25 Great Songs to Learn Japanese Through (Easy)

Introduction

If you feel like you’re stuck in a rut with your Japanese language learning, try learning Japanese through music. In this section, I, a native Japanese speaker, have chosen Japanese songs that I recommend for Japanese language learning.

Last time, I introduced songs with “Very Easy” Japanese for beginners. However, this time, I would present 25 “Easy” songs with a slightly higher level of Japanese.

 

 

1. ブラック★ロックシューター

Titleブラック★ロックシューター
MeaningBlack★Rock Shooter
Artistsupercell
AnimeBlack★Rock Shooter
TimingOP

 

Explanation of Japanese lyrics

This is a song with super cool drums. The speed of this song is normal. The singing in this song is by the vocaloid (voice synthesizer) program “初音ミク” (Hatsune Miku), therefore, the listenability is normal as well. The melody is refreshing and has momentum. The lyrics are easy, the only difficult word being “境界線” (きょうかいせん, border). This means the borders or boundaries of a piece of land or of a specific matter. Although the postpositional particle “よ” also makes a number of appearances here, they are not to be considered as expressions of feminine language, but rather as hurling one’s opinions at the other person.

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This song was written based on an illustration of a character drawn by the illustrator. It has many views and has a background of it being made into an anime after the character was sold as a figure. Therefore, since the anime exists because of this song, it matches the anime very well. Although it is not famous, is a classic, so I strongly recommend you watch it.

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 EvaluationWeight FactorScore
Listenability3515
Speed of Singing339
Difficulty of the Lyrics122
Japanese Difficulty Score26

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2. コネクト

Titleコネクト
MeaningConnect
ArtistClariS
AnimePuella Magi Madoka Magica
TimingOP

 

Explanation of Japanese lyrics

The speed of this song is normal and the singing is relatively easy to follow. On another note, due to the piano and the characteristics of the singer, who sings the song flatly, the heavy lyrics hit home with every listen. The lyrics are easy. Other than a certain part of the refrain “約束” (やくそく, promise) and “押し寄せた” (おしよせた, surge), because there are no parts where the sentences are cut in grammatically strange places, one can probably understand the content by just listening. On another note, in cases where “走り出す” (はしり だす) is used in lyrics, it means “動き出す” (うごきだす, to start moving). Other than that, there are no difficult Japanese expressions.

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The lyrics gently depict the struggles, as well as the darkness in the hearts of the girls. The song itself values the anime’s key characteristic of having a gap between its content and its looks. It goes without saying that this anime can be categorized as a masterpiece. You haven’t seen it yet?! If so, you’re not qualified to call yourself an オタク (Otaku). Lol

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 EvaluationWeight FactorScore
Listenability2510
Speed of Singing339
Difficulty of the Lyrics122
Japanese Difficulty Score21

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3. Ring of Fortune

TitleRing of Fortune
MeaningRing of Fortune
Artist佐々木 恵梨 (Eri Sasaki)
AnimePlastic Memories
TimingOP

 

Explanation of Japanese lyrics

The speed of this song is normal. The voice of the singer has a certain transparency to it, and is relatively easy to follow. The piano arrangement matches the singer’s s voice well. The lyrics are easy. First of all, the “観覧車” (かんらんしゃ, Ferris wheel) in the lyrics points to that that is found in amusement parks, but it is also a metaphor for “Something that goes around in circles forever”. Furthermore, when using phrases such as “伸ばした手”(のばしたて, outstretched arm) or “手を伸ばす” (てをのばす, reaching (a hand) out) in lyrics, in many cases it is used to mean “to move towards a dream or a feeling that is just out of reach”. Other than that, there are no difficult Japanese expressions.

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The lyrics sing of the gentle, yet steadfast feelings of アイラ (Aira)’s romance. The phrase “プラスティックな心” (ぷらすてぃっくなこころ, a plastic heart) is expressed with the intention of meaning “作られた心” (つくられたこころ, a heart that was made). It is a romance story that cannot be seen without shedding tears.

