Masterpieces to listen to at noon: recommended popular songs

marble latteRin Oto

marble latte – Rin音 (Official Music Video)

You know how the cold winter air can make your heart feel just a little tense? This is a track by Rin-ne that gently accompanies the everyday life of university students.

The song has a comforting warmth—like a hot drink soaking into your heart—that lets you take a deep breath and relax.

It likens the blending of a latte to emotions, and the choice of words is truly lovely.

Released in December 2023, its rounded keyboard tones and gentle beat are perfect for studying in a café or taking a walk on a nighttime street.

For ten minutes, for a hundred yen feat. Moka Sato, KujiraMAISONdes

【310】[feat. Moka Sato, Kujira] For ten minutes, for a hundred yen / MAISONdes

MAISONdes is a music project that weaves stories of a “six-tatami-mat apartment somewhere.” This track is a collaboration between Moka Sato and Kujira.

The theme is the small, everyday respite spent at a laundromat.

With a relaxed tempo and Moka Sato’s clear, translucent vocals, it gently eases the confusion and fatigue of growing up.

On nights when you want to step away from the busyness of daily life and reset your mind, listening to this gentle melody is sure to bring you a sense of calm.

Magic Carpetkururi

Quruli – Magic Carpet

The music video, with its strikingly clear blue sky, was apparently directed by Quruli’s vocalist, Mr.

Kishida, himself.

It’s not just something that puts you in a bright, cheerful mood; it’s especially recommended for those looking for pop music that also carries a touch of bittersweetness.

SceneryHata Motohiro

Scenery (Motohiro Hata) — Solo acoustic performance

It’s a masterpiece that, when you listen to it at lunchtime or in the afternoon on a day off, inevitably makes you think about the people around you—your family and loved ones.

Despite the husky tone, the melody flows in so naturally that it speaks to its high quality, once again reminding you of his extraordinary talent.

Rain, then Sunshine Hallelujahyuzu

Yuzu “Ame nochi Hareruya”

It uses rain as a metaphor for how life doesn’t always go the way we want.

It’s a cheering song that also conveys the message that it will surely clear up someday.

Listening to it on a bright, sunny afternoon makes you feel very positive.

It was also chosen as the theme song for an NHK morning drama series.

A Bouquet for YouUtada Hikaru

Hikaru Utada – A Bouquet for You

After taking a hiatus from activities for a time due to childbirth, child-rearing, and other reasons, Hikaru Utada resumed her career with this song.

It was also used as the theme song for an NHK morning drama series.

It is said to be a song addressed to her late mother as well.

However, it doesn’t convey only sadness; it actually contains a positive message, so it can be selected as a daytime song.

The Wind, the Clouds, and MeKumagai Sachiko

Sachiko Kumagai’s “The Wind, the Clouds, and Me” is a song of hope that makes you feel positive.

It’s a famous song with a refreshing, gentle atmosphere that was also used in the TV drama “Natsuko no Sake.” The composer, Sachiko Kumagai, seems to have stepped back from the spotlight, but I’d love to see her create more pieces that are a perfect match for the midday-to-afternoon hours.