Latest J-Pop Releases [January 2026]

CATCH!!!surii

CATCH!!!

Known for signature works like “Addictive Chu,” Surii is active both as a Vocaloid producer and a singer-songwriter.

Released in January 2026, this track also made waves for being written as the opening theme for season 2 of the TV anime Vigilante: My Hero Academia ILLEGALS.

It’s an uptempo tune where a driving rock sound intertwines with electronic elements, pulling you into its world from the very first notes.

The lyrics, imbued with the resolve to firmly grasp a voice that feels like it might slip away, seem poised to encourage those who, while swaying between ideals and reality, still strive to move forward.

It’s also set to be included on the EP CATCH!!! -EP, releasing in February 2026—a song that can spark courage when you’re grappling with feelings that defy simple logic.

favorite songfumino

favorite song

After making her mark on the audition project “No No Girls,” singer-songwriter Fumino has finally kicked off her full-scale career.

Her debut track, “favorite song,” released for streaming in January 2026, drew attention as the first project produced under NO LABEL ARTISTS, the label led by Chanmina.

Its brisk pop-rock sound, driven by ringing electric guitars, is one of the charms that highlights her steadfast vocals.

Still fresh in our memory is her live performance on Nippon TV’s “Shuichi.” The fact that the song was offered by Chanmina as a “gift” makes its backstory all the more wonderful.

Packed with down-to-earth messages, the lyrics feel like a gentle push for anyone taking a new step forward.

It’s a fresh, vitamin-charged song that fills you with energy just by listening.

humanŌishi Masayoshi

MasaYoshi Oishi – Ningen [Official Video]

“Humans are a hassle, yet lovable.” This work confronts that kind of conflicting feeling.

Masayoshi Oishi—who is active as the vocalist/guitarist of Sound Schedule and as a singer-songwriter—also performs under the name “OISHI Masayoshi” as an anisong singer.

His song “Ningen,” released in January 2026, was chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime “The Human-Hating Teacher of the Non-Human Classroom.” While aligning with the story centered on a protagonist who dislikes people, the lyrics question the meaning of connecting with others—something many listeners will likely relate to.

In the music video, he delivers sharp choreography in a school uniform, making for a pop, visually enjoyable piece.

When you’re a bit worn out by human relationships, its danceable beat is perfect for a refreshing reset.

faint noseKitanitatsuya feat. BABYMETAL

Kasuka na Hana – Faint Flower (Opening Theme for Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku Season 2)

The song “Kasuka na Hana,” released on January 12, 2026, features the world-renowned metal idol group BABYMETAL as guests.

Written specifically as the opening theme for season 2 of the TV anime Hell’s Paradise, it delivers a powerful impact through an ensemble where delicacy and intensity coexist.

Its lyrics, which push forward despite hesitation, will likely resonate with anyone who has faced hardship.

This is an emotional rock tune in which both artists’ distinct personalities blend together exquisitely.

You know,Nanatsukaze

Nanatsukaze – Connect the World [Flipbook music video]

Nanatsukaze is a music duo gaining attention for their unique style that fuses J-pop with dance music.

Released in December 2025, “Anone” is a bittersweet yet warm pop track woven by trackmaker PIKASONIC and singer nakotanmaru.

The music video, which uses flipbook-style animation, is striking as well—the digital beats blend with hand-drawn visuals to portray hearts connecting across physical distance.

In January 2026, it reached No.

23 on the U.S.

iTunes J-Pop chart, resonating across the world beyond language barriers.

It’s a song that gently stays by your side on lonely nights, when you put on headphones and want to feel the same heartbeat as someone far away.

Pardon the excessPorunogurafiti

Pardon the excess

Pornograffitti’s “Hamidashi Gomen,” released digitally in January 2026, is an original song written as the opening theme for the TV anime Fire-Eating Bird: The Plumed Province’s Ragtag Fire Brigade, which is based on Shogo Imamura’s period novel.

As it was their first time providing a song for a period piece, Haruichi Shindo reportedly immersed himself in the original work and handled both lyrics and composition.

The carefully chosen, tradition-evoking Japanese phrasing fuses beautifully with a driving rock sound, making your heart swell just by listening.

It’s a track I especially recommend to anyone battling through the difficulties of modern life.

Saved! You really saved me—seriously, thanks a lot!risaitaruzu

Recitals – “[What a Relief] That saved me! Seriously, thank you!” [Official Music Video]

Recitals is a three-member unit formed by members of Tokai On Air, the popular YouTuber group based in Okazaki, Aichi Prefecture.

Released with its music video on December 31, 2025, this work marks a highly anticipated comeback roughly three and a half years after their 2022 single “888 Months ~Summer Gone Too Far~.” The playful lyrics penned by Ace, paired with an ensemble featuring fiercely distorted guitar sounds, seize the listener’s heart and refuse to let go.

It’s a fast-paced rock tune marked by a striking development that feels like a triumphant cry of liberation from dire straits.

Perfect for moments when you want to laugh off everyday stress or get hyped without overthinking.