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

Beautiful Place ~Final Destination~NEW!Imai Miki

Miki Imai - “A Beautiful Place ~Final Destination~” PV Short Version (Lyrics/Music: Masashi Sada)

It’s a grand ballad by Miki Imai.

Released in January 2026, the song is included on Smile, her first album in about eight years.

Written and composed by Masashi Sada, it sets a journey of the heart toward life’s summit to a rich sound centered on piano and strings.

A highlight is the luxurious arrangement where Sada’s violin resonates with Tomoyasu Hotei’s guitar.

It’s a song that will stay close to those who wish to reflect on the lives they’ve led.

When our eyes metNEW!FRUITS ZIPPER

[MV] FRUITS ZIPPER “When Our Eyes Met”

This track was produced as part of a collaboration with the eyewear brand Zoff.

Released in January 2026, it centers on the theme of “the moment a dream is born,” depicting how the world looks different when your view changes through a pair of glasses.

The songwriting and composition were handled by Sho Yamamoto, known for numerous hit songs, resulting in a bright, pop sound that lifts your spirits.

The lyrics carry messages about the inner changes sparked by a fleeting moment of eye contact and the courage to take a step forward.

It’s a number that adds a splash of color to everyday life.

HYPNOTIZENEW!XG

XG – HYPNOTIZE (Official Music Video)

A track from the 1st full album “THE CORE – Nucleus,” released on January 23, 2026.

It features an ethereal soundscape where rhythmic piano merges with house beats.

The lyrics, carried by this immersive sound, captivate the listener with an irresistible allure that feels like being put under “hypnosis.” Its unique, dreamy float between the borders of dream and reality makes it perfect for nighttime relaxation.

Bad personNEW!yangusukinii

Young Skinny – Bad Person [Official Lyric Video]

Young Skinny’s “Warui Hito,” released in January 2026, is a self-cover of a song that vocalist Kayau wrote for Kanano Senritsu.

Created as an answer song to their signature track “Gomi Ningen, Ore,” it vividly portrays the raw, shifting inner feelings of a woman being strung along by a man.

Set against an unpretentious band sound, the song reflects a heart burdened with lingering attachment and contradictions.

On nights when you’re troubled by a love you can’t neatly rationalize, why not immerse yourself in it?

KabukimonoNEW!¥ellow bucks

¥ellow Bucks – Kabukimono [Official Video]

Rapper ¥ellow Bucks, who leads Japan’s hip-hop scene from his base in Nagoya.

“Kabukimono,” included on his fourth album Wataru released in January 2026, is a powerful track that fuses Japanese elements with a heavy beat.

Within an album that bears his real name, this work presents his way of life as a “kabukimono,” someone who refuses to conform to established norms.

The lyrics, which embody a rebellious spirit and unwavering aesthetic, set your heart ablaze with every listen.

obsessive loveNEW!WEST.

WEST. – Aishū [Official Music Video]

Released in January 2026, this work was written as the theme song for the TV drama “All Because of You,” starring member Ryusei Fujii.

The sultry atmosphere that wafts in right from the intro perfectly matches the drama’s thrilling tale of love and hate.

The passionate vocals, which portray love transforming into obsession, are also striking.

It is also included on the album “One and Only,” released in March 2026.

PuzzleNEW!Ikuta 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.