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

New Stylefukurō note

New Style – Music Video / Owl note

New Style, released in 2023 by Fukurou Note, who rose to prominence through his work as a vocalist, showcases his skillful singing over a lively, upbeat track.

The song highlights the importance of staying positive even when days don’t go as planned.

His rich mixed voice, carried by an urban-tinged sound, offers a soothing experience.

With its rhythmic arrangement, it’s a track that will make you want to move your body.

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mutō

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need for approvalSakurazaka46

Sakurazaka46 “Desire for Approval”

Sakurazaka46 is a girls’ group that has drawn attention since their Keyakizaka46 days, known for performances with a distinctly different vibe from conventional idol groups.

Their 7th single, “Shōnin Yokkyū” (“Craving Approval”), pulls you into its world right from the intro, with hysteric sound and a mysterious melodic line.

Its cynical lyrics, characteristic of the social-media era, can also feel like a plea to stop escalating desires.

With its cool melody and ensemble creating a strong impact, it’s a modern track—message and all.

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Hoshino Takashi

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mermaidSuiyōbi no Campanella

Mermaid

The music unit Wednesday Campanella got off to a strong start in their new lineup, with their 8th digital single “Edison” becoming a major hit.

Their 11th digital single “Mermaid” was selected as the campaign song for Coke STUDIO, Coca-Cola’s immersive music platform, in which vocalist Utaha appears in a commercial.

The story woven through its breezy beats and rap exudes a pop sensibility that sweeps away the traditionally tragic image of the mermaid.

It’s a refreshing pop tune with a catchy melody that adds vibrant color to the summer.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Prince ShōtokuSuiyōbi no Campanella

Wednesday Campanella 'Prince Shōtoku'

Since its reformation, the music unit Wednesday Campanella has scored a massive hit on TikTok with their track “Edison.” Released digitally on October 18, 2023, their song “Prince Shōtoku” centers on the historical figure known for the anecdote that he could listen to ten people at once.

Its comical lyrics and funky ensemble almost make you believe he really thought that way.

It’s an eccentric pop tune with a catchy melody that even helps you remember terms from history class.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Nio (Kongō Rikishi) statuesSuiyōbi no Campanella

Wednesday Campanella 'Kongorikishizō' (The Nio Guardian Statues)

Wednesday Campanella, known for creating unique songs, produced a track themed on the Kongorikishi statues—aptly titled “Kongorikishi.” When we think of Kongorikishi, the strong image is of the two figures, Agyo and Ungyo, forming a pair.

In the song, two people bound by a strong bond are compared to these statues.

It also includes stories about how the statues were made and fun facts about them.

If you know a bit about the statues beforehand, you’ll likely understand the song’s content even better.

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yamamoto

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Love PilgrimageKamiyama Yagi

TV anime 'Horimiya' × Yoh Kamiyama 'Koi Meguri' collaboration video short ver.

Let me introduce Koimeguri, a sweet and bittersweet tale of youthful romance.

This pop song was written by singer-songwriter Yoh Kamiyama, inspired by the anime Horimiya.

Positioned as a sequel to his previously released track Iro-kōsui (Scented Perfume), it portrays romance from the perspective of the woman who appeared in that song.

Listening to them together will draw you even deeper into the story.

Be sure to check out the collaborative video with the anime as well—hearing it through that version offers a different narrative experience.

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yamamoto

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globeYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Spinning Globe

Singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu continues to dominate the J-pop scene with his original worldview and modern musical sensibilities.

His 14th single, “Spinning Globe,” written as the theme song for the Studio Ghibli film The Boy and the Heron, links beautifully with its title through delicate piano tones and expansive, dreamlike strings.

The lyrics, which depict the preciousness of living through time as we move forward despite repeated meetings and partings, are likely to prompt many listeners to reflect on their own lives.

It’s an emotional number, with a voice that conveys strength within gentleness and shakes the heart.

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Hoshino Takashi

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