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

MottoAbe Mao

Abe Mao – Motto. (Official Music Video)

This is a motivational song by female singer-songwriter Mao Abe.

Her husky voice and piercing lyrics give you a push forward.

In today’s tough world, where we’re expected to care about appearances and values, this track offers answers to the worries many people carry.

A DREAM GOES ON FOREVERCARNATION

Carnation – A Dream Goes On Forever

This is Carnation’s cover of Todd Rundgren.

Even though it’s almost a faithful rendition of the original, it strangely sounds like one of their own songs.

Todd and Carnation must have a lot of overlap in their worlds.

I like Carnation’s underdog vibe.

Future Is Born feat.mabanuaRHYMESTER

RHYMESTER – Future Is Born feat. mabanua

It’s a track released by Rhymester in 2017.

I hardly ever listen to hip-hop, but Rhymester is the one group that catches my attention.

Even as a hip-hop beginner, this song has a charm that makes me want to listen.

First of all, the sound is pop and the lyrics are easy to catch, which I like.

evening showerSuga Shikao

Sudden Evening Shower (LIVE)

This song was the theme for the anime Boogiepop and Others.

Among Suga Shikao’s tracks, it’s one of his very best.

I think this is exactly the kind of song he excels at.

That dry sense of melancholy is uniquely his, making him an artist unlike any other in Japan.

I stillmilet

milet “I still” Music Video (Theme song for the film ‘Unknown Girlfriend’)

A love story about two people enchanted by a magical, fleeting moment of romance—yet gripped by the fear it might vanish the next instant—unfolds alongside milet’s sultry vocals.

Set to be released in February 2025 as the theme song for the film “Shiranai Kanojo,” the track portrays, with dramatic flair, both the aching tenderness of two souls drawn to each other and the love that keeps deepening between them.

Carried by a dreamlike melody, milet’s uniquely expressive voice seeps into the heart.

While closely echoing the film’s narrative, the song also stands strong on its own, making it a perfect choice for those longing for a loved one or wishing to reaffirm a precious bond.

forget-me-notNOKKO

Forget-me-not / Nokko

With Rebecca’s vocalist Nokko—known for her distinctive singing voice—at the helm, the 1998 release Wasurenagusa is a song with a dreamlike beauty, like a flower swayed by the wind.

The composer is Yuka Kawamura, who has crafted numerous songs including SMAP’s Yozora no Mukou.

The gently flowing acoustic guitar and Nokko’s tender vocals resonate deeply.

The lyrics evoke the changing seasons of nature and bring to mind a cherished person and those days that have become treasures.

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Map of the HeartBOYSTYLE

BOYSTYLE – Kokoro no Chizu Live (One Piece Opening)

A signature song by the artist BOYSTYLE, who has gained popularity for catchy melodies and high-energy tracks that are easy for people of any generation to enjoy.

It’s an up-tempo number that expresses a passionate resolve to take on challenges and pursue dreams together with friends.