Cute masterpieces of J‑Pop: recommended popular songs

88888888PiKi

PiKi “88888888” × Collaboration Movie with the film “Exit No. 8”

The hard four-on-the-floor beat and metallic synth riff pull you straight into their world.

It’s a track by PiKi, a unit featuring Karen Matsumoto from FRUITS ZIPPER and Haruka Sakuraba from CUTIE STREET, set to be released in August 2025.

Created as a collaboration song for the film “Exit 8,” its lyrics count up from zero, seemingly expressing the protagonist’s desperation as they search for a way out of an endless maze.

It’s a dance tune that also highlights their cool, thrilling side.

Happy Yummy Lucky YummyGANG PARADE

GANG PARADE「Happy Yummy Lucky Yummy」Music Video

A song released by GANG PARADE as the opening theme for the anime “Debu to Love to Ayamachi to!” The lyrics were written by Yumeno Yua, capturing the positivity and cuteness of the anime’s protagonist, Yumeko.

The track’s catchy melody and the dramatic mid-song shift keep listeners engaged, and the more you listen, the more addictive it becomes.

Give it a listen when you want to feel positive or need an energy boost.

Chu, diversity.ano

ano “Chu, Diversity.” Music Video

Released in November 2022, this track gained attention when it was featured as the ending theme for episode 7 of the TV anime Chainsaw Man.

Its poppy, distinctive sound inspired by Chinese motifs is captivating, and the friendly melody and catchy phrases make it a tune you can’t help but hum along to.

It’s perfect for getting hyped at karaoke with friends or for days when you need a boost.

a tease; someone who leads others on≠ME

≠ME (Not Equal Me) / 7th Single “Flirtatious Tease” [MV full]

The 7th single from ≠ME portrays both the frustration and boldness of a girl in love.

Released in September 2023, this sweet-and-sour love song features lyrics by Rino Sashihara.

It charmingly sings of the cute impatience of wanting your feelings to be noticed, yet struggling to get them across.

The music video, set in a fairy-tale-like world, is also adorable and not to be missed.

With its sweet melody and uplifting lyrics, it’s a perfect track not only for those in love but also for anyone who wants to express their feelings honestly.

calculatingly cuteHinatazaka46

Hinatazaka46 “Aza to Kawaii” (Cunningly Cute)

This song drew attention as the lead track from the album Hinatazaka, released in September 2020.

From the perspective of a boy who’s fallen in love, it candidly portrays the charm of a slightly cunning girl, and that straightforward expression of emotion is incredibly appealing.

You can really feel the pure feelings of first love that make even her calculated moves seem endearing.

The song was also used in a Lawson campaign commercial and was performed at the 71st NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen in December 2020.

Despite not being a single, it has become a popular track known across a wide audience.

Its catchy, upbeat melody is perfect for getting hyped with friends at karaoke.

The asymmetrical costumes and the choreography where they form a heart are irresistibly imitable—truly a cute track you’ll want to hear right now.

It’s the cutest ever!Chou Tokimeki♡Sendenbu

Cho Tokimeki♡Sendenbu / “The Cutest at the Highest Level!” Music Video

This work delivers a story of self-affirmation born from heartbreak, sung over a poppy sound that’s quintessentially Japanese idol music.

Written and composed by Koresawa, the song stands out for the protagonist’s uplifting declaration—after being dumped—of “I’ve become cuter.” Together with its catchy choreography, it surpassed 1.2 billion views on TikTok and took the top spot in DAM’s annual girls’ group karaoke ranking.

It’s a must-listen when you’re feeling down from a breakup or when you want to be reborn as a new you.

KOGYA`S KITCHENKOGYARU

KOGYARU / KOGYA`S KITCHEN【Official Music Video】

This is a delightful work born from the unexpected pairing of hip-hop and cooking.

Released in August 2025, it showcases a playful charm that’s quite different from the cool attitude shown in the debut track “SHIRANKEDO.” Guiding you through how to make chicken rice and omurice with a rap is such a unique idea.

Plus, the catchy phrases over a drill beat and the para-para choreography—complete with an official practice video—make you want to move your body and groove along! It’s a surefire crowd-pleaser to play at a party with friends.