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

HOMEAnjura Aki

Angela Aki “HOME” Music Video

Released in 2005 as Angela Aki’s major-label debut single.

It’s a song that expresses her feelings about “home,” with lyrics so evocative that it’s no exaggeration to call it a love song to her hometown.

It’s a track that makes anyone want to return to where they’re from and inspires you to do your best for the important people waiting back home.

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.

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.

I can only face forwardAKB48

[MV full] We Only Look Forward / AKB48 [Official]

It was released in 2014 as AKB48’s 35th major single.

For Yuko Oshima, who served as the song’s center, it was the last single before her graduation from AKB48.

Befitting Oshima’s final release, it’s an utterly positive encouragement song for people struggling with anxiety or worries.

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.

Hello, helloSuperfly

Superfly 'Hello, Hello' Music Video

A greeting is what blows away the gloom.

Saying it like that teaches you that you can erase your own gloomy or anxious feelings.

It’s a song that tells you to say goodbye to yesterday’s anxiety and negativity and gives you a gentle push forward.

Superfly has many songs that not only feel good to listen to but also feel great to sing.

I’m homeTani Yuuki

I’m home – Tani Yuuki【MV】

A warm-hearted song filled with nostalgia for one’s hometown and realizations about the important things we tend to overlook in everyday life.

Amid the rush of busy city living, it captures that moment when you pause and look back, and feel the importance of bonds with family and friends.

Its soothing melody and vocals gently embrace those feelings and leave a lasting impression.

Featured on the EP “HOMETOWN,” released in May 2024, this gem distills Tani Yuuki’s heartfelt connection to his roots.

It’s a perfect soundtrack for anyone just starting to live on their own or heading back to their parents’ home for the first time in a while.