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

Tailwindkanau

Tailwind

Kanae, known as a member of the YouTuber group NIJISANJI, has a solo track titled “Tailwind.” The song was produced as the opening theme for the anime Overtake! and perfectly embodies its gentle, beautiful story.

In the anime, “rain” is a key motif, and the song includes sections that reflect that theme.

Combined with his clear, expansive vocals, it’s a track that’s sure to lift your spirits.

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yamamoto

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memoryDomura Riu

memory – Riu Domura (Official Lyric Video)

Riu Domura, who is active mainly by releasing music on YouTube, presents a breakup song titled “Memory.” The track centers on a man who has gone through a breakup.

In the first half, he gently sings about looking back on their memories alone; in the second half, he soulfully voices the regret that wells up inside him.

This contrast between the two halves makes the protagonist’s feelings feel even more real.

Also, if you watch the music video, you’ll notice there’s an unexpected twist—that’s another highlight.

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yamamoto

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DarlingŌhashi Chippoke

Chippoke Ohashi “Darling” Music Video

Chippoke Ohashi is a singer-songwriter who began pursuing music in earnest in 2016.

You might know him from his work on the theme song for Suntory’s Horoyoi commercial.

His song “Darling” is a love song that sings of clumsy love over a light, upbeat track.

It begins with him fretting over how, despite loving straight from the heart, he can’t express it well—but by the end, he blurts out, “Anyway, I’m going to love you for the rest of my life!!” That unclouded, pure love and the way he faces his own awkwardness are what really, deeply move you.

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Hane Keisuke

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I want to fall in love dramaticallyKodama Hikari

I Want to Fall in Love Dramatically / Hikari Kodama (Official Music Video)

If you like girly songs, be sure to check out “Dramatically in Love” as well.

This track was released by Hikari Kodama, who is active as both a singer-songwriter and a voice actress.

It serves as the opening theme for Season 2 of the anime Girlfriend, Girlfriend.

The chorus, which repeats the title phrase and sings about the excitement of romance, leaves a strong impression.

The way the song keeps rhyming with the title phrase also hits hard and sticks in your ears.

Don’t miss the music video, too, with its charming use of Cheki instant photos.

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yamamoto

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BREAK THE LAWIwatatakanori

Takanori Iwata – BREAK THE LAW (Official Live Performance Video)

Takano Iwata, a dancer from Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS and an actor, is also active in both fields.

The track “BREAK THE LAW,” released in April 2023, is an aggressive number that stokes your fighting spirit.

It was created from his desire to showcase his roots in krump dance on tour.

Iwata himself was involved in the lyrics and choreography, and the sound blends hip-hop and rock.

It’s a real hype-up track and recommended for those who love hard-hitting dance music.

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KEI

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lampSakiyama Soshi

Soushi Sakiyama / Akari [Official Music Video]

Singer-songwriter Soushi Sakiyama gained attention after winning the Grand Prix in the “High School Folk Song GP” segment of AbemaTV’s variety show “Variety Kaitaku Variety Himura ga Yuku.” His 10th major digital single, “Akari,” was selected as the ending theme for the TV anime Jujutsu Kaisen: Hidden Inventory/Premature Death.

Its message—that precious things can be found within the ordinary—may prompt those who feel unlucky to look around and notice what surrounds them.

It’s a soothing number, marked by a gentle vocal delivery and a richly layered ensemble.

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Hoshino Takashi

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P.S.Ikuta Rira

Lila Ikuta "P.S." Official Music Video

Lila Ikuta, a singer-songwriter also active as the vocalist of YOASOBI and praised for her crystal-clear, era-defining voice, has released her ninth digital-only single, “P.S.,” written as the theme song for the film One Second Ahead, One Second Behind.

Its dramatically unfolding beats and arrangements create a unique sonic world.

The lyrics, depicting feelings that won’t stop even if they never reach their destination, will likely resonate with many who had similar experiences in their youth.

It’s a nostalgic number that tightens the chest yet somehow leaves you with a comforting warmth.

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Hoshino Takashi

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