[2026] A compilation of Japanese songs/J-pop with cool guitar solos
In any era, when it comes to the star players of rock bands, most people would say the guitarist—that’s the common image, isn’t it?
Not only in guitar-centric bands like rock and metal, but across various styles such as pop as well, there are countless classic songs where the guitar solo leaves an impression just as strong as the vocals.
In this article, we’re focusing on those “guitar solos” and have put together a selection of Japanese hits that feature awesome, exhilarating solos.
While there’s been a recent trend claiming that guitar solos are unnecessary, the reality is that many songs still incorporate them.
To prove it, we’ve compiled a lineup packed with recent hits and hidden gems alike.
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[2026] A Collection of Japanese Songs/J-POP with Cool Guitar Solos (41–50)
FIGHTING FISTS, ANGRY SOULHi-STANDARD
Speaking of famous Japanese guitarists, Ken Yokoyama of Hi-STANDARD is definitely one of them.
Hi-STANDARD is a punk band, but their guitar riffs often feature technical phrases, and Ken Yokoyama’s guitar skills really shine in this track as well.
The guitar solo is melodic and catchy enough to hum along to.
It’s a song where the punk-band sense of speed and the pop-style melodic lines are perfectly matched.
Be sure to experience Ken Yokoyama’s guitar technique through this song.
Convergent RaysUnlucky Morpheus
This track is striking for its sound where ultra-virtuosic twin guitars intertwine with a passionate violin—a quintessential symphonic metal number from Unlucky Morpheus.
The sonic landscape combined with Fuki’s piercing high-tone vocals generates an overwhelming sense of speed.
The lyrics convey a strong will and resolve to aim for a single victory, as if holy light converges to one point.
This work will be included on the album “Gate of Heaven,” slated for release in November 2025, and has been chosen as the theme song for the M.League team KADOKAWA Sakuraknights.
Listen to it when you’re striving toward your goals, and it will surely empower you.
SmokinChar
A song by Char, the Japanese guitarist admired worldwide who also works as a music producer and singer-songwriter.
It starts with a 16-beat offbeat groove that can be tricky for Japanese listeners to feel, and it’s a number where you can fully enjoy bluesy vocals and guitar.
The guitar solo also shows a strong blues influence, with soulful, bend-heavy phrases and triplet licks used as accents.
The guitar playing rides the groove of the track as-is, building an arrangement that boosts the listener’s excitement.
whipB’z
This work stands out with its powerful guitar riffs and energetic vocals.
It’s a hard rock number quintessentially B’z, portraying a person who relentlessly pushes themselves.
You can feel from the lyrics the act of driving oneself forward, trying to surpass one’s limits.
Released as a digital single in January 2025, it debuted at No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Digital Single Ranking.
It was also written as the theme song for the ABEMA original drama “Informer: Beasts Living in the Dark.” It’s a recommended track for those who tend to overwork themselves or want a song to fire them up.
Place to tryTOTALFAT
TOTALFAT’s “Place to Try” kicks off with a guitar solo right from the intro.
They’re a band known for their exceptionally high level of musicianship and are very popular.
The song has that melocore-style, high-speed drive, and since the lyrics are in Japanese, it’s easy to listen to.
In the standout guitar solo, there’s a twin-guitar setup with blisteringly fast playing and even harmonized lines.
The phrasing gives off a metal-like vibe that feels really satisfying.
Throughout the track, there are also intricate metal riffs sprinkled in, making it irresistible for guitar lovers.
In the blue-green eyesAve Mujica
You’ll be captivated by its grand, dramatic worldbuilding.
This work by Ave Mujica, the heavy metal band born from the BanG Dream! project, is set for release in September 2025.
It was selected as the theme song for a collaboration campaign with the smartphone RPG Arknights.
The mighty sound and dreamlike melodies weave a breathtaking atmosphere.
Immerse yourself in its gothic, mysterious vibe.
BLEEZEGLAY
GLAY, a rock band with many hit songs.
"BREEZE" is the title track of "BLEEZE ~G4・III~," released in 2014 to commemorate their 20th anniversary and as their 50th single.
The two guitarists, TAKURO and HISASHI, often have clearly defined roles: many people see TAKURO as delivering classic, straight-ahead guitar playing, while HISASHI showcases trickier techniques.
On this track, TAKURO takes the solo, offering a melodic guitar solo that brings out the best in the song.