Recommended BGM for YouTube Shorts! Popular songs released in the Reiwa era
YouTube has now gained acceptance across a wide range of age groups.
It’s become a tool that not only younger generations but also children and seniors use as a matter of course.
One of its features, YouTube Shorts, has gained popularity as a service where you can post short videos up to 60 seconds long.
It’s great that posting can be completed entirely on a smartphone, and viewers can enjoy watching casually since the videos themselves are short.
This time, we’ve compiled a list of popular songs used on YouTube Shorts, focusing on tracks released in the Reiwa era.
Feel free to use it as a reference!
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Recommended BGM for YouTube Shorts! Popular Songs Released in the Reiwa Era (11–20)
Become a flowerRyokushokushakai

Ryokuoushoku Shakai is a four-piece band beloved for their translucent vocals and versatile musicality.
Their eighth single, written as the opening theme for the TV anime “The Apothecary Diaries,” centers on themes of self-love and growth.
Its pop-rock sound is marked by a lively guitar riff and memorable piano phrases, with arrangements incorporating traditional Chinese instruments to create a distinctive atmosphere.
Released in December 2023, the track reached No.
8 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
It’s a recommended song for anyone who wants to cherish their own individuality.
Almond ChocolateILLIT

ILLIT, who belong to a label under HYBE, have quickly captured global attention since their debut.
Released in February 2025 as their first original Japanese track, this song was written as the theme for the film “I Won’t Fall in Love Just for a Pretty Face.” Co-written by SEKAI NO OWARI’s Nakajin and Pdogg, it’s a pop tune that sings of sweet yet bittersweet feelings of love.
The lyrics, which depict overflowing emotions toward someone you like or your “oshi” (favorite idol), have struck a chord with listeners, and the song is frequently used on YouTube Shorts in videos compiling precious moments of people’s faves and clips introducing Valentine’s sweets-making.
With its addictive melody and cute choreography, it’s a track that will resonate with anyone in love.
Be sure to check it out.
JANE DOENEW!Yonezu Kenshi, Utada Hikaru

This is a gemlike ballad marking a miraculous collaboration between two of Japan’s foremost creators, Kenshi Yonezu and Hikaru Utada.
It’s included on a double A-side single released in September 2025.
Written specifically as the ending theme for the feature film Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc, the piece was crafted to echo the film’s dark, heartrending story.
Utada’s vocals—described by Yonezu as “blowing through like the wind”—intertwine with a melody that evokes pain and memory, tightening your chest as you listen.
It’s perfect not only for savoring the lingering afterglow of the movie, but also for those quiet nights when you want to shed tears alone.
Sorry for Being Cute feat. Chu-tan (CV: Saori Hayami)HONEY WORKS

HoneyWorks’ song carries a positive message centered on self-esteem.
A massive hit on TikTok and YouTube, it was digitally released on November 21, 2022, and is sung from the perspective of the character “Chu-tan,” voiced by Saori Hayami.
With its catchy melody and relatable lyrics, it has captured the hearts of many listeners.
The music video surpassed 32 million views within two months of its release, drawing visual attention as well.
Celebrating individuality and the strength to remain unaffected by others’ judgments, this track is perfect as background music for YouTube Shorts.
It’s recommended when you want a boost of confidence or a dose of energy.
kaiju (giant monster)Sakanakushon

The lyrics of Sakanaction’s “Kaijū” (“Monster”), which portray the passion and conflicts of people pursuing truth, hit deeply.
Released in February 2025 as the opening theme for the anime “Chi.: On the Movements of the Earth,” the track made big waves, especially as their first new song in about three years.
Its sound fuses electronica and rock with addictive appeal—you’ll find yourself instinctively keeping time as you listen.
On YouTube Shorts, it’s often used with videos pairing moving scenes from the anime or showing people striving toward their dreams.
Its powerful drive to push forward while struggling in an unfinished world makes it a song you’ll want to hear when taking on a challenge.
Be sure to enjoy the full-size version too.
BiriminitionYuuri

A song by Yuuri that has become a hot topic as an uplifting anthem themed around the value of life and the importance of personal choice.
It emphasizes the value of the present, filled with infinite possibilities, and sings about the importance of making choices you won’t regret.
Released digitally in January 2023 and included on the March album “Ni” (Two).
The music video also drew attention for its collaboration with Tekken, a comedian and flipbook artist.
With its upbeat sound and catchy melody, it’s a track that brings courage and hope to everyday life.
Recommended for times when you want to reflect on your own life or are about to take a new step forward.
Suzume feat. ToakaRADWIMPS

The theme song for Makoto Shinkai’s film “Suzume” was created through a collaboration between RADWIMPS and Toaka.
Released in September 2022, the piece portrays stories of people who face challenges with strong determination, delivering a deeply moving experience to listeners.
Its lyrics, which reflect on the importance of human connections and how we choose to live, are sure to resonate with many.
It’s also a popular choice as background music for YouTube Shorts, so why not give it a listen?
chantAdo

Ado’s songs are characterized by energetic beats and a distinctive worldview.
The track that drew attention in the Reiwa era was produced as a collaboration with Universal Studios Japan’s Halloween event.
This work layers powerful vocals over an exotic EDM sound reminiscent of Indian music.
It has captured many listeners’ hearts, topping Billboard JAPAN’s Streaming Songs chart, among other achievements.
With lyrics themed around self-expression and diversity, it seems to resonate especially with younger generations.
It’s also easy to use as BGM for YouTube Shorts, and its striking sound makes it highly shareable on social media.
Bling-Bang-Bang-BornCreepy Nuts

A track by Creepy Nuts that brings a fresh breeze to Japan’s hip-hop scene with a unique sound powered by rap and DJ techniques.
Chosen as the opening theme for the second season of the TV anime “Mashle: Magic and Muscles,” the song stands out for its lyrics packed with self-affirmation and positive messages.
Released in January 2024, it achieved remarkable chart success both domestically and internationally, including reaching No.
1 on the Japan Hot 100.
With its addictive rhythm, it’s an appealing piece that works well as background music for anime incorporating hip-hop elements, as well as for YouTube Shorts.
to clear up (weather)Yorushika

One of the standout popular songs of the Reiwa era is by Yorushika.
It features a rock sound layered with literary lyrics and a clear, airy vocal, resulting in a heartwarming number imbued with a message of hope.
Released as a digital single in January 2024, the track was chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End.
The contrast between its floating melodies and catchy guitar riffs is pleasantly engaging, making it a song you’ll want to keep listening to.
It’s sure to elevate the mood of your video if you use it as background music for a YouTube Short.


