[Latest/Trending] A roundup of popular Japanese songs among teens and people in their 20s

OtonokeCreepy Nuts

Creepy Nuts – Otonoke [Official MV] [Dandadan Opening]

Centered on Gen Z, the TV anime Dandadan became a social phenomenon, and its opening theme can be described as a new frontier in hip-hop woven by R-Shitei and DJ Matsunaga.

Its title is a coined word meaning “sound apparition,” expressing how music itself slips into people’s hearts like something supernatural.

The lyrics are sprinkled with references to horror icons like Sadako and Kayako, as well as phrases that evoke other Jump works, sublimating the daring theme of fusing the occult with hip-hop.

The breakneck beat, relentless flow, and intricately calculated rhymes have the power to pull listeners straight into the story’s world.

Released in October 2024, the track topped the Billboard Japan Hot 100 and earned high praise both at home and abroad.

It’s an anime song recommended for those who want to immerse themselves in the anime’s worldview or experience a new form of hip-hop.

Bling-Bang-Bang-BornCreepy Nuts

Creepy Nuts “Bling-Bang-Bang-Born” × TV Anime “MASHLE: MAGIC AND MUSCLES” Collaboration Music Video #BBBB Dance

Released in January 2024, this track was written as the opening theme for the second season of the TV anime “Mashle: Magic and Muscles,” specifically for the Divine Visionary Candidate Exam arc.

The anime’s premise—where the protagonist who can’t use magic takes on the world with pure muscle—syncs perfectly with R-Shitei’s powerful lyrics.

The chant-like hook sticks in your head after just one listen, and it’s still fresh in our minds how it went viral worldwide on TikTok as the “BBBB Dance.” DJ Matsunaga’s track, infused with Jersey Club elements, is insanely addictive and perfect for getting everyone hyped at karaoke.

Even if you can’t sing it perfectly, just shouting that distinctive phrase together will unite the crowd and send the energy through the roof!

Egaku MiraiMyGO!!!!!

MyGO!!!!! × Taiji (Aqua Timez) & Daisuke (Aqua Timez) “Egaku Mirai” Animated MV (Full-size ver.) [Artist Tie-up Song]

Selected as a tie-in song for BanG Dream! Girls Band Party! in September 2025, this work was newly written by Futoshi and Daisuke from Aqua Timez.

The unique, emotionally rich words and melodies they crafted blend with MyGO!!!!!’s emotional band sound, and the resulting chemistry is wonderful.

While singing of youthful confusion and anxiety, the lyrics also stay close to a hope for the future, resonating with those experiencing similar struggles.

It’s a light-filled, encouraging anthem.

ObsessedAyumu Imazu

Ayumu Imazu – Obsessed [Music Video]

Ayumu Imazu, who writes and composes his own songs and even choreographs his dances, is drawing attention as a Gen Z global artist.

His release from January 2024 is a pop tune themed around the sweet, bittersweet feeling of falling for someone right away.

While bewildered by his own tendency to fall in love easily, he expresses in down-to-earth words how he becomes more and more captivated when the other person seems too perfect.

Before its official release, the demo went viral on TikTok, and it sparked a worldwide boom after top Asian artists—starting with SEVENTEEN—showcased the dance.

Its laid-back, chill sound and pleasant melody also make it a perfect BGM to liven up conversations with friends.

naporiVaundy

napori

Singer-songwriter Vaundy, who has garnered attention for his multifaceted talent spanning from songwriting and composing to visual production.

This track, included on his May 2020 album “strobo,” is also known as the song used in the commercial for Bourbon’s Alfort Mini Chocolate.

Its intimate vocals and minimal sound delicately capture the anxiety and emotional wavering that lurk within peaceful moments with a lover.

The worldview, which cherishes the fleeting “now” precisely because it is ephemeral, makes you want to sink into it alone late at night.

With total streams surpassing 300 million, this mellow pop tune became a long-running hit, resonating widely with its chill atmosphere.