Latest J-Pop Releases [January 2026]

DunkTodoroki Hajime

[Original] Dunk/Hajime Todoroki [Official MV]

Hololive Production VTuber Hajime Todoroki’s digital single “Dunk,” released in January 2026, drew attention for being both written and choreographed by the artist herself.

Its lyrics, which parallel the flow of a basketball game with the push-and-pull of romance, pair with a rhythm-rich sound to create an addictive track.

The more you listen, the more it makes you want to fall in love! It’s an energetic dance tune with a danceable beat that gets your body moving.

Lovely!!rikon densetsu

Divorce Legend – Lovely!! (Official Music Video)

A two-piece band consisting of vocalist Ayumu Matsuda and guitarist Jun Beppu, Rikon Densetsu delivers a number overflowing with bittersweet emotion.

Set to a city pop–tinged sound where sparkle and shadow coexist, it portrays complex feelings like lingering attachment and possessiveness toward someone who seems about to slip away.

The dramatic world woven by words like “twilight” and “long night” tightens your chest before you know it.

Written as the ending theme for the TV anime High School! Kimengumi airing from January 2026, the track was released digitally ahead of the broadcast that same month.

Their uniquely nostalgic-yet-new groove, evoking the “temperature of the night,” is sure to gently nestle up to the listener’s heart.

Perfect for unwinding at the end of the day or as BGM for a nighttime drive—give it a listen.

Reach it, all of it.Oni-chan

Reach it, all of it.

Oni-chan is a popular character from KDDI/au’s “Santaro” TV commercial series, also known for being voiced by actor Masaki Suda as the singing performer.

The single Todoke, Zenbu., released on January 9, 2026, was selected as the new New Year CM song for the series in 2026.

Its lyrics, which depict the desire to share your feelings with someone important, have drawn attention as the series’ first love song.

With string arrangements by Kenichi Nagahashi of agehasprings Party highlighting its beautiful melody, it’s a heartwarming pop tune.

Why not give it a listen when you want to feel connected despite the distance, or while thinking of someone special?

akanbe (a teasing gesture of pulling down the lower eyelid and sticking out the tongue)ryūgūjō

akanbe (a teasing gesture of pulling down the lower eyelid and sticking out the tongue)

Produced by Avu-chan from Queen Bee, Ryugujo is a distinctive seven-member group that blends elements of kayōkyoku with their own unique dance style.

Released in January 2026 as a lead track from their second album SHIBAI (Deluxe), due out in February 2026, this song drew major attention for its bold sampling of Sharam Q’s signature hit ZURUI ONNA.

Its boundary-pushing alternative sound and defiant, member-penned lyrics deliver a message that resonates powerfully with listeners.

True to its all-red visuals, the track radiates a blazing energy.

It’s a perfect listen when you want to push back against adversity or fire yourself up for a make-or-break moment.