A medley of crowd-pleasing classics. Iconic Japanese songs and recommended popular tracks.

lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE “Lilac” Official Music Video

Set to a lively rhythm and a catchy melody, this song vividly sings of the sweet-and-sour, bittersweet feelings of youth.

Its message—embracing even our imperfections and the pains of the past—resonates deeply.

Released in April 2024 and chosen as the opening theme for the TV Tokyo anime “Oblivion Battery,” the track won the Grand Prize at the 66th Japan Record Awards.

It marks the first-ever back-to-back win by a band in history.

While aiming to return to the roots of guitar rock, it shines with technical, standout riffs.

Brimming with positive energy, it’s a song that supports anyone who has experienced the struggles and growing pains of adolescence.

The One and Only Flower in the WorldSMAP

SMAP – The Only Flower in the World

It’s a well-known classic by SMAP.

The song is filled with messages like “It’s okay to be different,” “We’re all together,” and “Everyone has a place where they can shine.” And because it’s sung by SMAP—five members who each show their individuality and keep shining—the impact was immeasurable.

Happinessarashi

ARASHI – Happiness [Official Music Video]

Arashi’s 20th single, released in September 2007 as the theme song for the drama “Yamada Taro Monogatari,” starring Kazunari Ninomiya and Sho Sakurai.

The lyrics convey the strength to face forward and start running even against a headwind, and the courage to step into a new place without being bound by the past.

Rather than direct encouragement, it’s a supportive song that gently stays by your side and gives you a soft push.

Its charm also lies in the sparkling, guitar-driven sound with a refreshing arrangement woven with rhythmic brass.

It’s become a staple cheer song for high school baseball, and if everyone belts it out together at karaoke or in a medley, it’s sure to get people excited regardless of age or gender!

MiracleGReeeeN

GReeeeN – Kiseki

GReeeeN’s seventh single, released in May 2008, became a massive hit as the theme song for the TBS drama “ROOKIES.” It debuted at No.

1 on the Oricon Singles Chart in its first week and ranked fourth on the 2008 year-end chart.

In 2009, it also achieved the remarkable feat of being recognized by Guinness World Records.

The lyrics portray a vow of everlasting love, intertwining the miracle of the two meeting with the path they have walked so far.

The straightforward words conveying ever-deepening affection resonate deeply with listeners.

It’s a perfect song for looking back on memories with a loved one or finding the courage to step into the future.

A Little Love SongMONGOL800

A Little Love Song

This classic, with lyrics that express the feeling of being in love straight from the heart, is included on MONGOL800’s 2001 album “MESSAGE.” Despite never being released as a single, it spent 14 consecutive weeks at No.

2 on the karaoke charts and achieved legendary status with sales exceeding 2.8 million copies.

Its exhilarating melody and universal message about cherishing the people close to us have been loved across generations, and it was even adapted into a film in 2019.

It’s the perfect song for when you want to bask in the bittersweet memories of your youth or reaffirm your feelings for someone special.

LemonYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Lemon

The theme song for the TBS Friday drama “Unnatural,” which aired in March 2018, is one of Kenshi Yonezu’s signature works, depicting profound grief for someone lost and unwavering feelings that remain.

It reflects his personal experience of losing his grandfather during production, and carefully portrays a protagonist who faces death while living on with cherished memories of a loved one.

The bitterness and tartness of a lemon symbolize complex emotions that resonate deeply, and the song became a massive hit with over 900 million views on YouTube.

It’s a perfect track for times when you want to share sorrow or quietly heighten your emotions.

If you watched the drama, it will surely spark fond reminiscences in conversation.

astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN

BUMP OF CHICKEN “Stargazing”

Released in March 2001, this song by BUMP OF CHICKEN portrays a protagonist who keeps searching for answers in a world that offers none.

The word “fumikiri” (railroad crossing) carries a double meaning—both stopping and taking the plunge—expressing a state of mind where anxiety and hope for the future intersect.

Used as an insert song for the Kansai TV/Fuji TV drama Observatory, it quickly boosted the band’s recognition.

With guitar-driven arrangements and a catchy yet melancholic melody, it resonates deeply with young people confronting themselves and growing.

It’s also perfect for karaoke when you want to get the crowd going—a rock tune loved across generations.