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

sunflowerAdo

[Ado] Sunflower

After starting out as a utaite, Ado has become a new-generation singer who enjoys immense popularity both in Japan and abroad.

Her track “Himawari,” released digitally on July 11, 2023, was selected as the theme song for the TV drama “18/40: Dreams and Love If We’re Together.” The melody, woven with a voice that is both delicate and powerful, hints at a new chapter for Ado.

Its lyrics, expressing admiration and gratitude, are moving—an uplifting, heartwarming pop tune that makes you feel gentle just by listening.

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Hoshino Takashi

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chantAdo

"Spell" by Ado

The song sung by Ado became the theme song for Universal Studios Japan’s Halloween event.

Since the same composers who worked on “Odo” handled this track, you can sense a connection between them.

In particular, the way the music unfolds rapidly while keeping an infectious groove that makes you want to start dancing is, as with “Odo,” its greatest appeal.

The lyrics, which feature many complex kanji, are not only pleasing to the ear as pure sound, but also heighten the sense of excitement even further.

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Hane Keisuke

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Flying DeityAyase×R-shitei

Flying Deity

Hiten, a digital single chosen as the opening theme for the newly remade 2023 TV anime Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story.

Created by R-Shitei—known from Creepy Nuts and Umeda Cipher—and Ayase, active as a Vocaloid producer and a member of YOASOBI, the track’s breakneck call-and-response creates a thrilling ensemble that really amps you up.

The lyrics, which link to the anime’s story, evoke a universal theme: even in doubt, you can only keep moving forward.

It’s a track that lingers with the striking contrast between aggressive rap and lyrical melody.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Boom Boom BackBE:FIRST

BE:FIRST / Boom Boom Back -Music Video-

Boom Boom Back is a hit not only in Japan but also overseas.

It’s a hip-hop track released by the seven-member boy group BE:FIRST.

Over a beat with satisfyingly deep bass, they deliver vocals that proudly showcase their skills and careers.

The catchy phrases have been a hot topic, so be sure to check it out for yourself.

The song is also known for going viral on TikTok thanks to its cool choreography—the sharp, snappy moves are a must-see.

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yamamoto

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GloriousBE:FIRST

BE:FIRST / Glorious -Official Audio-

BE:FIRST is a boy group born from an audition program.

The song they created as the support anthem for the 102nd All Japan High School Soccer Tournament is “Glorious.” In addition to SKY-HI, who serves as the producer, member LEO also took part in writing the lyrics for this track.

They’ve successfully expressed the passion of chasing dreams with powerful words.

It’s a song that people dedicated to any pursuit—not just soccer—will surely relate to.

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yamamoto

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MainstreamBE:FIRST

BE:FIRST / Mainstream -Music Video-

This song, a track by BE:FIRST released in September 2023, is defined by a beat that leaves a deep impression the moment you hear it.

Beyond the commanding presence of the track from the very beginning, the razor-sharp rap and dance are incredibly compelling.

The lyrics declare they have no interest in following trends—they’re going to create them—delivering a powerful message that might be one reason for their popularity.

Although the song maintains a cool, steady progression throughout, it has a distinctive character that, once heard, lingers in your memory.

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Hane Keisuke

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SalviaBE:FIRST

BE:FIRST / Salvia -Lyric Video- [Netflix Anime BAKI HANMA OST]

BE:FIRST is a boy artist group that emerged from the popular audition program THE FIRST.

Their fans are called BESTY.

The song Salvia is the theme song for the popular manga Baki Hanma: The Father VS Son Saga.

If you listen to the track with the manga in mind, it sounds like a song about parental love; if you don’t know the manga, it comes across as a love song between a man and a woman.

How did it sound to you? Some fans even post the “line distribution” online showing which member sings which part—you can really feel the love for the group!