given such a great song for their debut, but it also shows that they had both the talent and the appeal to match.

Lupin the Third ~ Theme of LoveEGO-WRAPPIN’

Lupin the Third: Theme of Love / EGO-WRAPPIN’ AND THE GOSSIP OF JAXX

This is an insert song from the TV anime Lupin the Third.

Yoshie Nakano’s delicate vocals are wonderful.

The effortless way she sings makes it all the more moving.

Alongside the Lupin theme, this number showcases composer Yuji Ohno’s talent brilliantly.

everlasting lampPEOPLE 1

PEOPLE 1 “Jōyatō” (Official Video)

This song gently wraps the feelings of young people who live by the small light in their hearts.

Released by PEOPLE 1 in July 2020, it features a comfortable jazz- and funk-infused groove and lyrics brimming with vivid metaphors.

By skillfully weaving together contrasting motifs—heaven and school, God and convenience stores, talent and a swing—it portrays the struggles and hopes of youth living in the present day.

The pop-styled animated video by animator coalowl surpassed 1.4 million views within just two weeks of its release.

It’s a song that quietly gives a push to those who carry heavy burdens in their hearts yet still try to keep moving forward.

Beautiful worldAimer

Aimer “Beautiful World” Lyric Video

This song is notable for Aimer’s heartwarming vocals, which gently embrace deeply held feelings with a clear, transparent tone.

As the protagonist prepares to spread their wings into a vast world while holding an unforgettable dream close to their heart, the delicate piano and the grand string arrangement paint a beautiful picture.

Released in February 2025, the piece was written as the theme song for an Idemitsu Kosan commercial.

Woven into it are wishes for a hope-filled future and gratitude for the small happiness found in everyday life, making it an empowering track that quietly gives a push to anyone about to take a new step forward.

SpecialSUPER BEAVER

SUPER BEAVER 'Special' Music Video

This song powerfully yet warmly expresses the importance of the “ordinary” and the “taken-for-granted” that we often overlook in everyday life.

With a unique sense of wording, it articulates the growing joy of acting for someone else, weaving together moving lines about the beauty of human connection that we come to appreciate more with age.

Included on the album “Tokyo,” the track pairs SUPER BEAVER’s signature passionate rock sound with lyrics that evoke deep empathy in listeners.

Released in February 2022, it continued to captivate audiences throughout that year’s live tour.

It’s a song to listen to when you want to feel the value of peaceful daily life or renew your gratitude for the people around you.

Black ShoesBAHO

Black Shoes (PV) / BAHO Uma Baka

This is a signature song by BAHO, the duo of Char and the late Nagaoki Ishida, who sadly passed away two years ago.

They’re an acoustic guitar duo, and this track is really cool.

It seems Char also performed it at a memorial concert.