Latest J-Pop Releases [January 2026]

Stay With MeKvi Baba

Kvi Baba / Stay With Me (Music Video)

Hailing from Ibaraki City in Osaka Prefecture, Kvi Baba has won support for a style that straddles rap and singing.

Released digitally on New Year’s Day in January 2026, this track is a modern-funk dance tune produced by BACHLOGIC.

Riding a breezy beat, the lyrics portray small everyday joys—like moments at a sushi spot or in a game center—that really hit home.

The monochrome music video, capturing the streets of Tokyo, beautifully conveys the song’s bittersweet yet warm mood.

Kvi Baba also drew attention with an appearance on “CDTV Live! Live! New Year’s Countdown Fes.

2025→2026.” It’s a down-to-earth love song you’ll want to play during those ordinary moments spent with someone special.

L and RME:I

ME:I (Mi-Ai) ⊹ 'L and R'

Formed through an audition program and drawing buzz for their high-level performance, the girl group ME:I delivers this track, released in January 2026, which was chosen as the opening theme for season 2 of the TV anime “Anyway, I’m Going to Fall in Love.” The emotive sound, crafted to resonate with the feelings held by the story’s characters, is beautifully complemented by each member’s expressive vocals.

The delicate portrayal of romance—likened to the left and right channels of a pair of earphones—will likely strike a chord with anyone who knows the exhilaration and bittersweetness of sharing music with someone special.

It’s a heartwarming love song, seamlessly linked with the anime’s worldview, that you’ll find yourself wanting to listen to in the small moments of everyday life.

lulu.Mrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE「lulu.」Official Music Video

As the first release heralding the start of Phase 3, this song by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE was released in January 2026.

It was selected as the opening theme for Season 2 of the TV anime Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End.

With a brisk rhythm that opens the door to the story, the chorus unfolds into a majestic sound that feels like your field of vision suddenly widens, powerfully evoking a long journey and emotions passed down through time.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to at the start of a new season or when you want to center your heart.

POWERONE OR EIGHT

ONE OR EIGHT / POWER (Performance Video)

ONE OR EIGHT is a boys’ group drawing attention for their world-class performance.

The track they released in January 2026 is “POWER.” Built on hip-hop and infused with R&B and trap, the song’s heavy low end resonates throughout, making for a very cool finish.

Chosen as the ending theme for the TV anime Armor Legend: Samurai Troopers, this work portrays not external cheers but the strength of will that wells up from within.

Co-created with overseas writers including Colby O’Donis, the sound quietly yet fiercely ignites the listener’s fighting spirit.

As the lead single from their first mini-album “GATHER,” it’s an energetic song that gives you a push when you want to inspire yourself.

New Year’s card 2026 (Year of the Horse)SUSHIBOYS

New Year’s Card 2026 (Horse) - SUSHIBOYS (Official Music Video)

SUSHIBOYS is a hip-hop duo drawing attention for their unique style of rapping about familiar, everyday topics like kei cars and city bikes.

This track stands out with wordplay inspired by the zodiac sign of the Horse and lyrics that capture their New Year’s resolve, packing in the humor and skill that define their appeal.

Released in January 2026, it’s the fourth installment of their annual New Year’s project, the “Nengajo Series,” which drops every New Year’s Day.

With beats produced by the members themselves and refined sound design by phritz, the track also builds anticipation for their two-man live show scheduled for February 2026.

It’s a playful, SUSHIBOYS-style hip-hop tune that brightens the start of the year.

PROVANTSawanoHiroyuki[nZk]:Jean-Ken Johnny & TAKUMA

PROVANT

Hiroyuki Sawano, who has created music for numerous visual works and enjoys overwhelming support as a composer for film and TV, presents this track from his project SawanoHiroyuki[nZk].

Released early in January 2026 as the opening theme for the TV anime Fate/strange Fake, it features guest vocals by Jean-Ken Johnny of MAN WITH A MISSION and TAKUMA of 10-FEET, whose voices—leaders in the rock scene—clash with fierce intensity.

Sawano’s signature grand-scale sound and driving beats instantly raise the listener’s excitement.

It’s an energetic, uplifting tune that pushes you forward when you need to focus and give it your all at a decisive moment.

Q.E.D.Sou

Sou “Q.E.D.” MV (TV anime “The Case Files of Arne” opening theme)

Since launching his activity on video-sharing platforms, vocalist Sou has been admired for his androgynous, expressive singing voice.

Released in January 2026, this track was chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime “The Case Files of Arne.” It also drew attention for being written by Yuri Kuriyama.

The sound imbued with a mysterious aura and lyrics evocative of puzzle-solving showcase the depth of Sou as an artist.

It’s a fast-paced song whose thrilling developments—like closing in on the truth—linger in the ear.

Released ahead of the album “Panorama,” slated for March 2026, this piece is also perfect for long nights when you want to immerse yourself in a story.