It cleanses the soul… Great J-pop songs recommended for the yutori generation
When you hear the phrase “a good song,” what comes to mind?
Since Japanese people tend to place a lot of importance on lyrics, many of you might imagine songs with great words.
Of course, if the composition itself isn’t quite there, the message of the lyrics won’t really land, so the melody and overall tone are also crucial factors.
This time, we’ve put together a list of great J-POP tracks aimed at the so-called Yutori generation.
They’re mostly songs from the years when the Yutori generation likely spent their youth, so I hope you enjoy them.
- Relive those feelings from back in the day! Youth anthems recommended for the Yutori generation
- Songs that lift your spirits and keep you going tomorrow: energizing recommendations for the Yutori generation
- Packed with masterpieces! Karaoke songs recommended for women of the Yutori generation
- Now karaoke isn’t scary! Easy-to-sing songs recommended for the Yutori generation
- Recommended for the Yutori generation! Tear-jerking masterpieces from the J-pop scene
- Great songs recommended for people in their 80s: a collection of tracks with lyrics that touch the heart
- A number I’d recommend to the yutori generation—one I’d like women to sing
- Good songs recommended for people in their 50s: classic and popular J-pop tracks.
- Gen Z listeners, take note! Great songs that color the J-pop scene
- A lineup of classic hits! Karaoke songs recommended for the yutori generation
- Memories come flooding back! Graduation songs recommended for the Yutori generation
- Bittersweet feelings come rushing back! Recommended love songs for the Yutori generation
- Spring songs to color the season of meetings and partings—recommended for the Yutori generation
It cleanses the soul... Great J-POP songs recommended for the Yutori generation (21–30)
Letter to TomorrowTeshima Aoi
This gem of a ballad, carried by a gentle, heart-stirring piano tone, sings of feelings for a precious person who keeps moving forward toward the future.
Aoi Teshima’s crystalline voice beautifully conveys a sense of nostalgia for one’s hometown and a pure, unadorned heart.
Included on the album “Ren’dez-vous,” released in July 2014, it was later chosen as the theme song for Fuji TV’s Monday 9 p.m.
drama “Love That Makes You Cry” in February 2016, and it has also been featured in a commercial for Aflac Life Insurance.
Embracing listeners with images of innocent childhood smiles and hometown scenery while encouraging them to face forward, this song offers gentle comfort to those living away from the places they call home.
Slow & EasyHirai Dai
This is a famous song by Dai Hirai that evokes the laid-back rhythms of the tropics and the breezes of Hawaii.
The title track from the album “Slow & Easy,” released in May 2015, carries the message: “Live at your own pace, without rushing.” It was also used in Sumitomo Forestry’s commercial for Sakimachi Arai-Minami Sustaina Town, soothing the hearts of many listeners.
The pleasant tone of the acoustic guitar and Hirai’s gentle vocals give you a liberating feeling, as if you were relaxing on a white-sand beach.
This work is the kind of music you’ll want to play when you need a break from a busy daily life to calm your mind.
In June 2022, it surpassed 100 million total streams, and it continues to be loved by many as a classic summer song.
pure whiteFuji Kaze
Set to a bossa nova–styled rhythm and the warm sound of acoustic guitar, this emo-tinged track seeps gently into the heart with its calm, tender vocals.
While singing of pure feelings and a longing for an innocent heart, the lyrics portray the unavoidable farewells and the process of growth in life, resonating deeply with listeners.
Released in February 2025, the song was written specifically for I LOHAS’s new commercial, “Surely Tomorrow Will Feel Just Right,” and is marked by a fresh, natural atmosphere.
Kaze Fujii, who has studied piano since childhood, has earned high acclaim for his albums HELP EVER HURT NEVER and LOVE ALL SERVE ALL.
It’s a recommended listen for quiet moments or when you want to gather your thoughts.
Child in meDef Tech
This song expresses the pure feelings of childhood carried on a light, breezy tone.
It’s a Def Tech work released in March 2025.
The gentle melody, along with its message to forget the busyness of daily life and cherish our connections with others and with nature, wraps both body and mind in warmth.
Its unique fusion of Hawaiian and reggae sounds is also incredibly pleasant.
I highly recommend it as an uplifting anthem that gives you energy for tomorrow!
Make It CountINI
A song filled with a warm message that gently accompanies the listener’s heart.
Performed by INI, it was released in January 2025 and chosen as the opening theme for the anime “Do I Even Stand a Chance at Love?”.
With a medium‑tempo, pop sound perfectly matched by velvety vocals, this number shines.
The lyrics, expressing the fragility and preciousness of youth, remind us of the importance of the fleeting moment called “now.” When you feel lost in everyday life or want to find meaning in your own journey, why not give this track a listen?
The WaterJUJU
This piece likens the shifting emotions and circumstances of life to water.
It’s the title track of the album “The Water,” set for release in March 2025, with an advance digital release in February.
The song features JUJU’s delicate vocals and a calm, R&B-based sound.
The more you listen, the more it feels like it seeps into the depths of your heart.
When you find yourself at a crossroads in life or want to reflect on past choices and experiences, please give it a listen.
DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE
Born from encounters with the younger generation, the emotional vocals kindle a warm light in our hearts.
This gentle message song from Mrs.
GREEN APPLE stands beside those who feel lost or anxious as they search for their own path.
Released in January 2025, the piece was performed together with 1,000 members of the 18-year-old generation as the theme song for NHK General’s special program “18 Festival.” It portrays the importance of being true to oneself and cherishing bonds with those around us, carried by a catchy melody.
It’s a song that will surely give you a push when you want to take a positive step forward or reaffirm your true self.