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

HIROYUKIMasato Hayashi

Masato Hayashi – HIROYUKI [Official Music Video]

Masato Hayashi is a rapper from Hachioji, Tokyo, who previously performed under the name Pablo Blasta.

This work is a single released in January 2026, featuring lyrics by Masato Hayashi that blend his real-life experiences with humor over a beat composed by ineedmorebux.

You can feel a powerful sense of moving forward while confronting the past.

It’s perfect for those critical moments when you want a push on your back.

Gods’ Play feat. Naomi WatanabeNakajima Kento

Kento Nakajima “Gods’ Play feat. Naomi Watanabe” Music Video

Kento Nakajima, who is also active as both an actor and TV personality, is showcasing his versatility.

Released early on February 12, 2026, this track is included on his second album, “IDOL1ST,” and drew attention for featuring the globally renowned entertainer Naomi Watanabe.

As friends of eight years, the two express grand themes—light and darkness, fate and love—under the concept of “a game of the gods.” The danceable beat that blends English and Japanese, paired with vocals that clash in a way that highlights their distinct personalities, is stunning—like a face-off between icons.

Its energetic sound is perfect for boosting your mood or confidence.

It’s a powerful pop tune that conveys a performer’s resolve.

Stare In WonderBE:FIRST

BE:FIRST / Stare In Wonder -Special Lyric Video-

This song, which portrays the moment of blocking out noise to focus solely on sound, is a BE:FIRST number released in October 2025.

It was written as the opening theme for the TV anime “Wondance,” and is included on the best-of album “BE:ST,” released on October 29 of the same year.

Created to accompany a story of growth through dance, the choreography was handled by KAITA and ReiNa, who serve as the anime’s dance cast, along with member SOTA.

It’s a dance tune that conveys the heat of growth and challenge.

TOKYO DRIFTONE OR EIGHT

ONE OR EIGHT / TOKYO DRIFT (Music Video)

ONE OR EIGHT is a boys’ group whose name comes from the Japanese idiom “ikka-bachika” (all or nothing), gaining attention for their globally minded activities.

Released on January 28, 2026, TOKYO DRIFT made waves for officially sampling the classic by TERIYAKI BOYZ, known as the theme song for the film The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift.

Its club-oriented sound, with Pharrell Williams involved in the songwriting and composition, and its thrilling, ever-accelerating progression—like stepping on the gas without ever touching the brakes—leave a strong impression.

Also the lead track from their 1st mini-album GATHER, this high-velocity anthem is perfect for anyone looking to amp up the mood on a night drive.

AnnyeonghaseyoChiba Yūki

Annyeonghaseyo

Since resuming activities in 2024, rapper Yuki Chiba has been constantly in the spotlight.

Released for streaming in January 2026, this track has drawn major attention for being produced with the famed Korean producer Lil Moshpit.

Its crisp, roughly two-minute structure delivers a rhythmic flow and a catchy hook built around a foreign-language phrase that sticks in your head.

His diary-like, slice-of-life expressions vividly convey the rush of traveling and the thrill of reuniting with friends.

Carrying on the global sound found on the albums STAR and Team Tomodachi, it’s a perfect fit for night drives or when you want to get hyped with friends.

It’s a track that reaffirms the allure of his unwavering commitment to his own style.

by all means; no matter what; at any costback number

back number – No Matter What, No Matter What [Official Audio] (NHK Winter Sports Theme Song)

Selected as the theme song for NHK’s winter sports coverage, this work is striking for its band sound that blends intensity with warmth and for Iyori Shimizu’s straightforward vocals.

The lyrics, which depict an inner flame that refuses to be extinguished, resonate deeply not only with athletes taking on their events, but with everyone who strives to meet challenges in daily life.

It’s a powerful track that melts the winter chill and gives you a push when you feel like giving up.

1991Yonezu Kenshi

1991

Kenshi Yonezu, a singer-songwriter leading the Japanese music scene.

This song, written as the theme for the live-action film “5 Centimeters per Second,” bears the title 1991—the year he was born—reflecting his deep attachment to the original work.

The lyrics, woven around themes of memory and loss that trace personal emotions, convey a will to keep moving forward while facing the past, making it highly relatable for many listeners.

It’s an emotional number that will resonate deeply with those at a turning point in life or anyone wishing to confront precious memories.