Latest J-Pop Releases [January 2026]

Star WishSTARGLOW

STARGLOW / Star Wish -Official Audio-

STARGLOW is a dance and vocal group born from BMSG’s audition “THE LAST PIECE.” The title track of their debut single, released in January 2026, features a sound that blends exhilarating anticipation with a touch of wistfulness, hinting at the journey ahead.

With SKY-HI participating in the production, the song fuses Western grooves with J-pop sensibilities, leaving a sophisticated resonance that lingers in your ears.

Following their pre-debut track “Moonchaser,” this long-awaited release has finally arrived.

It’s a song that will give you a push when you’re ready to take the first step toward your dreams and goals—be sure to give it a listen.

Speak of the Devil feat. MasatoSurvive Said The Prophet

Speak of the Devil feat. Masato / Music Video | Survive Said The Prophet

Survive Said The Prophet is a rock band that earns wide support with a broad musical palette centered on loud rock.

Released digitally on January 17, 2026, this track drew major attention for featuring coldrain’s Masato as a guest.

With one of the most massive sounds in the band’s history, the explosive shouts traded between Yosh and Masato create a development that shakes the listener to the core.

The song was produced as the ending theme for the second cour of the anime Fire Force Season 3, and it carries a heartfelt message that digs into the story’s core.

You can feel the strong will to overcome conflict and pain.

It’s a track you’ll want to play when you need to fire yourself up or stoke that burning passion.

By the side on a moonlit nightUru

[Official] Uru “By Your Side on a Moonlit Night” — Theme song for the film “The Guardian of the Camphor Tree”

Singer Uru, who continues to captivate listeners with her deep vocals and ethereal presence.

Her 17th single, “Katawara nite Tsukiyo,” released in January 2026, was written as the theme song for the film “Kusunoki no Bannin,” based on a novel by Keigo Higashino.

The lyrics and composition were handled by Iyori Shimizu of back number, and the blend of a melody that nestles into a quiet night with vocals that seep into the heart is striking.

This song, which scoops up feelings that can’t be put into words, feels perfect for nights spent alone or moments when you’re thinking of someone special.

phantom worldV.W.P

[Original MV] Illusory World / V.W.P #30

Released by the virtual artist group V.W.P in January 2026, this work drew attention as it was selected as the opening theme for the anime Cardfight!! Vanguard Divinez: Genshin Seisen Arc.

The song, produced by Mikito-P and others, stands out with a sense of speed befitting the start of a story and a dramatic progression that gets the listener’s heart racing.

It’s also included on the album Hanten, released in the same month, and seems to showcase a deepening of the group’s expressive range.

It’s an emotional rock number, with powerful vocals that cross the boundary between reality and fiction and strike straight to the heart.

Picaresque heroano

ano “Picaresque Hero” Music Video

Singer-songwriter ano, who draws attention on variety shows with a unique personality and showcases multifaceted talents in band activities and acting, has released this digital single in January 2026.

The track was written as the opening theme for the anime TRIGUN STARGAZE, and it also made waves for being composed by DAIDAI of Paledusk.

Its lyrics portray a journey forward while bearing contradictions and impulses that aren’t just about justice—words that will likely resonate deeply with people whose emotions defy easy categorization.

Blending a propulsive, high-speed rock sound with ano’s distinctive vocals, it’s an energetic number that powerfully pushes listeners onward.

The Story of Usmilet

milet 'The Story of Us' MUSIC VIDEO (TV anime 'Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End' Season 2 Ending Theme)

Written specifically as the ending theme for the second season of the TV anime “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End,” this song is a moving number that resonates with the series’ grand world-building.

Arranged by Evan Call, who also handles the score, its cinematic blend of piano and strings highlights milet’s warm, embracing vocals.

The lyrics, themed around a long journey and memories, evoke a quiet sense of hope.

It’s recommended not only for fans of the anime but also for anyone looking to spend a calm, unhurried moment.

Tell me your phone number!≒JOY

≒JOY (Nearly Equal Joy) / 4th single title track “Tell Me Your Phone Number!” [MV full]

Released early in January 2026 and officially launched as the 4th single in February, this track is a classic idol pop song that captures the initial impulses at the start of love.

It expresses those sweet, bittersweet feelings of wanting to get closer to someone you like and mustering the courage to ask for their contact—sure to make listeners’ hearts flutter.

The dance music video set in a school, featuring center Kanoa Amano’s adorable charm, is another highlight.

Be sure to check out their fresh, vibrant vocals.