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 EvaluationWeight FactorScore
Listenability2510
Speed of Singing339
Difficulty of the Lyrics122
Japanese Difficulty Score21

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4. Super Driver

TitleSuper Driver
MeaningSuper Driver
Artist平野 綾 (Aya Hirano)
AnimeThe Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
TimingOP

 

Explanation of Japanese lyrics

This is a rock number with an extremely cool band arrangement. The speed of this song is relatively fast. The singing is relatively easy to follow and the overall style is a very rejuvenating band arrangement. The lyrics are easy, the only difficult phrase being “悶々と” (もんもんと). This means to be in extremely anxious/overthink something within one’s heart, and will often be used in conversation by age groups susceptible to having many worries. Furthermore, since “想像論” (そうぞうろん, imagination-ism) is not a word that exists “創造論” (そうぞうろん, creationism) is, consider it to mean daydreaming.

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The song and the content of the lyrics that remind one of tomboy-ish and energetic ハルヒ (Haruhi), for whom nothing seemed impossible, match the anime very well. Moreover, the Japanese phrases used in the song are phrases that high school girls often use. For example, “あたし” (feminine way of referring to one’s self), “~しちゃったら” (do ~ by accident, without thinking it through), “よ” as a suffix implying a warning, etc.

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 EvaluationWeight FactorScore
Listenability2510
Speed of Singing4312
Difficulty of the Lyrics224
Japanese Difficulty Score26

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5. God knows…

TitleGod knows…
MeaningGod knows…
Artist平野 綾 (Haruhi Suzumiya)
AnimeThe Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
TimingFeatured Song

 

Explanation of Japanese lyrics

A rock band-styled rock number with characteristic guitar riffs. The speed of this song is normal. The singing is in the category of songs that are relatively easy to follow, but pay attention, as there are some sections where numerous words are sung together quickly. The style of the song is in that of a rock band. The lyrics are normal with one difficult word, which is “無垢” (むく). This is a Buddhist word that means that Pure and clean, without contamination by impurities. Therefore, this word can be used as in “純真無垢” (じゅんしんむく, truly pure), etc. in regard to babies. On another note, “故” (ゆえ) means “for this reason” and is not used very often in daily conversation.

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This song is used as the song performed by ハルヒ and 長門 (ながと) in the anime in the places of their bandmates who could not take part in the school festival. The lyrics and instrumentals are not something that are reminiscent of ハルヒ, but the song itself is cool so I recommend you take a listen.

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 EvaluationWeight FactorScore
Listenability2510
Speed of Singing339
Difficulty of the Lyrics326
Japanese Difficulty Score25

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6. 閃光のPRISONER (Senkou no PRISONER)

Title閃光のPRISONER
MeaningPrisoner of the Flash
Artist南里 侑香 (Yuuka Nanri)
AnimeMagical Warfare
TimingOP

 

Explanation of Japanese lyrics

The speed of this song is normal. The singing is easy to follow and is steady, even though the rhythm is at an odd time signature. The melody has both momentum and a solemnity to it. The lyrics are normal, the difficult phrase being “誰がために” (だれがために). This is a literary way of expressing “誰のために” (だれのために, for who(m)). Although not used in daily conversation, this phrase is often used in novels and poems. Other than that, the “~ぬ” in words such as “癒えぬ” (いえぬ) is a different form of the negative auxiliary verb “ない”. As s a result, if one were to rephrase “癒えぬ” (いえぬ), it becomes “癒えない” (いえない). “ぬ” is not used in daily conversation.

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As is the anime, in the lyrics are illustrations of somebody fighting to protect somebody else. Note that the commonly accepted theory “bad anime have great songs” is proved to be true by this song.

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 EvaluationWeight FactorScore
Listenability2510
Speed of Singing339
Difficulty of the Lyrics326
Japanese Difficulty Score25

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7. 平行線 (Heikousen)

Title平行線
MeaningParallel Lines
Artistさユり (Sayuri)
AnimeScum’s Wish
TimingED

 

Explanation of Japanese lyrics

The speed of this song is relatively slow. Although the voice of the singer is clear, because there are sections where some words are said quickly, it is categorized as only relatively easy to catch. As for the arrangement, the guitar is the main instrument and gives a powerful feel to the song. The lyrics are relatively easy. “不甲斐ない” (ふがいない), which can be considered a difficult word, means “Being sloppy to the point where it is shameful” and is often used. “夢物語” (ゆめものがたり) means “a story that is unrealistic, and is also frequently used.

