[Yutori Generation] Looking back on nostalgic Halloween songs and memorable tracks

Rat-tat-tatSandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu

‘Rat-tat-tat’ Official Music Video / Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS from EXILE TRIBE

An irresistibly catchy track—the kind of dance tune that sticks in your head for hours after just one listen.

It’s a piece by the dance-vocal group Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS from EXILE TRIBE, released in September 2019.

Chosen as the theme for Universal Studios Japan’s Halloween event commercial, the dance that everyone copied became a huge sensation.

The lyrics convey the frenzy and liberation of partying—forgetting reason and dancing on pure instinct.

It seems to carry a strong message about blowing away everyday stress and enjoying the moment right now.

With its infectious groove and can’t-help-but-dance feel, it’s a perfect pick for a Halloween party!

Monsterarashi

ARASHI – Monster [Official Music Video]

This is a dark fantasy masterpiece from the national idol group Arashi, perfect for Halloween.

The song is a love ballad that tells the bittersweet yet unwavering feelings of a monster who awakens at night for the one he loves.

Its vow of eternal love—to find the other person even if memories are lost and they are reborn—sets the scene for a romantic night.

Released in May 2010 as their 30th single, it became a huge topic when it was chosen as the theme song for the drama Kaibutsu-kun, starring member Satoshi Ohno.

Many people were probably obsessed with it during their school days.

The sharp choreography is also a highlight, so if you sing and dance to it with friends at a Halloween party, it’s sure to be a hit!

Go Go Ghost ShipYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu MV 'Go-Go Ghost Ship'

A perfect Halloween-themed number from Kenshi Yonezu, who has produced a variety of hit songs—starting with the title itself! Included on the acclaimed album “diorama,” released in May 2012, it’s a work from the period when he was fully shifting into activities under his real name.

The track combines a driving sense of speed with a uniquely tangled, slightly broken-sounding guitar tone, creating an addictive quality that sticks in your ears after just one listen.

The lyrics depict a sense of alienation, as if the protagonist has become invisible to society—like boarding a ghost ship.

This slightly dark and mysterious atmosphere sets the stage for a Halloween that’s anything but ordinary.

It’s the perfect song for partying or belting out at karaoke while reminiscing about your school days.

Halloween NightAKB48

[MV full] Halloween Night / AKB48 [Official]

This is AKB48’s Halloween song, notable for its glittering disco sound.

Released in August 2015 as their 41st major single, it became a huge hit, selling about 1.18 million copies on the first day.

In contrast to the brightness of “Koi Suru Fortune Cookie,” this track charms with a slightly darker, more mature vibe.

The lyrics convey a thrilling sense of becoming bolder than usual on a special night under a spell.

It’s perfect as background music for a Halloween party with friends.

Dressing up together and singing it at karaoke while copying the simple choreography is highly recommended.

Yo-kai Exercise No. 1Dream5

Dream5 / Yo-kai Exercise No. 1 <Exercise Video>

This song was used as the first ending theme for the anime Yo-kai Watch and became such a hit that it sparked a social phenomenon.

It’s included on Dream5’s 12th single, released in April 2014.

With lyrics full of humor that blame all of life’s little troubles on yokai, and comical choreography that makes you want to copy it, it was a huge hit with kids.

When you think of Halloween, you think of ghosts— and when you think of ghosts, you think of yokai! If your party includes children, this track is a surefire choice.

For the yutori generation, it’s a nostalgic tune that brings back memories of dancing at school sports festivals and the like.

Carnival of Flames and ForestsSEKAI NO OWARI

SEKAI NO OWARI “Flame and Forest Carnival”

A signature song by SEKAI NO OWARI that was used as the theme for NTT Plala’s “Hikari TV” commercial.

Its dazzling brass band arrangement and a moving beat said to sample the sound of fireworks announce the start of a fantastical carnival.

Based on Fukase’s real-life experiences, the song tells a forbidden love story featuring a mummy man and a wizard, and the bittersweetness lurking beneath its festive mood is deeply affecting.

Released in April 2014 and included on the album “Tree,” the track won an Excellence Award at the 56th Japan Record Awards.

It’s a pop tune that makes a Halloween party—filled with nostalgic memories—even more dramatic.

Trick or DreamMomoiro Kurōbā Zetto

Trick or Dream

It’s an upbeat tune where a spooky Halloween vibe and a poppy melody are perfectly matched.

It’s sung by the popular idol group Momoiro Clover Z, and the track was released in 2017.

The lyrics carry a positive message: put on a mask and unleash those big dreams and desires you usually keep in check! Listening to it fills you with energy.

The dramatic sound that fuses rock and electronic elements is wonderful, too.

It’s great for livening up a Halloween party, and it’s also fun to channel the group and sing it at karaoke.