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

PlasmaYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Plazma

The world of Kenshi Yonezu woven from imaginative melodies and innovative electronic sounds.

Set against the backdrop of space, this work—depicting life’s choices and fateful encounters—was released in January 2025 as the theme song for the animated film “Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning-.” It carries Yonezu’s signature delicate sensibility and straightforward passion, familiar from albums like “diorama” and “BOOTLEG.” Alongside its high-energy musicality, the lyrics powerfully convey the courage to step into new worlds and the drive to face the unknown, leaving a deep impression.

It’s a song I especially recommend to younger listeners who are determined to forge their own path.

Natsumatope#NAME?

=LOVE (Equal Love) / 14th Single “Natsu Matopé” [MV full]

=LOVE is a 10-member girls’ group produced by former AKB48 member Rino Sashihara, born as a new kind of voice-actor idol trained in voice acting.

Their 14th single, “Natsu Matopie,” drew attention for its double-center lineup featuring Maika Sasaki and Iori Noguchi.

Showcasing cute vocals in a refreshing ensemble, the track perfectly evokes the scenes of summer.

With plenty of call-and-response moments, it’s an upbeat tune guaranteed to fire up live shows and karaoke alike.

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Hoshino Takashi

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FIREWORK&TEAM

&TEAM ‘FIREWORK’ Official MV

&TEAM is a nine-member boy group composed of multinational members—Japanese, Taiwanese, Korean, and Japanese of German descent.

FIREWORK, which opens their 2nd EP “First Howling: WE,” also drew attention for the involvement of syudou, the Vocaloid producer known for Ado’s Usseewa.

Gazing up at fireworks while thinking of someone dear evokes the feeling that a hot season is about to begin.

With its driving beat and crystalline vocals that lift your spirits, it’s a refreshing, summery number that ramps up the energy.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Falling Down(sic)boy

(sic)boy – Falling Down (Prod.Zakk Cervini)

Rapper (sic)boy, whose unique musical style fuses alternative, emo, loud rock, and hip-hop, is drawing significant attention.

The lead single “Falling Down” from his major debut album HOLLOW features a high-energy, pop-punk-inspired ensemble that really amps you up.

The lyrics, which convey anxiety about an uncertain future, are likely to resonate with anyone fighting day by day with dreams and goals.

It’s a cool rock tune with a catchy melody that lands its rhymes with precision.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Miss You feat. Vernon of SEVENTEEN(sic)boy

(sic)boy – Miss You feat. Vernon of SEVENTEEN (Prod. KM)

In contrast to its poppy, cute-feeling melody, “Miss You feat.

Vernon of SEVENTEEN” paints a heartrending reality.

Released in 2023 by rapper (sic)boy, this track is a collaboration with VERNON from the popular Korean group SEVENTEEN.

The lyrics blend Japanese, English, and Korean, creating a distinctive world.

The words evoke the image of someone who has lost a loved one, not knowing what to do, trudging through a world where they can’t feel anything—enough to make your chest tighten with sorrow.

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SAKI

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Bewitch it4na

4na – Bewitch (Music Video)

You might have heard this stylish-sounding track somewhere before.

That’s because it was featured in the Home Tutor Try commercial, “If Summer Were Youth.” Despite the song’s sleek, cool vibe, the lyrics—set against a summer backdrop—carry a passionate message like “Let’s spend our time so we leave no regrets.” If you listen while reading all the lyrics, I think you’ll get a different impression, so give it a try.

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Hane Keisuke

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DIGNITYAdo

【Ado】DIGNITY

Ado, a singer who got her start as a “utaite,” drew attention as a new-generation songstress when her major debut track “Usseewa” became a massive hit and a social phenomenon.

Her 19th digital-only single, “DIGNITY,” written as the theme song for the film The Silent Service, also made waves for being provided by B’z.

The lyrics, which lament futile conflict, resonate with the film’s storyline and provoke reflection.

It’s a beautiful rock ballad whose sweeping arrangement and the contrast of its rock ensemble are moving to the core.

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Hoshino Takashi

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