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

Take It BackReiko

REIKO ‘Take It Back (Prod. Sam is Ohm)’ Music Video

This R&B number is an homage to the late-’80s to early-’90s music style reminiscent of New Jack Swing, seamlessly fused with contemporary arrangements.

Over a powerful beat and sophisticated production, REIKO’s soulful vocals cut straight to the heart.

Centered on the theme of “liberating your true self,” the lyrics give voice to the feelings of young people who often find themselves bound by social constraints and others’ expectations, resonating with many listeners.

Released in April 2025, the song is positioned as the first installment of REIKO’s R&B trilogy.

Produced by Sam is Ohm, it blends a ’90s nostalgic aura with fresh sound design to deliver a distinctly modern appeal.

Perfect for a drive or a mood reset, it’s an ideal track for anyone looking to make a fresh start in life.

ROSEHANA

HANA / ROSE -Music Video-

In 2025, HANA—a seven-member female group that could well be called one of the year’s most talked-about acts—burst onto the scene.

Produced by CHANMINA, their fluid movement between hip-hop and R&B, paired with world-class sound quality, made a powerful impact both in Japan and abroad.

Their debut track “ROSE,” released in April 2025, was an undeniable hit, racking up 15 million views on YouTube within three weeks and showcasing the immense potential of all seven members.

With a firm “no lip-syncing” policy, their talent is obvious from the official live performances available—though of course, attempting their songs at karaoke will demand a comparable level of vocal skill.

From robust, R&B-inflected vocals that soar across high and low registers to razor-sharp rap, if you and your confident singer friends can pull off a faithful recreation, you’ll undoubtedly be the stars of the night at karaoke!

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KOH-1

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HEARTLOUDNEW!Kis-my-ft2

Kis-My-Ft2 / 「HEARTLOUD」 Music Video [Opening theme for the TV anime MAO]

Featured as the opening theme for the TV anime “MAO” and released in April 2026, this track blends melodies from traditional Japanese instruments with a futuristic electro beat for a cool finish.

Its worldview—depicting the duality of salvation and madness hidden beneath the words—is equally striking.

It’s a dance tune that pairs passion with sharpness, perfect for those moments when you want to unleash the fiery feelings deep within your heart.

wanderingAKASAKI

[AKASAKI] Wandering / HAIKAI (Lyric Video)

A coming-of-age story that poignantly portrays the loneliness and longing of youths wandering the city at night.

An ambitious work in which AKASAKI breaks new ground as an artist.

The emotional vocals and addictive melody line seize the listener’s heart, while the effective use of minor chords skillfully conveys transience and bittersweetness.

Since its release in April 2025, it has garnered a wave of empathy on social media and shot up the streaming charts.

It’s a perfect track for driving or late-night cruising, and it’s sure to be a hit at karaoke.

The lyrics vividly capture the complex emotions unique to adolescence, resonating deeply as they echo feelings everyone has experienced at least once.

ReawakeR (feat. Felix of Stray Kids)LiSA

LiSA『ReawakeR (feat. Felix of Stray Kids)』MUSiC CLiP

An unconventional collaboration that fuses a powerful rock sound with electronic elements.

LiSA’s soaring vocals and Stray Kids’ Felix’s weighty rap blend in exquisite balance, weaving an epic story themed around rebirth and defying fate.

The dynamic sound crafted by Hiroyuki Sawano makes this a track that gives listeners a strong push forward.

The song has been selected as the opening theme for the TV anime “Solo Leveling Season 2 -Arise from the Shadow-,” airing from January 2025.

Its energetic development and positive message are sure to resonate with those embarking on new challenges or wishing to change themselves.

SPECIALZKing Gnu

TV anime Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 “Shibuya Incident” non-credit opening movie / Opening theme: King Gnu “SPECIALZ” | Airing every Thursday at 11:56 PM on 28 MBS/TBS network stations nationwide!!

King Gnu is a four-piece rock band that’s taking the J-pop scene by storm with each member’s exceptional musicianship and diverse musical backgrounds.

Their 7th single “SPECIALZ,” chosen as the opening theme for the second season of the TV anime Jujutsu Kaisen (the Shibuya Incident arc), features a loose, laid-back sound and a floating ensemble that evokes the anime’s worldview.

Its dramatic song structure lets you fully experience King Gnu’s appeal.

Though it’s a challenging track, it’s a cool rock tune that you can still have fun singing at karaoke.

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Hoshino Takashi

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):Ashura:(King Gnu

[With Lyrics] “Ashura” – King Gnu [Japanese Subtitles / Lyric Video]

King Gnu’s “):Ashura:(” was released on November 29, 2023, and was simultaneously included on the album “THE GREATEST UNKNOWN.” Packed with a message about living life to the fullest, its exhilarating, fast-paced melody truly makes it nothing short of “cool.” The unique worldview—where tension and a spirit of adventure intersect—is captivating.

It also drew attention for being featured in a PlayStation commercial.