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

I was looking at the moon.Yonezu Kenshi

FINAL FANTASY XVI Theme Song Trailer / Kenshi Yonezu 'Tsuki wo Miteita (I Saw the Moon)'

Since the historic blockbuster success of his 8th single “Lemon,” singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu has become a household name among a wide range of listeners.

His fifth digital-only single, “Tsuki o Miteita,” written as the theme song for FINAL FANTASY XVI—hailed worldwide as a top-tier RPG—features a dramatic arrangement that resonates deeply, mirroring the game’s weighty narrative.

Its vivid, picturesque lyrics draw you in even if you haven’t experienced the game itself.

It’s a grand number that conveys Yonezu’s love for the work.

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Hoshino Takashi

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NAMEspelling

TV Anime “The Girl I Like Forgot Her Glasses” Non-Credit Opening | Tsuzuri “NAME”

Singer Tsuzuri, who began their music career by posting their first YouTube video at age 13, made a major-label debut while still a high school student.

The title track of their 1st single, “NAME,” was chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime The Girl I Like Forgot Her Glasses.

The ensemble, featuring a fresh, vibrant guitar sound, creates a perfect contrast with the transparent vocals that carry a mature air.

It’s a refreshing pop tune whose driving beat lifts your spirits.

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Hoshino Takashi

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liarRyokushokushakai

Ryokuoushoku Shakai “Liar” Official Video / Ryokuoushoku Shakai – Usotsuki

Formed in a high school light music club, Ryokuoushoku Shakai is a four-piece mixed-gender rock band that has gained popularity for their piercing high-tone vocals and songs brimming with pop sensibility.

“Usotsuki,” released in advance from their fourth album Pink Blue, leaves an impression with its nostalgic ensemble that evokes a sense of melancholy.

The lyrics tell a story of memories where mutual understanding was never reached—an experience many people have likely had at least once.

It’s a sentimental number packed with wistfulness, even amid its brisk beat.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Pink BlueRyokushokushakai

Ryokuoushoku Shakai “Pink Blue” Official Video / Ryokuoushoku Shakai – Pink Blue

Ryokuoushoku Shakai is a four-piece rock band.

The title track of their album “pink blue” is “Pink Blue.” Written by vocalist Haruko Nagaya, the song portrays a slightly melancholic feeling and the process of turning it into something positive.

Highlights include production touches not seen in their previous work, such as a section where she sighs mid-song.

The music video, featuring a performance on a predominantly blue set, is also unmissable—the contrast between blue and pink is beautiful.

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yamamoto

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Become a flowerRyokushokushakai

The Apothecary Diaries Non-Credit OP: Ryokuoushoku Shakai “Become a Flower” [Airing nationwide on the Nippon TV network every Saturday from 24:55!]

Ryokuoushoku Shakai is a four-member pop-rock band.

They created “Hana ni Natte” as the opening theme for the anime The Apothecary Diaries.

It’s an up-tempo rock tune with lyrics that celebrate living beautifully like a flower.

It’s enjoyable on its own, of course, but it’s also highly recommended to watch it together with the opening sequence.

The motion in the anime links with the song, letting you feel the theme even more.

Another major appeal is how the lyrics connect with the story.

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yamamoto

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GO!!!Hitsuji Bungaku

Hitsujibungaku – GO!!! (Official Music Video)

Hitsujibungaku is a three-piece alternative rock band gaining attention for the beauty of their music—imbued with a unique sense of weightlessness—and their lyrical world.

“GO!!!,” a track from their fourth album, 12 hugs (like butterflies), stands out with an ensemble that features a sprightly guitar riff.

Its lyrics convey a determination to forge ahead on the path one believes in, even against a headwind—strength that many listeners may find empowering.

With its relaxed beat and simple ensemble, it’s a comfortable, emotional anthem of encouragement.

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Hoshino Takashi

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more than wordsHitsuji Bungaku

Hitsujibungaku – more than words (Official Teaser)

Even after two members left and they became a three-piece, Hitsujibungaku has continued to work energetically.

Apparently they put the character for “sheep” in their band name simply because the word “sheep” sounded cool.

Now that name sounds incredibly cool indeed—how curious.

The Japanese title of the song “more than words” literally means “something beyond words,” which links nicely with the “literature” part of Hitsujibungaku’s name.

It also serves as the ending theme for Season 2 of the hugely popular anime Jujutsu Kaisen, the Shibuya Incident arc.

With both sound and lyrics steeped in mystery, it’s a track you should hear even if you don’t yet know Hitsujibungaku.