[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)
Beautiful CircusRin to shite Shigure
A track by Ling tosite sigure, a three-piece alternative rock band formed in 2002.
It’s an addictive number featuring intricate phrases where a hysteric guitar sound stands up to the band’s distinctive high-tone vocals.
The guitar solo, though short, makes a strong impression with tapping that incorporates open strings, and its wide pitch range creates lines that match the song’s eccentric atmosphere.
Throughout, it’s a piece that lets you enjoy high-level guitar work.
LonerNEK
A shocking piece that showcases the high-technological guitar work of NEK!, a girls’ rock band drawing buzz online.
It opens with melodious chord strokes, then unfolds into guitar riffs that fuse speed and melody alongside wistful lyrics.
In the chorus, dazzling techniques like blinding tapping and sweeping come in succession, delivering technical performances that set them apart from the typical image of a dainty women’s rock band.
Known as one of the most technical tracks on the EP “TR!CK TAK!NG,” it was released in March 2025.
The playing by Natsu—whose overwhelming musicianship forms the band’s backbone—conveys her sincere commitment to guitar expression.
It’s a must-listen for anyone who wants to revel in a performance that expands the possibilities of the guitar.
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.
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.
With youTUBE
A song by TUBE, the four-piece rock band that has long been beloved as a summertime icon, both then and now.
It’s a quintessential TUBE number, where a powerful vocal presence shines through a gentle, mellow arrangement.
Even though the guitar solo doesn’t rely on flashy techniques, each note feels meaningful, forming phrases that naturally blend into the song and deliver a beautifully flowing melody.
The progression from the mellow, soulful guitar to the strong, impassioned vocals lifts your spirits and makes for an exhilarating track.
What’s My NameMIYAVI
A guitarist known as the “Samurai Guitarist” who also tours worldwide, MIYAVI delivers this track.
With his distinctive style of playing the guitar using slap technique like a bass, he creates phrases and sounds not often heard in rock, and this track is no exception.
The approach stands out in the guitar solo as well: the percussive sound unique to fingerstyle—unattainable with a pick—and the wide interval leaps achieved through skipping give the solo a commanding presence that holds its own against the backing.