Furthermore, although it is not a difficult word, there is much speculation concerning the meaning of the phrase “太陽系を抜け出して平行線で交わろう” (たいようけい を ぬけ だして へいこうせん で まじわろう, Let’s get out of the solar system and make contact in the parallel lines.). However, it probably means “A miracle as such as parallel lines crossing will not happen unless one leaves the solar system/universe”. On another note, the “電子” (でんし) in”電子のせい” (でんしのせい, because of electronics/electrons) does not mean the one with radio waves, but the “原子・電子” (げんし・でんし, atoms and electrons) that make up our bodies.

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This song was written for the anime, so while approving weakness, it accurately depicts a love that was not meant to be. In Japan, there are people who cannot tell their crushes their feeling, even if they wanted to. This song sings the feelings of these people and conveys the frustration they feel. It may be interesting if one could feel the shyness of the Japanese people through these lyrics. This anime is so ugly (plot-wise), even soap operas will be surprised.

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 EvaluationWeight FactorScore
Listenability2510
Speed of Singing236
Difficulty of the Lyrics224
Japanese Difficulty Score20

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8. High Free Spirits

TitleHigh Free Spirits
MeaningHigh Free Spirits
ArtistTrySail
AnimeHigh School Fleet
TimingOP

 

Explanation of Japanese lyrics

The speed of this song is relatively fast. Since it is sung by numerous people, it is categorized with the songs that are relatively easy to follow. The melody is powerful, with a rocky arrangement spiced with guitar and has momentum. The lyrics are relatively easy with one of the difficult words being “残像” (ざんぞう), which means “The heightening of the senses that remains even after the end of stimulation.” and is often used in the context of sports. Next, “朝焼け” (あさやけ) points to “the phenomenon where the eastern sky becomes red because of the reflection of sunlight at daybreak”. The”静かに燃える世界 始まりはここから” (しずかに もえる せかい はじまり は ここから, The world that is quietly burning It begins here) at the beginning of the song means “朝焼け” (あさやけ).

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Since the theme of the anime is maritime safety and the coast guard, there are words concerning the sea and fighting scattered throughout the lyrics. In addition, as maritime safety should be, the song is very energetic and depicts the feelings of the characters who face forward and press on passionately.

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 EvaluationWeight FactorScore
Listenability2510
Speed of Singing4312
Difficulty of the Lyrics224
Japanese Difficulty Score26

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9. ワガママMIRROR HEART 

TitleワガママMIRROR HEART
MeaningSelfish Mirror Heart
Artist大橋 彩香 (Ayaka Ohashi)
AnimeMasamune-kun’s Revenge
TimingOP

 

Explanation of Japanese lyrics

The song is relatively fast, with the refrain especially speeding up. The singing is relatively easy to follow. The style is in the typical pop song, but the piano is resounding, giving it an overall light impression. The lyrics are relatively easy, one of the difficult words being “天邪鬼” (あまのじゃく), which points to “a twisted person who goes against what people say on purpose”, however, it is rare that this word is used in modern speech. Next is”絆されない” (ほだされない), which is the imperfect form of “絆される” (ほだされる) and means “to be overcome by emotion and take actions that one does not intend to take”, which is also not used in the present. In addition, there is one example of youth lingo here. “ムチャ振り” (むちゃ ぶり) means “to ask for something very difficult. Broach a topic that is difficult to answer” and it is recommended that you remember it, as it is used often.

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The lyrics express the feelings of the heroine accurately and the song represents the comedic aspects of the anime well. Since the heroine is what is generally called a “ツンデレ”, the frustration of not being able to be true to one’s feelings is expressed in a realistic way. It is almost as if it is a character song.

