[2026] Fast-Rising Music: A Roundup of Trending Songs

Before I forgetVaundy

Before I forget

Released in September 2025 as the CM song for Tokyo Metro’s “Find my Tokyo.” campaign, this piece is a ballad that overlays cityscapes with shifting memories.

Set against the backdrop of twilight, it conveys a poignant desire to grasp fading recollections before they slip away, caught between dreams and reality.

The gentle vocals, airy sound, and a structure that cherishes pauses and lingering resonance create a soothing feel.

It’s a perfect track for anyone who wants to hold treasured memories close to their heart.

Not allowed BoomChroNoiR

[MV] Impossible Boom / ChroNoiR

ChroNoiR is a unit formed by Kanae and Kuzuha, members of the immensely popular VTuber group NIJISANJI.

Released in December 2025, this track was newly written by Vocaloid producer Amara.

Its lively back-and-forth that feels like in-game banter and the repeated phrases in the chorus create an irresistible groove that sticks in your head after just one listen.

The lyrics’ worldview—tough on the surface yet mutually respectful—is also a highlight.

Perfect for when you want to boost your mood.

My AnswerRyokushokushakai

Ryokuoushoku Shakai “My Answer” Official Video / Ryokuoushoku Shakai – My Answer

This is the 10th single and title track by Ryokuoushoku Shakai, written as the theme song for the fifth season of the drama “Emergency Interrogation Room,” which begins airing in October 2025.

Delicately portraying a wavering heart, the song centers on the choices and conflicts that multiply as we grow into adulthood.

Gentle, embracing strings and synths tenderly support the emotions that struggle between ideals and reality.

Haruko Nagaya’s powerful yet expressive vocals make you believe that the answer you arrive at after wrestling with doubt is the strongest one.

Following the fourth season in 2021, this marks their second consecutive tie-in with the series; the coupling track “Samonakuba Dare ga Yaru” has been chosen as the theme song for the theatrical film, making this single a release that musically colors the entire franchise.

It’s a song that gives you a gentle push when you stand at a crossroads in life and find yourself uncertain about which path to choose.

I Want You BackBE:FIRST

BE:FIRST / I Want You Back -Official Audio-

BE:FIRST covers a classic by The Jackson 5.

Released ahead of their best-of album BE:ST, which came out in October 2025, this track serves as the lead single.

It employs a hip-hop-inspired approach: recording a live band through the legendary Neve 8068 console, then reconstructing those performances as sampled material.

The dense arrangement—where rap and harmonies fuse with the propulsive energy of the Motown sound—is irresistible.

It’s a landmark number where the timeless groove of the ’60s and ’70s meets a contemporary sensibility.

YouTube Theme Song 2Hikakin & Seikin

YouTube Theme Song 2 / Hikakin & Seikin

While thriving as top creators on YouTube, Hikakin and Seikin have also steadily built a track record as a music duo.

To mark the 10th anniversary of the original song’s release, they unveiled this new version.

Retaining the original’s poppy, catchy appeal, it has been transformed into an anthem that stirs the listener’s heart through TeddyLoid’s grand sound arrangement.

The lyrics feel like a culmination of their ten-year journey—overflowing with gratitude to their fans and a powerful resolve for the future, sure to move you deeply.

It’s a song that will undoubtedly give you a strong push to take that first step toward your dreams.

Hymn to Lifetuki.

tuki. “Hymn to Life” Official Music Video

Released in October 2025, this work is a newly written song created as the theme for the film “The Status of Fools.” Even though there shouldn’t be only one form of correctness or a single right answer, many of us feel life is hard in today’s society.

This song weaves words that affirm the very act of living for the young people confronting such pain.

Its medium-tempo arrangement—woven from a transparent, airy vocal, strings, and piano—soaks into the heart.

It’s a track we especially hope will reach those who struggle with comparing themselves to others or who have worn themselves out by trying too hard.

Recipetimelesz

timelesz "Recipe" (YouTube Ver.)

This song, one of the tracks on a double A-side single, was chosen as the theme for the TV Asahi drama “Papa to Oyaji no Uchi Gohan.” It’s a piece that closely aligns with the drama’s worldview, in which member So Matsushima stars and Shuto Inomata appears.

It gently sings about everyday happiness, layering the idea of time spent with someone and mutual support onto the word “recipe.” The music video is set in a kindergarten, capturing the members as teachers interacting with the children, and the warm scenes are truly wonderful.

Please take in their positive message.