[Great to Listen to and Sing] A Collection of Cool Japanese Songs [2026]

Wasted NightsONE OK ROCK

ONE OK ROCK: Wasted Nights [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

It’s the song that became a hot topic as the theme for the movie “Kingdom.” It’s “Wasted Nights” by ONE OK ROCK, the hugely popular rock band active in Japan and abroad.

The first verse is entirely in English—very much their style.

The tempo is relatively relaxed.

The melody flows smoothly through the A and B sections, making it very pleasant both to listen to and to sing.

The chorus ramps up all at once.

Their straight, soaring vocals are genuinely moving.

With lots of English and a strong, clear rhythm, it’s a perfect song for karaoke!

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Yoimachi Jēn

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Indigo squaredYorushika

Yorushika – Blue Squared (Music Video)

How about a nostalgia-soaked, fast-paced piano rock track? It’s a song by the band Yorushika—formed by Vocaloid producer n-buna and vocalist suis—included on their third 2019 album, “だから僕は音楽を辞めた” (That’s Why I Gave Up on Music).

With a classic, textbook song structure and band sound adorned by beautiful piano tones, it’s a piece whose sound alone hits you in the chest.

The album “So, I Quit Music” introduced above is crafted so that the songs feel interconnected, so be sure to check out the other tracks as well.

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Araki Jakkan

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gang up on someone; beat someone up badly; total beatdownWANIMA

WANIMA “Full-on Beating” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

A high-energy track that lays bare the fighting spirit and tension you need to get back up on days when both your mind and body have been beaten down.

The exhilarating, fast-paced band sound blended with raw physical energy creates a wonderful vibe, doesn’t it? Released for early streaming in February 2026 and included the following month on WANIMA’s first mini-album in about 12 years, “Excuse Error,” this song was written as the opening theme for the Netflix anime Baki-dou.

It portrays moving forward after experiencing pain, and together with their straightforward vocals, it’s sure to resonate in your heart.

It’s a track that’s great for pumping yourself up or belting out at karaoke.

Ride the aggressive rhythm and deliver those cool vocals!

flying boatKing Gnu

King Gnu – Hikōtei (Seaplane)

“Hikoutei” by King Gnu, the band that had a massive hit with “Hakujitsu.” Unlike “Hakujitsu,” which carried a beautiful atmosphere, this track hits you from the intro with a boldly distorted, heavy sound.

The leisurely, steady beat adds stability to the song, creating an even more imposing impression.

That musical power underpins the strong message, delivering it in a really cool way.

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Hane Keisuke

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PretenderOfisharu Higedan Dism

Official HIGE DANDism – Pretender [Official Video]

A four-piece band that burst onto the scene like a shooting star in 2012 and even performed on NHK’s Kouhaku Uta Gassen in 2019, Official HIGE DANDism’s signature song.

Vocalist Satoshi Fujihara’s dreamy voice and the memorable synthesizer sound are captivating.

You often hear this song on radio and TV, and it held the No.1 spot for 25 consecutive weeks.

Although the lyrics depict a heartrending breakup, the catchy melody somehow lifts your spirits when you listen to it.

The high notes throughout the track are striking, and if you can sing it coolly at karaoke, it’s sure to get the crowd going!

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Kotaro

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TraceDEXCORE

DEXCORE 「Trace」 Official Music Video

Layering searing sound with delicate melodies, this weighty metalcore piece weaves past pain, loss, and hope into a work that keenly captures emotional nuance.

The dynamic vocals—switching between powerful shouts and soaring clean lines—are nothing short of breathtaking.

Heavy guitar riffs intertwine with intricate rhythmic patterns to build a grand soundscape that shakes the listener to the core.

Featured on the album “WE WERE HERE,” released in May 2025, the track has sparked fervent reactions at live houses nationwide on the tour that kicked off the same month.

Blending youthful passion with remarkable depth of expression, this song also makes a formidable soundtrack for driving or powering through a workout.

LOVE IS THE STRONGESTMay’n

LOVE IS THE STRONGEST

Since her major debut in 2005, singer May’n has continued to captivate fans around the world with her genre-defying expressiveness.

Released for streaming in February 2026, the year marking the 20th anniversary of her debut, this track was selected as the opening theme for the tokusatsu drama “Super Space Sheriff Gavan Infinity.” It also drew attention as her first involvement in a tokusatsu production.

Its fiery lyrics, which question the meaning of “love,” resonate beyond the boundaries of a hero-themed work.

A sense of grandeur emerges from the fusion of a high-velocity, brass-forward ensemble and her piercing high-tone vocals.