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

IRIS OUTYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – IRIS OUT (76th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen)

Kenshi Yonezu, a singer-songwriter who continues to lead the scene with his distinctive worldview and overwhelming sense of style.

This track, written as the theme song for the film Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc, released in September 2025, has drawn attention for reuniting with MAPPA following KICK BACK.

True to the anecdote that it was created while glaring at pages depicting the original characters, its aggressive sound and driving momentum, perfect for intense battle scenes, are sure to stir listeners’ emotions.

The powerful rhythms that sync with the story’s developments have an addictive quality that’s impossible to forget after a single listen.

It’s a high-energy number especially recommended for those seeking a rock-infused rush.

lulu.Mrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE「lulu.」Official Music Video

As the first release heralding the start of Phase 3, this song by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE was released in January 2026.

It was selected as the opening theme for Season 2 of the TV anime Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End.

With a brisk rhythm that opens the door to the story, the chorus unfolds into a majestic sound that feels like your field of vision suddenly widens, powerfully evoking a long journey and emotions passed down through time.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to at the start of a new season or when you want to center your heart.

AIZOKing Gnu

King Gnu – AIZO

King Gnu, a rock band that continues to lead Japan’s music scene with its distinctive musicality and overwhelming performance skills.

Written as the opening theme for the TV anime Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3: “Culling Game Part 1,” this song, as its title suggests, depicts the oscillation between the conflicting emotions of love and hate through a powerful hook and cinematic development.

The groove created by the skillful alternation between synth bass and electric bass, along with deliberately programmed, superhuman drum phrases, is sure to seize listeners’ hearts.

Upon its digital release in January 2026, it drew a huge response, debuting at No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Digital Singles chart.

It’s an explosive rock tune that feels like it unleashes all your emotions when you’re grappling with yourself amid the clamor of the city.

favorite songfumino

Fumino / favorite song -Music Video-

Discovered for her talent through the audition project “No No Girls,” Fumino has taken a new step as a singer-songwriter.

This is her debut single, released digitally in January 2026 as the first offering from NO LABEL ARTISTS, the label led by Chanmina.

Blending a pop-rock band sound driven by electric guitar with her uniquely expressive vocals, the track paints a warm worldview that affirms one’s true self—an uplifting, vitamin-like song that recharges listeners’ hearts.

On release day, she also delivered a live performance on Nippon TV’s “Shuichi,” and it drew attention that the song was specially written by Chanmina as a “gift” to Fumino.

A recommended track for those taking on new challenges or seeking to cherish their individuality.

XTCNakajima Kento

Kento Nakajima “XTC” Music Video

After graduating from Sexy Zone, Kento Nakajima has been showcasing a wide range of expressions as a solo artist.

This work, the lead track from his album “IDOL1ST,” is an ambitious piece in which he was involved in both lyrics and composition, portraying the light and shadow of an idol.

Its seductive sound, sampling Shonentai’s classic “Masked Ball,” brings into sharp relief the loneliness that exists as the flip side of glamour.

Released in advance in January 2026, the song also functions as the hidden counterpart to the single “IDOLIC.” For those who want to feel the truth behind the glittering world and a more essential kind of strength, this track is irresistible—a mysterious number where razor-sharp beats collide with earnest emotion.

faint noseKitanitatsuya feat. BABYMETA

Kasuka na Hana – Faint Flower (Opening Theme for Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku Season 2)

Released in January 2026, this track features the globally renowned idol group BABYMETAL.

It was written as the opening theme for the second season of the TV anime Hell’s Paradise.

The alternative sound and the vocal work—where each artist’s individuality merges—create a sense of exhilaration befitting the beginning of the story.

The lyrics liken the determination to stay strong while embracing uncertainty to a flower, and are sure to resonate deeply with those who grapple with inner conflicts in their daily lives.

With its dramatic progression that gives listeners a supportive push, it’s a powerful rock tune.

NON STOPHANA

HANA / NON STOP -Music Video-

Created as the track to cap off HANA’s debut year, this song is an aggressive dance tune packed with the year’s relentless sprint and a determination to “make dreams come true.” Over a heavy beat infused with hip-hop and trap elements, rapid-fire switches between English and Japanese rap unfold alongside a melodious hook.

The confident vocal performance meshes perfectly with the hard-hitting sound.

It’s a number that gives you strength when you want to charge headlong toward your dreams.