Songs that soothe the anxieties I had when I first moved to Tokyo. Classic Japanese hits and recommended popular tracks.
When you start living away from the place you know best, everything feels new and it’s easy to get anxious.
So I’ve put together some music to help you get through that kind of situation.
Even if you feel uneasy after moving to the city, listening to this music will blow those feelings away.
A song that soothes the anxieties you feel just after moving to Tokyo. Classic J-pop masterpieces and recommended popular tracks (1–10)
TOKYOYUI
Released in 2006 as YUI’s fourth single.
This song was used as the ending theme for “YUI RADIO,” and it captures YUI’s feelings on the very day she left her hometown of Fukuoka for Tokyo.
The lyrics, written in a true-to-life voice, portray the anxiety and fear of moving to the big city, as well as the loneliness of leaving the place where she was born and raised.
It’s a masterpiece that makes you feel everyone shares the same emotions.
Far, far awayMakihara Noriyuki
A song included on Noriyuki Makihara’s album “Kimi wa Boku no Takaramono,” written, composed, and arranged by Makihara himself.
He wrote it while thinking of a friend back in his hometown, and it was used in an NTT East Japan commercial.
The song conveys both a strong resolve not to return home until he achieves something in Tokyo and a deep sense of camaraderie toward his friends.
ShoutRADWIMPS
RADWIMPS has had immense popularity and many fans even before their major-label debut, thanks to the depth of their lyrics.
This song not only soothes feelings of anxiety but also tells you to shout it out, which leaves you feeling refreshed somehow.
Their lyrics always use complex expressions, so they’re an artist you want to listen to over and over again.
When the wind blows toward that townHitsuji Bungaku
A cheering song by Hitsujibungaku that evokes a nostalgic landscape and the anticipation of days to come.
Included on the EP “you love,” released in August 2021, this track is filled with a gentle warmth—like wrapping your arms around yourself—amid a breezy sense of speed.
In 2022, it was chosen as the theme song for TV Asahi’s in-program drama “Azato Rendra,” resonating with many hearts.
When you leave a familiar place for a new town, don’t you sometimes feel your chest swell with both excitement and anxiety? In those moments, the light, lively beat and expansive vocals will loosen up a stiffened heart.
It’s a song that brings a refreshing breeze to anyone standing at the starting line of a new life.
Graceful WorldEvery Little Thing
It was released in 2001 as Every Little Thing’s 18th single.
The song was used as the theme for the TBS drama “Big Wing” and reached No.
5 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
It’s a positive song that makes you feel like facing difficulties and hardships without turning away.
Crimson-colored sunsetFujifaburikku
Released in 2005 as Fujifabric’s sixth single overall.
The song was used as the ending theme for TV Kanagawa’s “saku saku” in September 2005, and its lyrics candidly express the frustration of someone who moved to Tokyo with dreams but ends up spending unremarkable days—making it a track that’s easy to empathize with.
Rain, then Sunshine Hallelujahyuzu
Released in 2013 as Yuzu’s 39th single, it was selected as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Gochisousan,” and reached No.
3 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
Its somewhat nostalgic sound and warmly embracing lyrics—expressing love no matter what happens and no matter who you are—make it a soothing song.