Hype Songs Recommended for People in Their 20s [Classic and Popular Japanese Hits]

LemonYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Lemon

A song released in March 2018 as Kenshi Yonezu’s eighth single.

Written specifically as the theme for the TBS drama “Unnatural,” it has set an astonishing record with over 900 million views on YouTube.

The lyrics, which express feelings for a loved one who has been lost, portray the pain of bereavement and the bittersweetness of living on while carrying memories of that person, resonating deeply with listeners.

Its bouncy shuffle beat and dynamic melody make it quite challenging to sing at karaoke, but that only heightens the sense of accomplishment when you pull it off.

It’s a masterpiece that’s perfect for creating a reflective mood or livening up the room with a well-known classic.

Shut up.Ado

[Ado] Shut Up

A song I highly recommend for anyone feeling stressed by daily busyness or relationships.

It’s Ado’s landmark work that marked her major-label debut in October 2020, with lyrics and composition by Vocaloid producer syudou.

The lyrics, which vent frustration toward society and conformity and blurt out the words you couldn’t say back, resonated with the feelings of younger generations trapped by the pandemic’s sense of stagnation and became an explosive hit.

In March 2021, the music video surpassed 100 million views, making headlines as a record-breaking achievement by the youngest solo artist to do so.

When you want to blow off everyday frustration, it’s a fierce rock tune that feels exhilarating to belt out at karaoke like a scream.

U.S.A.DA PUMP

DA PUMP / U.S.A. (short ver.)

The single released by DA PUMP in June 2018—the year they made their big comeback—is a cover of a Eurobeat track by an Italian singer.

It was used as the ending theme for TBS’s “Ousama no Brunch,” and is characterized by its glittering four-on-the-floor beat and catchy melody.

The music video, featuring choreography that incorporated street dance styles popular at the time, became a hot topic and surpassed 200 million views about a year after its release.

Their uniquely “so uncool it’s cool” style became a social phenomenon, with videos of celebrities and athletes imitating the dance spreading across social media.

It’s the perfect song for getting everyone singing, dancing, and hyped at karaoke!

PretenderOfisharu Higedan Dism

Official HIGE DANDism – Pretender [Official Video]

This is the second single by Official HIGE DANDism, released in 2019.

It was written as the theme song for the film The Confidence Man JP: Episode of the Romance and has become widely recognized as a signature song for the band.

The lyrics portray the sorrow of an unrequited love, realistically expressing the pain of a relationship that cannot come true despite deep affection for the other person.

The protagonist’s yearning for a different meeting under different circumstances—and the struggle to accept the reality that it won’t happen—really hits home.

The beautiful piano melody and dramatic sound further amplify those emotions.

It’s the perfect song for anyone who’s experienced heartbreak in love or wants to sing with real feeling.

Belt it out at karaoke and it’s guaranteed to get the crowd going.

Marigoldaimyon

Aimyon – Marigold [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

Singer-songwriter Aimyon is loved by a wide range of generations for her nostalgic melodies and lyrics that resonate with the heart.

Released in August 2018 as her fifth single, this song has become one of her signature tracks, surpassing 300 million streams.

The fact that it achieved such popularity without any tie-in is a testament to the song’s universal appeal.

Layering the peaceful everyday moments with a loved one over radiant memories of summers past, it expresses a powerful desire to never be apart.

The sound is catchy yet tinged with nostalgia, making it an easy crowd-pleaser at karaoke.

It’s a perfect classic for those who cherish time with their partners and for people in their twenties who want to bask in the memories of their youth.

PONPONPONkyarī pamyu pamyu

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu – PONPONPON , Kyary Pamyu Pamyu – PONPONPON

This is one of Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s signature songs, which brought Harajuku-born pop culture to the world.

Released in July 2011, it appears on the mini-album “Moshi Moshi Harajuku” and the full album “Pamyu Pamyu Revolution.” Characterized by Yasutaka Nakata’s electropop sound and a catchy, onomatopoeia-filled chorus, it has an addictive quality that makes your body start moving on its own.

The lyrics carry a positive message about flicking away your worries and living forward-looking, and its rhythm-first construction—prioritizing feel over semantics—is likely why it’s loved across borders.

It’s the perfect track for livening up a karaoke session or lifting your spirits.

Spot the differenceSuda Masaki

Masaki Suda 'Machigai Sagashi' (Spot the Difference)

In addition to his overwhelming presence as an actor, Masaki Suda also proves his solid talent as a singer.

Released as a digital single in May 2019, this gem of a ballad was written, composed, and produced by Kenshi Yonezu.

Chosen as the theme song for the drama “Perfect World,” it portrays a protagonist who has long felt like a “mistake” gradually regaining self-worth through meeting someone special.

While expressing the anxieties and doubts that come with love, the song also conveys unwavering feelings for the other person—making it a track that will especially resonate with people in their twenties.

Try listening to it while thinking of someone important to you.