[February 2026] Latest J‑Pop releases. Check out the hottest new tracks!

The light you lit for me, nowNEW!HoneyWorks feat. Hanon

The Light You Lit for Me Now / HoneyWorks feat. Hanon (Opening Theme of the TV Anime “The Daily Life of a Middle-Aged Adventure: 29 and Single”) [Music Video]

HoneyWorks is a creator unit active mainly on video-sharing platforms and affectionately known by the nickname “Haniwa.” Released digitally in January 2026, this track features Hanon from the female vocal duo Hako Nawa Lily as a guest vocalist.

Written as the opening theme for the TV anime Daily Life of a 29-Year-Old Single Mid-Level Adventurer, the song powerfully conveys a strong resolve—seen from the protagonist’s perspective—to protect what’s important.

Its luminous, transparent sound layered with Hanon’s clear vocals vividly colors the story’s world, where adventure and everyday life intersect.

It’s a warm yet powerful song to listen to when you want to take a new step forward or think of someone dear to you.

SonareNEW!TOMOO

TV Anime “The Inheritance” Creditless Opening Video | TOMOO — “Sonare”

Singer-songwriter TOMOO, who has the distinction of reaching the Japan Final of Yamaha’s “The 6th Music Revolution” contest and draws attention with expressive, piano-centered songs, will release Sonare in January 2026—a much-talked-about work chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime A Diary of the Unknown Country.

Its organic ensemble—built around piano and layered with strings and harp—carries a pleasantly uplifting feeling, as if opening the door to the story.

The lyrics, which portray delicate emotions of resonating with someone amid loneliness, seem to gently encourage those taking a new step forward.

It’s a heartwarming pop tune whose airy sound resonates deeply in the chest.

faint noseNEW!Kitanitatsuya feat. BABYMETAL

Kasuka na Hana – Faint Flower – (Opening theme for Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku Season 2)

The song “Kasuka na Hana,” released on January 12, 2026, features the world-renowned metal idol group BABYMETAL as guests.

Written specifically as the opening theme for season 2 of the TV anime Hell’s Paradise, it delivers a powerful impact through an ensemble where delicacy and intensity coexist.

Its lyrics, which push forward despite hesitation, will likely resonate with anyone who has faced hardship.

This is an emotional rock tune in which both artists’ distinct personalities blend together exquisitely.

Q.E.D.NEW!Sou

Sou “Q.E.D.” MV (TV anime “The Case Files of Arne” opening theme)

Since launching his activity on video-sharing platforms, vocalist Sou has been admired for his androgynous, expressive singing voice.

Released in January 2026, this track was chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime “The Case Files of Arne.” It also drew attention for being written by Yuri Kuriyama.

The sound imbued with a mysterious aura and lyrics evocative of puzzle-solving showcase the depth of Sou as an artist.

It’s a fast-paced song whose thrilling developments—like closing in on the truth—linger in the ear.

Released ahead of the album “Panorama,” slated for March 2026, this piece is also perfect for long nights when you want to immerse yourself in a story.

beautifulNEW!UNISON SQUARE GARDEN

TV anime “Uruwashi no Yoi no Tsuki” opening sequence | Opening theme song: UNISON SQUARE GARDEN “Uruwashi”

UNISON SQUARE GARDEN is a three-piece band that continues to charge through the rock scene with high-level musicianship and a distinctive pop sensibility.

Released in January 2026 as their 21st single, this much-talked-about work was written as the opening theme for the TV anime Uruwashi no Yoi no Tsuki.

While grounded in the band’s signature sense of speed, the sound also reflects the story’s elegance and clarity, likely sweeping refreshingly through the listener’s heart.

Packaged as a double A-side together with the anime’s ending theme, Azalea no Kaze, the melodies—carefully crafted by lyricist and composer Tomoya Tabuchi as he contemplated how to engage with the narrative—resonate with delicacy and drama.

It’s a dazzling rock tune that ushers in the beginning of a new story.

You know,NEW!Nanatsukaze

Nanatsukaze – Connect the World [Flipbook music video]

Nanatsukaze is a music duo gaining attention for their unique style that fuses J-pop with dance music.

Released in December 2025, “Anone” is a bittersweet yet warm pop track woven by trackmaker PIKASONIC and singer nakotanmaru.

The music video, which uses flipbook-style animation, is striking as well—the digital beats blend with hand-drawn visuals to portray hearts connecting across physical distance.

In January 2026, it reached No.

23 on the U.S.

iTunes J-Pop chart, resonating across the world beyond language barriers.

It’s a song that gently stays by your side on lonely nights, when you put on headphones and want to feel the same heartbeat as someone far away.

POWERNEW!ONE 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.