Recommended for high school students! Stylish J‑pop and songs by trending popular artists

TATTOOOfisharu Higedan Dism

Official HIGE DANDism – TATTOO [Official Video]

Official HIGE DANDism keeps releasing hit songs with sophisticated arrangements and stylish sound.

This work is a moving number that sings about an unbreakable bond with a precious person—like a pattern etched into the skin that will never fade.

The song was written as the theme for the drama “Pending Train: 8:23, Ashita Kimi to.” Its lyrics, which say that the feelings you have for someone become a light toward the future even in extreme circumstances, resonate perfectly with the drama’s worldview and are truly stirring.

Released in April 2023, it became a massive hit, surpassing 100 million total streams.

With its groovy, comfortable mid-tempo vibe, it’s perfect for listening on the train to school or while reflecting at a café after classes.

It’s a song that makes you want to think of the people who matter to you—friends, family, and loved ones.

giftRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – Gift [Official Music Video]

RADWIMPS, the rock band also known for the music in the film “Your Name.” This song was written as the theme for the NHK morning drama series “Anpan,” airing from April 2025.

Its stylish sound—blending city pop and jazz—matches beautifully with the warm vocals.

The lyrics carry a gentle message from the creators: even in a world that isn’t always fun, it’s okay to look forward to tomorrow.

Like a letter, the song gives you a push to take on new challenges.

Listening to it on the train to school or during a reflective moment after classes might make the everyday feel a little more special.

dancerVaundy

[75th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen Performance Song] Odoriko / Vaundy: Music Video

A celebrated hit by Vaundy that also made waves when the music video featuring actress Nana Komatsu surpassed 10 million views in about a month after its release.

His multifaceted talent shines through, from writing and composing to video production.

The track boasts a simple yet unforgettable rhythm and bassline, and once you hear it, you’ll be hooked by its groovy sound.

The lyrics depict lingering feelings for a past love and a poignant wish to start over, with a phrase reminiscent of a phone’s ringing tone evoking the ache of unreturned sentiments.

Released in November 2021 and included on the acclaimed album “replica,” this medium-tempo number offers a slightly bitter, stylish vibe that you’ll want to listen to during your commute or while relaxing in a café.

electric shockYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Electric Shock

From the very first funky guitar chops, you can’t help but start moving.

This is a song by Kenshi Yonezu, a hugely popular singer-songwriter with a one-of-a-kind aesthetic.

It’s included on the acclaimed 2020 album STRAY SHEEP and was used as the theme song for the drama MIU404.

The fact that the music video racked up 10 million views in just four days after its release shows how much attention it drew.

The song portrays a thrilling story of chasing fleeting brilliance while being tossed about by inescapable fate.

Its sense of speed—like racing through the city at night—will undoubtedly lift your mood on the way to school.

It’s a stylish track perfect for those days when you want to feel a bit more grown-up.

fake face dance musicOnda Masanori

fake face dance music

Masayuki Onda, a singer-songwriter who rose to prominence mainly on social media with his gentle ballads, is back with an up-tempo dance track that overturns that image.

The song captures distrust toward someone who wears a false face and the complex, hard-to-resolve emotions that come with it, offering a slightly mature worldview that’s captivating.

The pairing of its electronic sound with Onda’s lustrous vocals is exquisite—so addictive in its sheer comfort.

Released in July 2023, the track was born from passionate fan demand, with the chorus posted on Instagram racking up over 1.3 million views.

Put it on during your commute or a nighttime walk, and everyday life might start to feel a bit more cinematic.

naporiVaundy

napori

Vaundy, who debuted while still an art school student and is popular for his multifaceted talent spanning music to artwork, delivers this track from the acclaimed 2020 May release strobo.

It’s a song that portrays peaceful moments spent with someone dear, along with the fleeting pangs of sadness that occasionally pass through them.

The chill R&B sound and his whispery, breath-tinged vocals bring to life the ephemeral yet precious moment called “now.” Although included on the album, the track also drew attention when it was used as the theme for Bourbon’s Alfort Mini Chocolate commercial starting in September 2021.

It’s a stylish and sentimental tune you’ll want to play on the train to school or on nights when you feel like getting a little lost in thought.

As the sea willsYOASOBI

YOASOBI “At the Mercy of the Sea” Official Music Video

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.