Popular Japanese songs among men in their 20s. Recommended masterpieces and classic tracks.

You’re no longer here.FUNKY MONKEY BABYS

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS "You’re Not Here Anymore"

This is a gem of a ballad that sings of the sweet, aching pain of heartbreak.

The farewell scene on the station platform and the memories the two shared are delicately portrayed and delivered with a melody that pierces the heart.

Among FUNKY MONKEY BABYS’ works, it stands out for its rich emotional expression.

Released in October 2007, it reached No.

8 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

It was selected as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s “Otona no Shikaku,” earning broad support across generations.

The song is also included on the album “FUNKY MONKEY BABYS 2,” and has been covered by Mariko Takahashi.

It’s a heartwarming track that stays by your side when you sense the end of a romance or go through a farewell with someone dear.

180°yamazaru

180°

A heart-wrenching love ballad by Yamasaru that tugs at the listener’s heartstrings.

Its words quietly resonate, asking what true kindness really is.

Released in February 2016, it stands out as a memorable piece in his musical career.

The song portrays the conflict of a love that must end and the delicate feelings of not wanting to hurt the other person, showcasing Yamasaru’s refined sensitivity and expressive power.

The warm tone of the acoustic guitar and his unique blend of rap and singing deepen the story’s impact.

It is a heartwarming ballad that offers comfort to those who have experienced heartbreak or a farewell to someone dear.

Unrequited loveSUPER BEAVER

SUPER BEAVER “Unrequited Love” MV

SUPER BEAVER is a four-piece rock band that has been active since the 2000s—a renowned name any Japanese rock fan will know.

Recently, with the release of their new song “Kataomoi” (Unrequited Love), they’ve once again drawn national attention.

This track, which sparked their renewed breakout, features an emotional melody that blends orthodox J-pop with a touch of rock.

The vocals sit mostly in the low-to-mid range throughout, but near the end of the chorus there’s a high, belted shout delivered in chest voice.

Aside from that section, it’s very singable overall, so if you’re good at shouting, consider adding it to your repertoire.

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Ryo

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pure whiteFuji Kaze

Fujii Kaze – “masshiro” (pure white) [Official Audio]

Fujii Kaze’s new song “Masshiro.” When you think of Fujii Kaze, his music is striking for its foundation in Black music genres like R&B, soul, and neo-soul, but this work is characterized by a dream pop-like finish.

The vocal range is on the narrower side for his songs, which alone makes it quite easy to sing, but the most distinctive feature is the vocal line.

In this track, the vocal line moves very gently in pitch, and the groove isn’t heavily emphasized either.

Among his songs, it’s one of the easiest to sing, both rhythmically and in terms of the vocal line.

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Ryo

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After-school[Alexandros]

[Alexandros] – After School (MV)

[Alexandros] is a rock band known for a wide range of sounds—from classic rock to alternative and emo.

They’ve been active since the 2000s, but their momentum has only grown in the 2020s.

Among their songs, the one I particularly recommend is Afterschool.

It’s a British-style alternative rock track with a consistently gentle vocal line throughout.

While it features many long tones, the vocal range is quite narrow, making it easier to track the pitch accurately—another reason it’s a strong candidate for a high score.

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Thank youFUNKY MONKEY BABYS

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS “Thank You”

This is a song by FUNKY MONKEY BABYS that expresses gratitude as straightforwardly as possible.

Its warm melody, which gently envelops the listener’s heart, is also memorable, and it continues to be loved as a track that prompts us to reflect on our feelings for those who have supported us.

Released in February 2013, the song was chosen as the theme for MBS and GAORA’s broadcast of the 85th Senbatsu High School Baseball Tournament, as well as for Nippon TV’s “Akamru! Scoop Koshien.” The music video features Sanma Akashiya, which drew significant attention.

It’s a song to play when you want to convey your gratitude to someone important or to mark a milestone in life.

PERFECT HUMANRADIO FISH

【MV】PERFECT HUMAN / RADIO FISH

This dance tune, which fuses EDM with party sounds to create an addictive groove, colors student days in vibrant hues.

Its portrayal of the pursuit of a “perfect human” and witty lyrics capture the hearts of young people.

Released in December 2015, the song drew attention for its inventive sound reminiscent of Korea’s PSY and the distinctive dance performance unique to RADIO FISH, led by Oriental Radio.

It won the Wired Topic Award at the 49th Japan Cable Awards and the Planning Award at the 58th Japan Record Awards, earning praise for its high entertainment value.

Many of you probably tried copying the dance back in your school days, didn’t you?