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 EvaluationWeight FactorScore
Listenability2510
Speed of Singing4312
Difficulty of the Lyrics224
Japanese Difficulty Score26

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10. DEAREST DROP

TitleDEAREST DROP
MeaningDEAREST DROP
Artist田所 あずさ (Azusa Tadokoro)
AnimeWorldEnd
TimingOP

 

Explanation of Japanese lyrics

This is a rock number with cool synthesizer parts, guitar riffs and drums. The speed of this song is normal. The singing is relatively easy to follow, but pay attention as there are parts where numerous words are said quickly. The violins and drums in the song are intense, as opposed to the singer’s diligent voice, making the contrast between the two striking. The lyrics are relatively easy. The difficult word “分ちあう” (わかちあう) means “to share” and is not often used in modern day conversations. Another feature of the song is that a lot of spoken language is used.”xxx じゃなくてさ” means “xxx ではなくて” (not xxx) and the word-ending “さ” expresses the intent to draw the other person’s attention. “xxx するんだ” is a morphed form of “xxx するのだ”(do xxx)

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The lyrics of this song represent the feelings of the anime heroine. Although the heroine is a species that lives only 15 years, she falls in love with the protagonist. Therefore, the lyrics are extremely sad. However, the story itself is one of fighting, so the song is powerful, as most other anime songs are.

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 EvaluationWeight FactorScore
Listenability2510
Speed of Singing339
Difficulty of the Lyrics224
Japanese Difficulty Score23

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11. 奈落の花 (Naraku no Hana)

Title奈落の花 (Naraku no Hana)
MeaningFlower of Hell
Artist島みや えい子 (Eiko Shimamiya)
AnimeWhen They Cry: Kai
TimingOP

 

Explanation of Japanese lyrics

This song is relatively slow. The singing is relatively easy to follow. It has an interesting structure, mixing both parts that are a little spooky and parts very much like anime songs. The lyrics are difficult. One of the difficult words used is “奈落” (ならく), which is in the title as well, and means “地獄” (じごく) but is not used very often today. Next is “とぐろを巻く”(とぐろ を まく), which originally pointed to “the state in which snakes coil up and relax”, but also points to “resting one’s bones in one place and not moving”. As in the lyrics, this phrase is used to express the wind in such a state and is used to illustrate teens squatting in front of a convenience store. “からめとる” is “捕らえて縛りあげる” (とらえて しばり あげる, catch and tie up) and is also seldom used.

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The structure of the song is elaborate for an anime song, having parts where lines of the song from the prequel can be heard. The lyrics use words such as “奈落” (ならく) and “カルマ” that are reminiscent of the anime. The scary vibe also matches the anime. Although it is an older anime, one cannot call him/herself an オタク without seeing the ひぐらし (When They Cry) series. It’s a must-see.

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 EvaluationWeight FactorScore
Listenability2510
Speed of Singing236
Difficulty of the Lyrics428
Japanese Difficulty Score24

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12. カラフル

Titleカラフル
MeaningColorful
ArtistClariS
AnimePuella Magi Madoka Magica
TimingOP

 

Explanation of Japanese lyrics

The speed of this song is normal. The singing is relatively easy to follow and is lightly sung. The melody is cheery with a delicate step to it. The lyrics are easy and the only difficult word is “無限” (むげん). This means “限りなく” (かぎりなく, without limit) and is not used much in daily conversation. Other than that, the phrase”巡る時” (めぐる とき) , which is “時が巡る” (とき が めぐる, time comes and goes) and means “時がたつ” (とき が たつ, time passes). This also is not used in daily conversation.

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The lyrics, much like the anime, depict the life of a character who had nothing but desperation and lived in a grey world, but was able to notice the color in life and have hope by meeting new friends.

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 EvaluationWeight FactorScore
Listenability2510
Speed of Singing339
Difficulty of the Lyrics122
Japanese Difficulty Score21

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13. Magia

TitleMagia
MeaningMagia
ArtistKalafina
AnimePuella Magi Madoka Magica
TimingED

 

Explanation of Japanese lyrics

The speed of this song is relatively slow and the singing is relatively easy to follow. The song has both a divine and evil feel to it and even just the melody has a certain quality that will draw one in. The lyrics are normal, but the only difficult word is “手折られた” (ておられた). Here, this means “手で折り取ること” (て で おり とる こと, to break off by hand), however, it also means “to make a woman one’s own” and, for that reason, is not used in daily conversation.

