An anthem for your 30s. Beloved and popular songs that are both heart-pumping and heart-fluttering.

planetariumOtsuka Ai

Ai Otsuka / Planetarium

A signature song by Ai Otsuka that delicately expresses a bittersweet love with a clear, translucent voice.

Comparing the pain of heartbreak to a starry sky, this moving piece overlays memories of a finished romance with the glow of a planetarium.

Included on the album “LOVE COOK” and released in September 2005, it’s also remembered as the theme song for the drama “Koi no Karasawagi.” Beginning with a gentle piano melody, Ai Otsuka’s clear vocals resonate as if soaking into the listener’s heart.

While cherishing memories, it’s a song that inspires you to look ahead and keep moving forward.

Why not sing this memory-filled song for someone special, with all your heart?

cherrysupittsu

Spitz / Cherry

A song that delicately captures the joys and bittersweet moments of youth was released in April 1996 and continues to be loved across generations.

The magical fusion of Spitz’s gentle melodies and poetic lyrics tenderly embraces a range of feelings—love, parting, and hope for the future.

Included on the album Indigo Chiheisen, it reached No.

1 on the Oricon weekly chart despite having no tie-in.

Since 2019, it has also been used in NTT East’s commercials, continuing to resonate with many people.

It’s a heartwarming track that stays close to those who carry feelings for someone dear and a faint sense of wistfulness, while holding hope for the future.

Catch The WaveDef Tech

Def Tech – Catch The Wave【Official Music Video】

This track captivates with Shen’s soothing, expansive vocals and Micro’s rhythmic flow, as comfortable as waves breaking on the shore.

Just hearing its refreshing, Hawaii-tinged sound will make your heart feel lighter.

Released in April 2006, it’s the title track of Def Tech’s classic album “Catch The Wave,” which also drew major attention as the theme song for the film “Catch a Wave.” Despite being an indie release, the album became a million seller and dominated the music scene at the time.

It’s a warm work that gently gives you a push when you’re about to take on a challenge.

In the Morning of DeterminationAqua Timez

Aqua Timez 'Ketsui no Asa ni' Music Video (Theme song of the film 'Brave Story')

This song resonates with lyrics full of kindness and empathy.

Without hiding its own naivety, it gently conveys the desire to live life in one’s own way, carried by a warm, soothing melody.

It tenderly embraces everyday doubts and inner conflicts, as well as the ache of not being able to speak one’s true feelings, resulting in a track that stands by every listener.

Released by Aqua Timez in July 2006, it drew attention as the theme song for the animated film Brave Story.

It was also used in Sapporo Beer’s New Year Sports Special: Hakone Ekiden commercial, and has been loved by many.

This is a song you’ll want to hear when your heart is wavering or when you’re facing an important decision.

It’s also easy to follow the melody for karaoke, allowing you to sing it with heartfelt emotion.

Sugar Song and Bitter StepUNISON SQUARE GARDEN

UNISON SQUARE GARDEN “Sugar Song and Bitter Step” MV

A song that sings about the contradictions of modern society and the joys and pains of everyday life was released by UNISON SQUARE GARDEN in May 2015.

It portrays people living in a chaotic world with catchy, pop melodies and striking lyrics.

Packed with deeper themes—such as the discomfort hidden in daily life, the power of music, and the balance between individuality and society—the song’s worldview contrasts appealingly with its up-tempo sound.

Written as the ending theme for the TV anime Blood Blockade Battlefront, it gained popularity alongside the ending visuals featuring the characters dancing.

It has become a cross-generational favorite, ranking high in JOYSOUND’s decade-based karaoke rankings in 2018.

AutomaticUtada Hikaru

Hikaru Utada – Automatic

A towering masterpiece of ’90s J-pop that vividly captures the instant when romantic feelings rise up unconsciously.

Crafted with an R&B flair by a 15-year-old Hikaru Utada, the song delicately expresses the shifting distance and tremors of the heart between two people.

A young talent portrays the complexities of love from a unique perspective.

Released in December 1998, the debut single became an instant smash, selling an astonishing 2.55 million copies.

It also dramatically raised expectations for the album First Love.

Winner of the JASRAC Gold Award, it earned outstanding critical acclaim.

A perfect classic for anyone who wants to relive the flutter of first love or reexperience the brilliance of ’90s J-pop.

Blown by the windElefanto Kashimashi

Elephant Kashimashi – Blown by the Wind [Official Video]

This is a coming-of-age song that portrays the premonition of parting and a turning point in life.

Hiroji Miyamoto of Elephant Kashimashi weaves his innermost feelings into lyrics that flow naturally.

Strikingly using the contrast between the sun and the moon to depict a journey of departure that stretches on forever, this work was released as a single in November 1997.

Selected from the album “Run Toward Tomorrow – Moonlit Songs,” it also became a memorable piece as the theme song for Glico Almond Chocolate’s commercial.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when you want to linger in the afterglow of a faint romance, when you’re about to take a new step forward, or when a touch of sentimentality finds its way into an ordinary day.