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

End rollyama

yama『End roll』　Lyric Video

Marking the fifth anniversary of their debut, this work was created around the theme of confronting one’s roots.

“End roll,” sung by yama, is a single released in January 2026 and serves as a lead track ahead of the concept EP “C.U.T” coming in March.

Produced by GeG of Hentai Shinshi Club, the song features a refined track that opens with a beautiful piano melody.

The lyrics carefully portray the emotional fluctuations of everyday life, evoking the texture of ordinary moments.

Offering a departure from the previously fast-paced image, its urban, mature sound is part of its appeal.

It’s a great listen for slow evening hours or when you want time alone to think.

Cliff-Edge Ruby (VS. Aina the End)Toukyou Sukapara Daisu Ookesutora

Cliff-Edge Ruby (vs. AiNA THE END) / TOKYO SKA PARADISE ORCHESTRA

Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, who have been turning heads with their collaborative “VS.

Series” featuring a variety of guests, present the fifth installment with Aina the End: “Cliff-Edge Ruby (VS.

Aina the End).” It’s a grand, high-velocity track where a weighty ska sound meshes beautifully with strings.

With powerful lyrics that flip even cliff-edge situations into chances for a comeback, and Aina the End’s expressively dynamic vocals and rap, this song is sure to set listeners’ hearts ablaze.

Released in January 2026, it was chosen as the theme song for the drama “Professional: Insurance Investigator Ren Amane,” and also drew attention for Kenta Matsukuma’s participation in the production.

It’s a song that gives you a push when you need the courage to face difficulties.

POWERONE OR EIGHT

ONE OR EIGHT / POWER (Performance Video)

ONE OR EIGHT is a boys’ group drawing attention for their world-class performance.

The track they released in January 2026 is “POWER.” Built on hip-hop and infused with R&B and trap, the song’s heavy low end resonates throughout, making for a very cool finish.

Chosen as the ending theme for the TV anime Armor Legend: Samurai Troopers, this work portrays not external cheers but the strength of will that wells up from within.

Co-created with overseas writers including Colby O’Donis, the sound quietly yet fiercely ignites the listener’s fighting spirit.

As the lead single from their first mini-album “GATHER,” it’s an energetic song that gives you a push when you want to inspire yourself.

Crimson Lotus FlowerLiSA

[Demon Slayer] LiSA – Gurenge Full Drum Cover / Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Opening Full “Gurenge” Drum Cover

A song by the female singer LiSA that became an explosive hit as the theme for the TV anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba.

Given its immense popularity, many people might say there wasn’t a single day in 2020 when they didn’t hear it.

Despite being built on a simple chord progression, its dynamic arrangement and LiSA’s powerful yet delicate vocals made it widely known even among listeners unfamiliar with the anime.

For those in bands, it’s also a fun song to cover—truly a rock number that transcends the bounds of anime music.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem

MUSEME:I

ME:I (Mei) ⊹ ‘MUSE’ Official MV

An ambitious work that brings together the essence of contemporary pop, radiating a powerful mindset that pursues admiration and dreams.

Set to edgy beats, the protagonist’s determination to charge toward their goals is truly moving.

Its urban sound design—blending a retro aesthetic reminiscent of ’90s culture with diverse musical elements like funk, city pop, disco, and jazz—is equally striking.

Released in April 2025 as ME:I’s third single, the track was also featured starting in February that year as the TV commercial song for NTT DOCOMO’s new smartphone, the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

With a resonant message about a protagonist inspired by an icon and striving to become a muse themselves, and with its cool, stylish musicality, this is a highly recommended song for anyone who wants to express their authentic self.

7%Iwamoto Hikaru

Hikaru Iwamoto ‘7%’ Music Video

A dance track with a groovy sound and urban sheen, this solo piece showcases the allure of Snow Man’s Hikaru Iwamoto.

With electronic sound design that signals a new frontier for him as an artist, the song exudes mature sensuality, capturing the subtle emotions and push-and-pull of romance.

Featured on the album “THE BEST 2020 – 2025” and tied in with a commercial, it’s one of the standout tracks from the best-of album released on January 22, 2025.

In the music video set in a high-rise apartment, the sleek interplay with dancers and refined choreography leave a strong impression.

Perfect for a night drive steeped in city vibes or for crafting a sensual atmosphere, this is a highly recommended track for those looking to create a stylish, well-curated ambiance.

Heralding springyama

yama – Harbinger of Spring (Official Video)

Yama’s songs feature tracks crafted with a distinctly modern sound that give off a stylish impression, and among them, “Haru wo Tsugeru” is often cited as a signature piece.

Starting right from the chorus, this track hooked countless listeners within just the first few seconds.

Its melody boasts an excellent, wave-like, pleasantly rhythmic flow, making its breakout success completely understandable.

It’s a challenging song, so if you can pull it off flawlessly at karaoke, it’ll look seriously cool!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hane Keisuke

Report a problem