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It is a song that represents the dark aspects of the anime. It can be said that the ending song “Magica” can be paired with the opening song “Connect” as opposites. It sings the dark, chilling parts of the anime very well. Especially, it accurately expresses the dangerous prayers of Sayaka and her companions, who became witch girls for the sake of others, with phrases such as “闇さえ砕く力で微笑む君に会いたい” (やみ さえ くだく ちから で ほほえむ きみ に あいたい, I want to see you, you who smile with the power to crumble even darkness itself).

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 EvaluationWeight FactorScore
Listenability2510
Speed of Singing236
Difficulty of the Lyrics326
Japanese Difficulty Score22

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14. 深愛 (Shin Ai)

Title深愛 (Shin Ai)
MeaningDeep Love
Artist水樹 奈々 (Nana Mizuki)
AnimeWHITE ALBUM
TimingOP

 

Explanation of Japanese lyrics

The speed of this song is normal and the enunciations are clear and relatively easy to catch. This song is a ballad that uses the harp and is in perfect harmony with the singing. On another note, the melody has a slight nostalgic feel to it. The lyrics are relatively easy and there are no difficult words, however, I’ll explain one phrase. When thinking of melting tears, the “解けた” (とけた, solved) in “白い頬に解けた” (しろい ほほ に とけた, solved on white cheeks) should be “溶けた” (とけた, melted). However, when taking “問いかけた” (といかけた, posing (a question)), which comes out later on in the song, into account, it can be interpreted as both words and tears being solved at the same time, letting one feel the depths of the emotions here.

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Although this song was written with only the image of the anime, it matches it very well. The lyrics accurately depict the feelings, that were never meant to be, of 森川由綺 (Yuki Morikawa), who continuously feels for 藤井冬弥 (Touya Fujii)

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 EvaluationWeight FactorScore
Listenability2510
Speed of Singing339
Difficulty of the Lyrics224
Japanese Difficulty Score23

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15. 楽園の翼 (Rakuen no Tsubasa)

Title楽園の翼 (Rakuen no Tsubasa)
Meaning Wings of Paradise
Artist黒崎 真音 (Mane Kurosaki)
AnimeThe Fruit of Grisaia
TimingOP

 

Explanation of Japanese lyrics

This song is at a relatively slow speed, but there are some parts where it gets faster. The singing is relatively easy to follow, but there are some fast parts as well. The melody is one with momentum, characterized by the powerful violin, however, there are some parts where the singing sounds sad. Although the lyrics are relatively easy, there are a few sections with difficult expressions. First of all, “色彩を奪われた灰色の街” (いろ を うばわれた はいいろ の まち, A grey city, robbed of color) does not mean that it rained ashes or that the weather is cloudy, rather, it is a metaphoric expression that says it looks so because of the way one feels. Therefore, “崩れ落ちていく灰色の影” (くずれ おちて いく はいいろ の かげ, The grey shadow collapsing) expresses that the darkness in one’s heart is dispelled and that his/her vision is now clear.

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The lyrics can be interpreted in their literal senses, but if you have watched the anime, a much deeper interpretation is possible. Especially the phrase “名もなき罪につけられた傷で” (な も なき つみ に つけられた きず で, With the wound from a nameless sin), when thinking superficially, can only mean “A case in which the deed was light hearted gesture for the other person, but was something that stabbed deeply into him/her”. However, if you have seen the anime, you will know that it points to “hurting one’s self because they think that their very existence is a sin”.

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 EvaluationWeight FactorScore
Listenability2510
Speed of Singing236
Difficulty of the Lyrics224
Japanese Difficulty Score20

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16. innocent starter

Titleinnocent starter
Meaninginnocent starter
Artist水樹 奈々 (Nana Mizuki)
AnimeMagical Girl Lyrical Nanoha
TimingOP

 

Explanation of Japanese lyrics

This song is a ballad but the speed is normal, The singing is relatively easy to follow. However, pay attention because there are some places where the speed changes to match the melody and the lyrics are a little difficult to catch. The lyrics are easy and if I had to choose a difficult word, it would be only “囁く” (ささやく). Its meaning is “to say something in a small voice” and is not often used in everyday conversation, but is frequently used in lyrics and novels. In addition, “当たり前” (あたりまえ, Common Sense/of course) and “普通” (ふつう, normal) are often used in daily conversation, so I recommend you memorize them.

