Songs that soothe the anxieties I had when I first moved to Tokyo. Classic Japanese hits and recommended popular tracks.

Have e nice dayNishino Kana

Kana Nishino 'Have a nice day' MV (Short Ver.)

Kana Nishino mostly sings about love, and many of her lyrics make you think, “If she were this kind of girlfriend, it might feel a bit heavy.” But as the title suggests, this song says “Have a nice day,” so it’s composed with a bright tone.

I recommend listening to it during your commute or on anxious-feeling mornings.

READY STEADY GOL’Arc〜en〜Ciel

L’Arc～en～Ciel「READY STEADY GO」-Music Clip-

With its lively tempo, this song instantly fills you with excitement and makes you wonder what’s about to begin.

It’s the perfect song to lift your spirits when you’re starting something new.

Even the anxious feelings of just having moved to the city naturally turn into a smile when you listen to it on the train.

If I Could Become a StarMr.Children

If I Could Become a Star by Mr.Children

It’s a song included on Mr.Children’s second original album, “Kind of Love,” released in 1992.

The feelings behind deciding to leave one’s hometown, along with a bright sound that seems to blow away loneliness, make it a moving track.

The romantic idea that if we could become stars, we could be connected in the sky, makes this song especially charming.

Cherry Blossom Timeaiko

aiko - “Sakura no Toki” music video

From the title alone, it evokes cherry blossom season—spring.

After moving to Tokyo and seeing cherry blossoms in a place that isn’t familiar, a mix of hope and anxiety arises, and you start wondering if everything you’ve done up to now was a mistake.

Amid all those thoughts, this song gives you the breathing room to think things through and move forward at your own pace.

Morning of the BeginningOfisharu Higedan Dism

Official HIGE DANDism – Morning of the Beginning [Official Audio]

This is a song that captures the arrival of spring with a refreshing touch.

It portrays the mingled feelings of excitement and anxiety that come with a new life, alongside scenes like the sky visible from a station exit and a tree-lined avenue.

The protagonist strives to move forward while staying true to themselves in a new environment, offering moments anyone can relate to.

The track appears as the first song on the mini-album “Report,” released in April 2017, and is one of the defining works from Official HIGE DANDism’s indie era.

Vocalist Satoshi Fujihara wrote and composed it based on his experience entering high school, crafting a pop-rock number that’s perfect for the start of a new school term or a new chapter in spring.

It’s recommended for those who feel both anticipation and unease before a fresh start, or who want a push as they embark on a new life in spring.

Its brisk rhythm and bright melody line will give you the courage to take that first step forward.

Amber-Hued City, Morning of Shanghai Crabskururi

Quruli – Amber-Colored Town, Morning of the Shanghai Crab

This song unfolds a unique world where the bustle of the city intersects with human warmth.

Created in July 2016, it’s an ambitious work in which Quruli ventured for the first time into R&B- and hip-hop-inspired approaches.

Its nostalgic lyrics and refined orchestration weave a sonic landscape that gently embraces both the loneliness and the bonds of people living in the city.

The music video is an animated piece by Thai artist Wisut Ponnimit, whose warm style accentuates the song’s appeal.

The track has also been featured in various tie-ins, including NHK’s Minna no Uta and as the theme for the FM program Quruli Denpa.

It’s a heartfelt, emotional song recommended for those weary of urban life or wishing to reflect on their connections with loved ones.

Dreams come trueMONGOL800

MONGOL800 "Dreams Come True"

Mongol800 have many serious songs—like anti-war pieces and ones directed at Japanese people who have grown too accustomed to peace—that often strike a chord.

But their upbeat tracks and love songs are also very appealing, and this particular song encourages you by saying that a good wind will blow tomorrow and your dreams will surely come true.