[2026] Liven Up Your Party! A Roundup of the Latest and All-Time Favorite J-Pop Hits

IRIS OUTYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – IRIS OUT

An original song written by Kenshi Yonezu as the theme for the feature film Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc.

Following their collaboration on KICK BACK, which became the anime’s opening theme, this track was produced to coincide with the movie’s release in September 2025.

According to production notes, Yonezu created the song while constantly staring at the manga pages featuring Reze, reflecting his deep affection for the character and his straightforward dedication.

Its high-velocity sound and dramatically structured composition, closely linked to the story’s world, brilliantly color the film’s atmosphere where battles and emotions intersect.

It’s a perfect track to fire up an anime-loving crowd at a party.

lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE “Lilac” Official Music Video

A popular song by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE that captures the bittersweetness and brilliance of youth over catchy guitar rock.

Released in April 2024, it was selected as the opening theme for the anime Oblivion Battery.

This work marked the band’s first anime tie-in in about five years, and it became their fastest track to surpass 100 million total streams.

It also won the Grand Prize at the 66th Japan Record Awards—an unprecedented achievement as the first back-to-back win by a band.

The lyrics carefully portray the fleeting passage of days and the emotions swaying between anxiety and hope, conveying the importance of loving yourself, including your past pains.

Its sprightly rhythm and powerful melody make it perfect for party scenes.

It’s easy for people of all generations to hum along to, and it’s a song that brightens the atmosphere and lifts the mood.

Love♡Scream!AiScReam

AiScReam “Love♡Scream!” Official Lyric Video

As the title suggests, this is a cute number that lets you soak up sweet, poppy “kawaii” vibes from head to toe.

AiScReam is a limited-time unit spun off from “Love Live! Series All Night Nippon GOLD,” bringing to life a dream collaboration between three characters selected from Aqours, Nijigasaki High School Idol Club, and Liella!.

The lyrics compare the feeling of being in love to ice cream, overflowing with a sweet-and-tart charm that makes your heart flutter just by listening.

Released as their debut single in January 2025, it went viral immediately—blowing up on TikTok and even taking the top spot on Spotify’s Japan Viral chart.

The catchy chorus will stick in your head after just one listen, so if you play it as background music at a party, the mood will instantly brighten.

It’s a perfect pick not only for anime fans, but for anyone who wants an upbeat song to liven things up.

Good job, summer!HALCALI

HALCALI / Otsukare SUMMER (Official Music Video)

This track, included on HALCALI’s debut album Halcali Bacon released in September 2003, is a breezy summer tune that fuses J-pop and hip-hop.

Its lyrics, sprinkled with summery motifs like beaches, night breezes, and tender romance, strike a perfect balance between wistfulness and liberation, making listeners’ hearts flutter.

The coexistence of rap and melody over a tropical, translucent beat brought a fresh breeze to the music scene at the time.

In 2025, the song experienced an unusual revival after becoming a meme on TikTok, drawing renewed attention worldwide and even charting across Asia and the Middle East.

It’s perfect as background music for summer parties or beer gardens, and is highly recommended for those who want to feel both nostalgia and freshness at the same time.

Sounds goodM!LK

M!LK – Ii jan (Official Music Video) [76th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen performance song]

It’s a song overflowing with positive energy that feels like it affirms everyone who listens.

Included as the lead track on dance-and-vocal unit M!LK’s major-label second album “M!Ⅹ,” released in March 2025 to mark their 10th anniversary, it carries a message of embracing your true self and cherishing bonds with your friends.

The piece stands out with its uptempo, catchy melody; the chorus’s light, snappy rhythm sticks in your head after just one listen, and its dynamism will have your body moving before you know it.

It’s a perfect fit for welcome-and-farewell parties that celebrate new beginnings, or any moment when you want to strengthen team unity.

kaiju (giant monster)Sakanakushon

Sakanaction / Kaiju -Music Video-

Sakanaction continues to stand out with a unique presence in Japan’s rock scene.

Their innovative sound—fusing electronica with band-driven arrangements—has captivated countless fans.

Released in February 2025, this track was written as the opening theme for the anime “Chi: On the Movements of the Earth.” It’s their first new song in about three years and also marks the band’s first anime tie-in, drawing significant attention.

The lyrics, portraying the passion and inner conflicts of those who pursue truth, spark the listener’s spirit of inquiry.

Its grand sense of scale and dynamic sound are sure to elevate any party atmosphere.

With plenty of buzz, it’s a perfect pick for anyone seeking on-trend background music.

CharismaxSnow Man

Snow Man “Charismax” Music Video

A striking track that blends para para—the dance craze of the 1990s—with rapid-fire rap and a modern dance sound.

It’s a song released by Snow Man, known for their acrobatic performances, in August 2025.

The lyrics depict people stuck in dull routines unleashing their hidden brilliance and stepping into the spotlight, delivering a positive message that listeners themselves can become “charisma.” The music video even features a breathtaking scene with 250 dancers taking over the Shibuya crossing, visually amplifying the song’s energetic appeal.

Released after the single “SERIOUS,” this track is guaranteed to lift your mood.

Give it a listen when you want to boost your energy during housework or a workout!