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

GHOSTHey! Say! JUMP

Hey! Say! JUMP – “GHOST” [Official Music Video]

Hey! Say! JUMP’s “GHOST,” digitally released in October 2025, captivates with its stylish sound that fuses strings and electronic tones.

With a unique vibe that blends a dark atmosphere and playful charm, it brilliantly captures the thrill of late-night excitement.

As a Halloween song, it’s perfect as background music for parties with friends.

Dive into the world of cool yet irresistibly endearing ghosts.

Dreamer’s HighROF-MAO

ROF-MAO – Dreamers High

This work was released in October 2025 to commemorate the 4th anniversary of ROF-MAO, a four-member VTuber unit from NIJISANJI.

It’s a straightforward cheer song that expresses their determination to pursue their dreams and their resolve to move forward onto uncharted paths.

Even if others laugh and call it reckless, the song celebrates their willingness to give it their all—and just by listening, you’ll feel courage welling up inside.

Perfect for when you want to take a step toward your dreams or boost your positive mindset!

Arm yourself with theoryHatsuboshi Gakuen

Hatsuboshi Academy “Arm Yourself with Theory” Official Music Video (HATSUBOSHI GAKUEN – RIRONBUSO SITE)

The character song for Tsubame Amaya, the vice president of the student council at Hatsuboshi Academy from Academy Idolmaster, is a track that portrays her resolve to confront the weakness and fear she has long suppressed, even as she tries to seal away her emotions and armor herself with reason—and to turn all of it into her ally.

Kenta Matsukuma’s edgy guitar-rock sound powerfully expresses both her unshakable will and the inner conflict of a perfectionist hailed as the academy’s No.

2.

The song will be released digitally in November 2025, with the first single CD slated for February 2026, and it can also be enjoyed in-game alongside the implementation of its dedicated card.

If you’re fighting your own limits and weaknesses yet refusing to give up as you aim for the top, this song’s fiery message is sure to resonate.

dead endHoshino Gen

Gen Hoshino – Dead End [Official Video]

Released in November 2025 as the theme song for the film “Hiraba no Tsuki,” this track marks a true new frontier for Gen Hoshino, expressed with nothing but piano and voice.

In step with the mature love story starring Masato Sakai and Haruka Igawa, it portrays the raw emotion of continuing to carry feelings for someone you can’t forget, even when life has come to a dead end.

It embraces past choices and awkward kindness without polishing them into a neat tale—an approach that is the essence of adult romance.

It’s also striking that, following the album “Gen” and his pursuit of more personal expression, Hoshino sings here as a first-person narrator emerging from the film’s story world.

The minimal sound highlights the weight of the words and the lingering resonance of the piano.

It’s a song that will resonate deeply with anyone who, while facing loss and regret, still tries to look ahead.

Welcome To Our Show TonightTravis Japan

Travis Japan – ‘Welcome To Our Show Tonight’ Music Video

“Welcome To Our Show Tonight,” included on the album ‘’s travelers’ released in December 2025, is a glamorous swing-jazz number reminiscent of a 1950s theater.

Riding on an exhilarating sound, it delivers a message to set down your daily burdens and enjoy the moment.

The lyrics convey an upbeat belief that smiles can make dreams come true and words that hint at the beginning of a new chapter in history, giving listeners a powerful push forward.

Perfect for when you want to lift your spirits!

ARIGATTOm-flo loves RIP SLYME

m-flo loves RIP SLYME / “ARIGATTO” Official Music Video

m-flo, known for their diverse “Loves” collaborations, teams up with RIP SLYME, the beloved purveyors of pop-leaning hip-hop.

This long-awaited joint effort from two groups who’ve led the scene is a gratitude anthem themed around friendship and a heartfelt “thank you” to their fans.

The lyrics look back to 1994 and 1998, when their respective journeys began—moments that will likely resonate deeply with longtime listeners.

Over a bright, positive horn arrangement crafted by m-flo, the members of RIP SLYME deliver a tightly synchronized mic relay.

It’s a warm, feel-good pop tune that lets you fully enjoy the chemistry between the two acts.

What is happiness?Chiba Yūki

Yuki Chiba — What Is Happiness? [Official Music Video]

Released in October 2025, “What Is Happiness?” was selected as the theme song for the Kansai TV/Fuji TV Monday 10 p.m.

drama The Final Rondo — To You Whom I Can Never Meet Again.

With this track, Chiba ventured into a style reminiscent of kayōkyoku, emphasizing the melody line.

The lyrics, written in plain language about everyday struggles and ordinary views of happiness, speak to the universal question, “What is happiness?” It’s a moving song that gently comforts those who have experienced parting or loss of someone dear.