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)
Tropical TherapyONE OK ROCK
A song that sings of the longing for healing in a tropical paradise, wishing for the liberation of the soul.
Paired with ONE OK ROCK’s signature powerful sound, the heartfelt desire to escape everyday stress resonates deeply.
Through vocalist Taka’s soaring voice, the yearning to flee to a paradise and the glimmer of hope are beautifully expressed.
Featured on the album “DETOX,” this track centers on the theme of freeing oneself from inner conflict and anxiety, offering comfort to listeners.
It’s a perfect song to soothe your heart when you’re worn out by work or relationships, and it’s also great for a drive.
Life is wonderfulRickie-G
Set to a soothing reggae rhythm, this song celebrates the joys of everyday life and the wonder of living.
Rickie-G’s warm vocals gently embrace meetings and farewells along the journey, as well as the preciousness of days spent with a loved one.
Featured on the November 2006 album “Life is wonderful,” the track is also known for its tie-in with Fuji TV’s “Terrace House.” Its unique sound, blending acoustic elements with a soulful melody, is perfect for long trips or when you’re on your way to a new place.
It’s a song that gently gives you a push when you’re at a turning point in life or about to take a new step forward.
Soul-cleansing... Great J-POP songs recommended for the Yutori Generation (31–40)
In a world overflowing with kindnessSaucy Dog
This song overflows with kindness that gently touches people’s hearts.
Released by Saucy Dog in July 2022, it was also chosen as the theme song for Fuji TV’s information program “Mezamashi Doyoubi.” With its refreshing melody and uplifting lyrics, it portrays the warmth felt through everyday moments and interactions with others.
The lively rhythm and catchy tune leave a strong impression, giving listeners a positive boost of energy.
It’s a track that reminds us to cherish our true selves amid the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Give it a listen when you want to soothe a tired heart or embrace a gentle, caring mood.
life hackVaundy
A pop tune with a refreshing melody that captures the warmth and excitement of romance.
The lyrics deftly express subtle emotions, and the gentle vocals, paired with an urban sound, create a pleasant atmosphere.
Showcasing Vaundy’s signature blend of diverse genres, the track was released in March 2020 and included on the album “strobo.” It drew a huge response and was later featured as the CM song for GLOBAL WORK in September 2022.
With its tender, enveloping melody and reflections on everyday discoveries and delicate shifts of feeling, this piece is perfect for relaxing at home.
Its stylish vibe is sure to help you unwind.
gardenFuji Kaze
Fujii Kaze’s song gently embraces the impermanence of life and the bonds between people through the changing seasons.
His soft, gospel-tinged vocals and piano tones sink deeply into the heart.
The track is included on the album “LOVE ALL SERVE ALL,” released in March 2022, and was also featured in NatureLab’s “Laundrin” TV commercial.
Its beautiful music video, filmed at ACAO FOREST in Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture, also drew attention.
This gem of a song offers solace to those who, even while carrying sadness and loneliness, wish to keep looking forward.
Take some time alone to really listen—you may find yourself moved to tears.
FlowerFuji Kaze
A song gently resonating with the fragility and preciousness of life has been delivered by Fujii Kaze.
Like the life of a flower, it sings—carried by warm vocals and piano-woven melodies—of the belief that a human life, too, holds its own brilliance.
Released in October 2023 as the theme song for Fuji TV’s Thursday drama “The Flower I Love Most,” the piece pairs stylish sound with a delicate portrayal of how, even amid life’s doubts and struggles, we continue to seek inner beauty.
The music video, filmed in the Australian desert, symbolically expresses themes of life and death, and rebirth, leaving a lingering resonance in the viewer’s heart.
It’s a song I highly recommend for those who wish to look into the essence of things or quietly face themselves.
A Gentle BallAimer
Set to the strains of a dreamlike waltz, a mysterious tale unfolds on the stage of a nighttime ball.
Aimer’s husky, lustrous voice gracefully paints a fantastical scene bathed in moonlight.
The feelings of a girl who keeps dancing within the fleeting hours of the night, searching for faint memories and traces of the past, will resonate deeply with us as adults.
This piece is included on the single “SCOPE,” released in February 2025, and was newly written for NHK’s “Minna no Uta” broadcasts for February and March.
It’s a song you’ll want to savor at the close of the day, in a quiet room—one that will gently accompany and soothe a heart tired from work.