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The song and lyrics accurately express the strength a girl acquires as she becomes an adult, and matches well with the anime, which depicts fighting and growth. One can accept the fact that the lyrics were written after reading the script for the anime,

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 EvaluationWeight FactorScore
Listenability2510
Speed of Singing339
Difficulty of the Lyrics122
Japanese Difficulty Score21

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17. Os-宇宙人 (OS-Uchujin)

TitleOs-宇宙人 (OS-Uchujin)
MeaningOs-Alien
Artistエリオをかまってちゃん ≒ Give attention to Elio
AnimeGround Control to Psychoelectric Girl
TimingOP

 

Explanation of Japanese lyrics

This is one of the most unique anime songs out there. The speed of the song is relatively slow. The singing can be categorized as relatively easy to listen to, but the recording is as if a child were singing it. Unique and addicting songs like these with a unique voice and unique lyrics are called “電波ソング” (でんぱ そんぐ, Radiowave songs). The lyrics are very difficult. this is because although there are no difficult words, the expressions are difficult. Furthermore, because the content of the lyrics follows the plot of the anime, for those who haven’t watched it will only understand that it is a love song. In addition, the word “テレパシる” is made up. I t probably means “I’ve sent so much of my love to you that I can’t help but send telepathy”.

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This song is written around the keywords of “青春と宇宙人” (せいしゅん と うちゅうじん, adolescence and aliens) and matches the anime very well. In addition, the heroine in the anime is “電波” (でんぱ, radiowaves), therefore, words such as “テレパシー” and”受信” (じゅしん, receive (signal)) are used. “電波” here is short for “電波系”, which means “Someone who publicly states their daydreams to the people around him/her”.

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 EvaluationWeight FactorScore
Listenability2510
Speed of Singing236
Difficulty of the Lyrics5210
Japanese Difficulty Score26

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18. Sparkling Daydream

TitleSparkling Daydream
MeaningSparkling Daydream
ArtistZAQ
AnimeLove, Chunibyo & Other Delusions!
TimingOP

 

Explanation of Japanese lyrics

This is an opening song with awesome production. The speed of the song is relatively fast, yet the singing is relatively easy to follow, The melody is refreshing and is a simple upbeat tune. The lyrics are relatively easy, one of the difficult words being “ねじ伏せる” (ねじふせる), which indicates “forcefully holding someone down”. This word is used in the context of pain, as in these lyrics, of fear and sometimes in the context of sports and marshal arts.”現実逃避” (げんじつとうひ) points to “the psychological state or actions of one who refuses to face a difficult situation and tries to run from anxiety” and is often used.

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The story of the anime is of a girl who is “中二病” (ちゅうにびょう), yet falls in love and the lyrics conform to that by being a love song. It uses words that are understandable to the age groups susceptible to 中二病, such as “妄想” (もうそう, daydreams), “夢” (ゆめ, dreams) and “魔法” (まほう, magic). Furthermore, being that the anime has a rather strong comedy factor, the cheery melody emphasizes the funniness.

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 EvaluationWeight FactorScore
Listenability2510
Speed of Singing4312
Difficulty of the Lyrics224
Japanese Difficulty Score26

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19. カラフル。

Titleカラフル。
MeaningColorful.
Artist沢井 美空 (Misora Sawai )
AnimeSaekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend
TimingED

 

Explanation of Japanese lyrics

The speed of this song is normal. The singer’s voice is gentle and the singing is relatively easy to follow. The song is a cheery, cute tune and has an air as if one were enjoying romance. The lyrics are easy, with the only difficult word being “思わせぶり” (おもわせぶり). It means “to have an attitude or say things that make the opposite sex have feelings for him/her”. This word is often used in relation to romance, so , naturally, it is used in anime and sometimes in daily conversation.

