[A must-listen for high school students!!] A roundup of standout tracks from trending artists

Phantom JokeUNISON SQUARE GARDEN

UNISON SQUARE GARDEN “Phantom Joke” short ver.

UNISON SQUARE GARDEN is a band that represents Japanese rock, having gained popularity primarily through tie-ins with popular TV anime.

Their 2019 release “Phantom Joke” serves as the opening theme for the TV anime “Fate/Grand Order – Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia.” Immerse yourself in their signature guitar-driven rock sound.

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Saitō Ayumu

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breakfastMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE「breakfast」Official Music Video

This song has been used since June 2025 as the theme for Fuji TV’s information program “Sun! Shine.” The full-on choreography—making you think, “Does Mrs.

GREEN APPLE dance this much?”—has become a hot topic, but above all it’s a refreshing morning-perfect anthem.

The track isn’t merely cheerful; it portrays the struggles of imperfect everyday life and the resolve of “All right, let’s get to it today,” and that depth feels very true to them.

This is the third time Mrs.

GREEN APPLE has handled a theme for a Fuji TV information program.

It’s a stylish, emotional number that will surely put you in a positive mood before school, even on slightly gloomy mornings.

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.

On nights when I’m too lonely to sleepAimer

Aimer 'On Nights When I’m Too Lonely to Sleep'

A signature song by the artist Aimer, beloved by music fans for her uniquely unforgettable voice and lyrics that irresistibly stir the emotions.

It’s a classic that straightforwardly captures the universally relatable memories and feelings of lying awake, thinking about someone precious.

Maidens.CHiCO with HoneyWorks

Maidens, oh you maidens. / CHiCO with HoneyWorks

CHiCO with HoneyWorks began as a music unit from Nico Nico Douga and have since made their major-label debut.

Their 2019 release “Otome-domo yo” became popular among high school students, partly because it was the opening theme for the TV anime “O Maidens in Your Savage Season.” Its appeal lies in its catchy sound and melody that seem mindful of J-pop traditions.

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Saitō Ayumu

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Until the gobies dash to their endzutto mayonaka de ii no ni.

ZUTOMAYO “To the End Where the Gobies Race” MV

The music unit Zutto Mayonaka de Iinoni, affectionately known as “Zutomayo,” gained popularity among high school students as a music unit that mainly operates online.

Their 2019 release, “Haze Haseru Hateru made,” despite its pun-like title at first glance, features an exceptionally cool sound that’s highly appealing.

The touches of rap-like melody here and there feel refreshingly new.

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Saitō Ayumu

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MomotaroSuiyōbi no Campanella

Wednesday Campanella 'Momotaro'

A pop-style rap song: Grandpa heads to the mountains to cut brush, Grandma goes to the river to do laundry, and I hole up at home playing video games—think a world of Famicom, PC Engine, Mega Drive, and 16-shot button mashing, where we gather a party to go slay demons.