A wonderful classic

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

Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICHane Keisuke
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. After working in a music studio and handling wedding sound, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with a variety of instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in junior high school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on my own musical activities and the experience gained through my work, I produce daily articles, including various song introductions, features on music festivals around the country, and live reports. In music, I enjoy not only rock from Japan and abroad but, lately, a wide range of J-pop as well.

“I wonder what kind of songs everyone is listening to?” “I want to expand my karaoke repertoire.”

For high schoolers like you, here are popular tracks from trending artists!

These days, there are amazing artists popping up one after another—appearing on major year-end music shows right after debut, and racking up hundreds of millions of views every time they release a new song.

It would be a waste not to know about them!

We’ve gathered popular new releases, buzzworthy tracks, and timeless classics—give them a listen.

You’re sure to find a song you’ll love!

[A Must-Listen for High School Students!!] A roundup of standout tracks by trending artists (261–270)

Grade Bchanmina

CHANMINA – B-Grade (B-List) Official Music Video

Grade Bchanmina

Rapper Chanmina, whose music overturns conventional images of rap and has garnered strong support especially among younger women, has released the track “B-kyu” on her 4th album Naked.

The song was selected as the theme for ABEMA’s original dating show GIRL or LADY: Watashi ga Saikyo.

Brimming with confidence, the lyrics declare that everyone except herself is “B-grade,” a message that aligns with the show’s theme.

It’s a stylish number whose catchy phrases and melody make it addictive.

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Hoshino Takashi

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death anniversarychanmina

Death Anniversary

death anniversarychanmina

Rapper Chanmina, known by the nickname “Beyoncé of Nerima,” captivates fans with powerful, message-driven lyrics that fluidly switch between Japanese, English, and Korean.

Her digital-only single “Meinichi,” released on August 10, 2023, was written as the theme song for the TV drama Hayabusa Fire Brigade.

Its ensemble and melody evoke the atmosphere of classic kayōkyoku, stirring the heart alongside its cynical lyrics.

It’s a wistful track that signals a new frontier for Chanmina.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Camera Rolltota

Camera Roll / Tota

Camera Rolltota

Let me introduce Camera Roll, which is blowing up on TikTok.

It’s a ballad by singer-songwriter Tota.

The song portrays a woman who, after a breakup, opens the camera roll on her phone and looks back at photos with her ex.

By contrasting the past captured in the pictures with the present, it creates a poignant atmosphere.

Another highlight is its message that not everything can be captured by a camera.

You’ll be drawn in by the various expressions that revolve around the camera.

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Fragiletota

Fragile / Tota – Fragile / Tota

Fragiletota

Many people have experience working toward a dream—or having done so in the past.

That’s why I’d like you to listen to “Kowaremono.” It’s a ballad released by the singer-songwriter Tota.

The song portrays how, as we grow up, we gradually give up on our dreams, yet still can’t quite let go and try to pursue them again.

Its bittersweet yet forward-looking lyrics will resonate with everyone.

Be sure to check it out along with the music video set in a school building.

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[A Must-Listen for High School Students!!] A roundup of standout tracks from trending artists (271–280)

osmanthus (fragrant orange osmanthus; sweet olive)natori

Natori – Fragrant Olive

osmanthus (fragrant orange osmanthus; sweet olive)natori

This song, with its slightly eerie lyrics and jazz-inspired arrangement, was released by the singer-songwriter Natori in August 2023.

The way they spin the melody—freely shifting from rich low notes to falsetto highs—makes listening exciting and keeps you wanting to hear more.

The lyrics, centered around osmanthus blossoms and the night, are open to interpretation, allowing each listener to find their own meaning, and it’s fun to imagine the story they suggest as you listen.

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dining tablenatori

Natori – Dining table

dining tablenatori

Singer-songwriter Natori, whose track “Overdose,” released digitally on September 7, 2022, sparked a huge response and drew widespread attention.

The digital-only single “Shokutaku,” also included on the first album “Gekijō,” pulls you into its world right from the intro, which features a sharp-edged bass sound and a floating, airy piano.

Its impactful, cynical lyrics, paired with a stylish melody, create a distinctive, addictive quality.

It’s a cool pop tune that also comes highly recommended for your karaoke repertoire.

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Hoshino Takashi

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I Wishnaniwa danshi

Naniwa Danshi – I Wish [Official Music Video] YouTube ver.

I Wishnaniwa danshi

Less than a year after their formation, each member of the seven-piece idol group Naniwa Danshi was making waves on TV and radio, drawing attention to their potential.

Their 6th single, “I Wish,” was selected as the theme song for the TV drama “My Second Aoharu,” starring group member Shunsuke Michieda.

Its message—that the presence of someone important can give you strength—may resonate with anyone who has a partner.

With refreshing vocals and a light, snappy ensemble, it’s a cute pop tune that feels wonderfully pleasant.

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Hoshino Takashi

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