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The lyrics sing of feelings towards protagonist 安芸 倫也 (Tomoya Aki). they especially express the fact that Tomoya likes the second dimension (anime, manga, etc.). On another note, there are lyrics that compare romance to a merry-go-round, meaning that the singer wished that this shiny and fun time would never end. Furthermore, it also conveys that 恵 (Megumi), who was commonplace and without any traits, has come to shine colorfully by meeting Tomoya.

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 EvaluationWeight FactorScore
Listenability2510
Speed of Singing339
Difficulty of the Lyrics224
Japanese Difficulty Score23

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20. サウンドスケープ

Titleサウンドスケープ
MeaningSoundscape
ArtistTRUE
AnimeSound! Euphonium2
TimingOP

 

Explanation of Japanese lyrics

The speed of this song is normal. The singing is also normal and the singer’s voice is powerful. The melody is the kind that is lively and gives one energy. The lyrics are relatively easy, with one of the difficult words being “やりきる”, which means “to do something until the end, to complete it” and is a very “Japanese” phrase that is often used. Although there are no other difficult words, because it is written with the spoken language of a high school girl, use the unique slang, such as “ダサい” (uncool), “あたし” (me (in the way a teen girl refers to herself)) “でしょ!” (Right?!) as a reference.

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Since the anime is in its second season, starting at the point where there reach the national tournament. It has a sense of elation and the lyrics are a mix of nervousness and expectations. The lyrics capture the feelings of high school student challenging themselves for the big stage especially well. Furthermore, as the story is about a brass band, words such as “メロディー”, “音楽” (おんがく, music) and “曲” (きょく, song) are used.

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 EvaluationWeight FactorScore
Listenability3515
Speed of Singing339
Difficulty of the Lyrics122
Japanese Difficulty Score26

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21. SAKURAスキップ 

TitleSAKURAスキップ
MeaningSAKURA Skip
Artistfourfolium
AnimeNEW GAME!
TimingOP

 

Explanation of Japanese lyrics

A normal speed is maintained throughout this song. The singing is relatively easy to follow, but since it is sung by numerous people, some parts need to be paid more attention to when listening. The melody is like a character song and is cheery and would sound great live. The lyrics are relatively easy and one of the difficult words is “はなまる”, which is “a kind of circle, with a concentric whirlpool like pattern and loops mimicking pedals on the edge of the outermost circle. Often used as a symbol to praise children”. Therefore, to say “はなまるな1日” (はなまるいちにち) means “a splendid day”. Next, “わくわく” means “the state in which one is restless and jumpy due to expectations of fun”. It is a phrase that is often used in anime and video games and is also often used to describe children.

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Just as with the anime, which depicts the women working at a video game company, the lyrics are based on normal everyday life. Especially because the protagonists enjoy working on holidays and working overtime, the lyrics and instrumentals are written with the optimistic attitude of the women who try their best to make everyday a “はなまる”.

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 EvaluationWeight FactorScore
Listenability2510
Speed of Singing339
Difficulty of the Lyrics224
Japanese Difficulty Score23

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22. STEP by STEP UP↑↑↑↑

TitleSTEP by STEP UP↑↑↑↑
MeaningSTEP by STEP UP↑↑↑↑
Artistfourfolium
AnimeNEW GAME!!
TimingOP

 

Explanation of Japanese lyrics

A normal speed is maintained throughout the song. The singing is relatively easy to follow, but pay attention during the parts with the chanting. The melody is like a character song’s and is not difficult. It is a song that is light and filled with hope. The lyrics are relatively easy and one of the difficult words is “咲き誇る” (さきほこる), which means “to bloom beautifully as if now is the flower’s peak” and is used depending on the season. Next is “開花前線” (かいかぜんせん), which is “A line across the map which ties the areas where a certain kind of plant bloomed on a certain day. It indicates the migration of spring, as it is very much like the fronts in the weather”. I recommend you memorize this, as it is often used however, in this case, it does not mean that flowers have bloomed, but rather is a metaphors, expressing that a beautiful future and hope is in a state of blooming.

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The way in which the protagonist applies for a job at the company, filled with hope, is depicted in the lyrics. In Japan, because the graduating class starts working in April, the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, Therefore, the lyrics play on the blooming cherry blossoms and the blooming dreams.

