A catchy tune that sounds familiar
There are quite a few songs we often hear—commercial jingles, theme songs, tracks that go viral on social media, and timeless classics—without actually knowing their titles.
Many of us have probably experienced that thrill of carefully listening from the intro, and then, when the chorus hits, realizing, “I know this song!”
In this article, we’ll introduce many of those “songs you’ve heard somewhere before.”
If you’ve been feeling that nagging “I can hum it, but I don’t know what it’s called…” sensation, this is definitely for you.
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Catchy, familiar-sounding songs (21–30)
Close your eyesHirai Ken
It was chosen as the theme song for the film “Crying Out Love, in the Center of the World” and became a massive hit, selling over one million copies.
Even now, it continues to be covered and loved both in Japan and abroad, and I believe it endures as a memorable classic that is often used on television and elsewhere.
frecklesJUDY AND MARY
It’s the kind of song that makes you want to say, “No explanation needed, right?”—a true classic among JUDY AND MARY’s greatest hits.
Ever since it was used as the first opening theme for the anime Rurouni Kenshin, it’s continued to be featured in all sorts of places, becoming a long-running mega-hit.
It’s been covered many times, so even people who didn’t experience Judy and Mary in real time probably know the song.
It’s a relentlessly upbeat rock tune that lifts your spirits the moment you hear it.
Catchy songs you’ve heard somewhere before (31–40)
forget-me-notAwesome City Club
A song by Awesome City Club, a three-piece band (two men and one woman) formed in Tokyo in 2013.
Inspired by the film We Made a Beautiful Bouquet, the band created this track after watching the movie, making it a tie-in, yet it isn’t actually used in the film itself—an “inspired” song.
The airy atmosphere that envelops the whole track and the lyrics that link to the movie’s story are soothing, and the beautiful melody lingers in your ears.
It’s a number you’ll want to hear even if you haven’t seen the film.
New Treasure IslandSakanakushon
This is what you call “emo,” right? It’s one of Sakanaction’s signature tracks with a massive vibe.
It was also used as the theme song for the movie “Bakuman” and became a huge hit.
The 158 bpm tempo that feels like a light jog, the somewhat retro sound, the razor-sharp phrases—every part of it is emo.
And the sudden burst of speed in the chorus is just insane.
It’s so good it makes you lose your vocabulary—emo, insane, you name it.
A flower for a monmezutto mayonaka de ii no ni.
A track where the brass and slap bass feel great and the chorus melody is addictive.
ACA-ne’s vocals radiate clarity, and the lyrics—depicting the complexity of life and the everyday swings of joy, anger, sorrow, and pleasure—really resonate.
It’s included on the album “Jinkougaku,” released in June 2023, with a nationwide tour announced around the same time.
Brimming with a charm that might keep you up late, it’s perfect for those who want to cherish their alone time.
A song that lets you savor an unforgettable melody and a lyrical world rich in depth.
Paradise Has No BorderToukyou Sukapara Daisu Ookesutora
Known by the nickname “Ska-Para,” Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra is a nine-member band that immediately comes to mind when talking about ska bands in Japan.
This track, which was also used in commercials, is a well-known number for its collaborations with figures like Ken Shimura, Sakana-kun, and Mai Shiraishi.
Even though it’s an instrumental without vocals, its catchy melody and arrangement have made it a quintessential Japanese ska number that almost everyone has heard at least once.
seesaw gameMr.Children
The word “seesaw game” describes a neck-and-neck battle.
In any era, love might be a seesaw game where each person’s ego clashes—and sometimes they even fling those egos at each other.
Thinking of it that way is a little scary, but listening to Mr.
Children’s characteristically catchy melodies and pleasant rhythms makes me want to fall in love bravely, without fear.
That’s amazing.