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

Make It Out AliveONE OK ROCK

ONE OK ROCK × Monster Hunter Now – “Make It Out Alive” Music Video

ONE OK ROCK is a four-piece rock band that has earned high acclaim not only in Japan but around the world.

Their eleventh digital-only single, “Make It Out Alive,” released in collaboration with the smartphone app Monster Hunter Now, features lyrics that evoke being in the midst of battle, aligning seamlessly with the game’s worldview.

The heavy shuffle-beat ensemble suggests forward momentum and is sure to get your blood pumping just by listening.

It’s a powerful rock tune where cool vocals and melody deliver a strong impact.

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Hoshino Takashi

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ChessboardOfisharu Higedan Dism

Official HIGE DANDism – Chessboard [Official Video]

Official Hige Dism, a four-piece piano pop band dominating the J-POP scene with an overwhelming pop sensibility that makes even complex arrangements feel effortless.

Chessboard, released as a double A-side with Nichijo, is their 6th single and was written as the set piece for the Junior High School division of the 90th NHK All-Japan School Choir Competition.

Its message—that with experience, your dreams and your path forward come into focus—will surely leave a strong impression on students with bright futures.

With a gently paced beat and a catchy melody that lingers in the ear, it’s a moving pop tune that stirs the heart.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Fly awayPEDRO

PEDRO / Fly Away [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

In 2023, BiSH disbanded to much regret.

“Tonde Yuke” was released as the first single commemorating the restart of PEDRO, the solo project of Ayuni D, who was a member of BiSH.

The lyrics depict an ordinary, everyday life—somehow nostalgic—and the chorus makes your heart skip a beat.

It’s a love song, but it’s deeply emo and feels very relatable.

By the time it ends, you’ll be left with a warm, gentle feeling.

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utatane

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GOLDPEOPLE 1

TV anime “Ranking of Kings: The Treasure Chest of Courage” PEOPLE 1 “GOLD” opening non-credit footage

Formed in a university cover band club, PEOPLE 1 is a three-piece pop band gaining buzz mainly online for their wide-ranging songs and distinctive artwork.

Their 15th digital-only single, “GOLD,” written as the opening theme for the TV anime Ranking of Kings: The Treasure Chest of Courage, features lyrics that strikingly resonate with the anime’s worldview.

With a hook-laden yet poppy and exhilarating melody, it’s the kind of track that may feel addictive after just one listen.

Its slightly wistful vocals are also pleasing to the ear, making it a catchy pop tune.

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Hoshino Takashi

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closerPEOPLE 1

PEOPLE 1 “closer” （Official Video）

Here’s a band made up of three members: Deu, Ito, and Takeuchi.

It seems that not much has been revealed about the members in detail.

Formed in 2019, they’re a pop band whose sound and lyrics feel fresh and addictive.

Starting with this track, each song has its own distinct character that makes you want to keep listening, while there are also common threads—like the slightly light beats and production—that clearly define the band’s sound.

It’s fascinating.

Definitely give their various songs a listen.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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GlitteringREOL

Reol – “Glittering Glitter / Glitter” Music Video

Reol is a female artist who started out as an utaite singer.

She shot to fame with “The Sixth Sense” in 2020.

After that, she seemed to release more pop-leaning tracks, but the key point with 2023’s “Kirakira” is that it revives the beautiful yet fleeting tone found in her pre-“Sixth Sense” songs.

Specifically, it evokes that uniquely exotic atmosphere you can only feel in her music—akin to tracks like “YoiYoi Kokon” and “Utena”—and it’s absolutely irresistible!

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Yuuki

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As I amSHISHAMO

Watashi No Mamade

SHISHAMO is a three-piece rock band whose lyrics, vividly depicting scenes of romance, have garnered strong support especially among younger listeners.

Their 14th digital-only single, “Watashi no Mama de,” used as the commercial song for the matching app with, is a lively track featuring an intro guitar riff that sticks in your head.

The lyrics, which declare a commitment to valuing one’s true self rather than conforming to someone else’s preferences, are sure to give courage to people of all ages and genders.

With its cute vocals that perfectly match the song’s world, it’s a catchy pop tune.

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Hoshino Takashi

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