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 EvaluationWeight FactorScore
Listenability2510
Speed of Singing339
Difficulty of the Lyrics224
Japanese Difficulty Score23

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23. トリカゴ

Titleトリカゴ
MeaningBirdcage
ArtistXX:me
AnimeDarling in the Franxx
TimingED

 

Explanation of Japanese lyrics

The speed of this song is relatively slow. The singing is done by numerous people, categorizing it with other songs that are relatively easy to listen to. The melody is the type that is not cheery, but has a tenacious feel to it. The lyrics are rather easy and one of the difficult words is “ぼんやり”, meaning “not being able to focus, either concentration-wise or visually”. This is actually a frequently used word. Next, is “脱ぎ捨てる” (ぬぎすてる), which is “to shed/undress in a manner close to throwing it away. Or to leave what one was wearing (without folding it, etc.)”. This is also often used in everyday conversation.

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If one reads the lyrics without watching the anime, it would seem like it is about the feelings of self centered kids who want to be free. However, if you know the anime, you can interpret it as the frustration of children being raised to fight. The lyrics make one extremely sad if you think of the characters’ feelings. This song too proves the theory that “Crappy anime have great songs”.

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 EvaluationWeight FactorScore
Listenability2510
Speed of Singing236
Difficulty of the Lyrics224
Japanese Difficulty Score20

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24. Le jour

TitleLe jour
MeaningOne day
Artist佐藤 聡美 (Satomi Satou)
AnimeIn Search of the Lost Future
TimingOP

 

Explanation of Japanese lyrics

The speed of this song is normal. Since there are some parts where the singing is fast, the listenability is also normal. Therefore, it may be a good choice to start learning from the relatively slow refrain. The melody is cheery and majestic, and the singer’s voice has a transparency to it. The lyrics are easy. There are only 2 difficult words. First is, “揶揄” (やゆ), “からかうこと” (to tease someone) and is hardly used at all in daily conversation. “褪せる” (あせる) means “to lose its color, gloss”, “to lose color and beauty” and is often used in everyday conversation. There are no other difficult words.

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Since it is a song written for the anime, the lyrics follow the plot of the story from the perspective of protagonist 秋山 奏 (Kanade Akiyama). Being hurt by the fact he is able to live everyday as a matter of fact and having to repeat fate, this song expresses his pain accurately.

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 EvaluationWeight FactorScore
Listenability3515
Speed of Singing339
Difficulty of the Lyrics122
Japanese Difficulty Score26

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25. ne! ne! ne! 

Titlene! ne! ne!
Meaningne! ne! ne!
ArtistSTARTails☆
AnimeSlow Start
TimingOP

 

Explanation of Japanese lyrics

The speed of this song is normal. Even though the singing is done by numerous people, it is relatively easy to follow. The melody is cheery and refreshing. The lyrics are normal. First, “くよくよ”, one of the difficult words, means “the state in which one keeps dragging his/her mistakes and is anxious” and is sometimes used in everyday conversation. “めそめそ” is “to weakly cry continuously” and is also used when “諭す” children. Other than that are “うるるプキプキ”, “ぷるるパチパチ”, which are just sounds with no meaning. On another note, there are unique expressions such as “仲良しに水をあげる” (なかよし に みず を あげる, giving water nicely) and “校庭から地球の先” (こうてい から ちきゅう の あし, the earth’s end from the school grounds), but if you remember the unique perception that children have when excited, it may be easier to visualize the meaning.

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As an anime that focuses on life with high school friends, the lyrics allow one to feel the strong bond with the friends. The music is refreshing and brings children with a future to mind, and is perfect for the cheery and fun anime.

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 EvaluationWeight FactorScore
Listenability2510
Speed of Singing339
Difficulty of the Lyrics326
Japanese Difficulty Score25

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Conclusion

These 25 songs are recommended as material for a step above the basics. There are various kinds of songs, so if you find one you like , first give it a listen. Next, listen to it while looking at the lyrics and look up any words or expressions that you don’t know. In the end, if you can sing along with the song, you are good to go! By singing with your heart in it, you might feel differently about the anime as well. If you’ve mastered these songs, move on and challenge yourself with the upcoming 19 “normal” songs.

 

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