[2026] A roundup of stylish J-POP love songs

Plastic CityI Don’t Like Mondays.

Plastic City (Music Video)

Beloved by fans as “Aidora,” I Don’t Like Mondays.

self-produce everything from their music to artwork.

Released in February 2020, this track stands out with a funky, danceable sound that evokes the glittering nights of the city.

It seems to depict an adult love story that’s not merely sweet, but tinged with a certain sadness and emptiness.

The fleeting emotions draw you in as they melt into the refined melody and languid vocals.

Also featured as the web commercial song for C COFFEE, the piece appears on the album Black Humor.

It’s the perfect number for quietly gazing at the night view alone and getting lost in your thoughts.

…When I Fall in LovePenthouse

Penthouse – ...If We Fall in Love [Official Music Video]

Penthouse is a city soul band formed by members who met in a University of Tokyo music club.

This track is a glittering pop tune that captures the exhilaration of the moment you fall in love.

From the intro, its catchy melody grabs your heart, and the soulful twin vocals of Shintaro Namioka and Maho Oshima resonate beautifully.

Released in May 2021, it’s also included on the EP “Living Room.” The lyrics—born from a conversation with friends—have a sense of realism, portraying positive emotions that make the world seem to shine, and many listeners will likely relate.

It’s a song that accompanies that buoyant feeling when you develop a crush, adding a touch of the extraordinary to everyday life.

amusement parkNulbarich

Nulbarich – Amusement Park (Official Music Video)

Nulbarich, known for their soul- and funk-based sound, have released their first song with a Japanese title, ahead of their final album before hiatus, CLOSE A CHAPTER, in November 2024.

This track marks their first collaboration with mabanua and is a bittersweet love song based on JQ’s real experiences from his youth.

The lyrics portray the tender ache of longing for days that can’t be reclaimed, and are sure to resonate with many.

mabanua’s sophisticated beats blend delicately with JQ’s sweet, gentle vocals, balancing euphoria and melancholy within a smooth groove.

It’s the perfect song for a quiet night alone, when you want to look back on a past love.

I can’t sayiri

iri – Ienai (Music Video)

Singer-songwriter iri, who effortlessly rides alternative R&B and hip-hop and captivates listeners with her uniquely husky voice.

Released in November 2020, this track follows the album “Sparkle” and is a mid-tempo number that portrays the frustration of being unable to say what you feel in love.

The lyrics weave together faded memories symbolized by Polaroid photos and the present emotions you want to express but can’t, making it easy for many listeners to see their own experiences reflected.

A simple, sophisticated, and groovy beat melds with her somewhat wistful, soulful vocals to create an ennui-tinged atmosphere.

It’s a song that quietly stays by your side on nights when you can’t be honest, or when a sudden memory sends you into a sentimental mood.

LA・LA・LA LOVE SONG with NAOMI CAMPBELLKubota Toshinobu

Toshinobu Kubota – LA·LA·LA LOVE SONG with Naomi Campbell [Official Video]

Toshinobu Kubota, a pioneer who firmly established authentic R&B in Japan.

With his distinctly non-Japanese sense of groove and soulful vocals, this classic vividly captures the ineffable, frustrating feelings of love.

It delivers the exhilarating rush—like the world suddenly lighting up—at the moment two hearts connect, carried by a buoyant melody.

Released in May 1996 as his 16th single, the song is also known as the theme for the drama “Long Vacation,” which became a social phenomenon.

His collaboration with world-renowned model Naomi Campbell also drew major attention.

When you’re struggling to express your feelings to someone you like, this song just might give you a gentle push.

It’s an enduring love song that brings back the special flutter of that very first spark of romance.

PuzzleIkuta Rira

Rira Ikuta “Puzzle” Official Music Video

Released in January 2026 as the theme song for ABEMA’s popular dating show “Kyo, Suki ni Narimashita” (“Today, I Fell in Love”) series, this track marks the artist’s fourth song written specifically for the program.

Featuring arrangements by Carlos K., its light, warm sound creates an uplifting feeling that hints at the beginning of love.

Many listeners will likely relate to the lyrics that portray the gradual shaping of romantic feelings.

It’s a refreshing pop tune perfect not only for those struggling with love, but also for anyone who wants a boost of positivity in everyday life.

Glitter gradienturashimasakatasen

Lame Gradient / Urashimasakatasen

This track stands out for its lyrics that portray the deepening closeness with a loved one, layered bit by bit like glitter.

Released in January 2026, it was written as the theme song for the live-action drama “Cosmetic Playlover Season 2.” The harmonies woven by the four members, paired with the crystal-clear melody, leave a pleasantly lingering afterglow.

Additionally, with Yuki Tsujimura participating in the production, the sound achieves a balance of catchiness and freshness.

It’s a pop tune brimming with the sparkle of romance.