[May 2026] The latest J-Pop releases. Check out the hottest new tracks!

refrainkanau

refrain

Kanae, who is active with the virtual liver group NIJISANJI and works across a wide range from game streaming to music, has released this track ahead of his first full album Ai, which dropped in February 2026.

Created as the lead track for the album’s “indigo edition,” the number features a band sound with lyrics by Kana Yaginuma and composition by Hiroki Waga, resulting in an introspective piece that portrays recurring farewells and memories fading of their color.

It strikes a different chord from the breezy feel he showed on songs like Tailwind, the theme for the TV anime Overtake!, offering an expression that seems to touch the depths of his being.

It might be perfect for quiet nights when you want to sink into your feelings alone.

0.2mmŌmori Motoki

Motoki Ohmori – 「0.2mm」Official MV

Motoki Omori, the singer-songwriter who commands an overwhelming presence as the frontman of the national rock band Mrs.

GREEN APPLE.

Marking five years since he began his solo career, this track—featured on his first mini-album “OITOMA,” released in February 2026—is a mid-tempo ballad written as the theme song for the film “90 Meters,” which opens in March 2026.

In contrast to the dazzling persona he shows with the band, his gently conversational voice carries a quiet fervor that resonates deeply.

The sound evokes the preciousness of everyday life and closely mirrors the film’s worldview, making it a song that will tenderly accompany you when you want to linger in the afterglow of the story or cherish a quiet night alone.

déjà vuShio Reira

Reira Shio / déjà vu [Official Music Video]

Released in February 2026, this track serves as the lead song symbolizing the second EP “HB2U,” a collection of pieces based on Reiira Ushio’s real-life experiences.

It portrays the emotional journey toward self-affirmation while confronting inner conflicts and past wounds.

With dynamic arrangements by Kazuma Nagasawa and clear, powerful vocals, it’s a must-listen.

When you’re struggling with self-confidence or wishing to change on a sleepless night, why not listen closely?

Head over heelsraisan

Praise – Head over heels

Comedian duo Laland’s Saaya performs vocals under the name CLR for the band Raisan, a supergroup featuring skilled musicians including Enon Kawatani.

“Horeta Hareta,” included on the mini-album “Killer Pass” released digitally in February 2026, is a track that had already been performed at live shows and festivals in 2025 and was generating buzz.

It features a sound reminiscent of ’80s disco kayō (Japanese pop) and lyrics that affirm the exhilaration of love.

It’s a groovy pop tune that makes you want to hit the town in step with the rhythm.

Pardon the excessPorunogurafiti

Pardon the excess

Pornograffitti’s “Hamidashi Gomen,” released digitally in January 2026, is an original song written as the opening theme for the TV anime Fire-Eating Bird: The Plumed Province’s Ragtag Fire Brigade, which is based on Shogo Imamura’s period novel.

As it was their first time providing a song for a period piece, Haruichi Shindo reportedly immersed himself in the original work and handled both lyrics and composition.

The carefully chosen, tradition-evoking Japanese phrasing fuses beautifully with a driving rock sound, making your heart swell just by listening.

It’s a track I especially recommend to anyone battling through the difficulties of modern life.

KotonohacantabileALKALOID

Kotonohacantabile

ALKALOID is a four-member unit from Ensemble Stars!! under StarPro, delivering edgy music as a rising star.

Released digitally in January 2026, this track features a funky, emotional sound.

With lyrics by Saori Kodama and composition/arrangement by Shingo Yamazaki, the song portrays the struggle of navigating social media while searching for one’s own authentic words—something many listeners who’ve wrestled with how to express themselves will relate to.

Issued as “ES Idol Song season6 vol.12,” it also ties into the in-app LINK STORY “Thanksgiving＊Words to Be Written,” which has been a hot topic.

It’s a pop tune with an irresistible groove and the comfortable harmonies of the four vocalists, sure to give listeners a gentle push forward.

Cherry Blossom Bloom DeclarationAile The Shota

Cherry Blossom Bloom Declaration

Singer-songwriter Aile The Shota, who has roots in R&B and draws attention with a sophisticated musicality.

Produced by Shin Sakiura, this track was released in January 2026 as the lead single ahead of the second album “REAL POP 2,” scheduled for February 2026.

Its sound reimagines late-’80s New Jack Swing through a modern lens, brimming with a groove that gets your body moving from the intro.

The lyrics feel like a declaration of breaking out of one’s shell and stepping onto a new stage, likely delivering positive energy to listeners.

Brimming with euphoria, it’s a dance number that gives a gentle push to anyone gearing up for a new challenge as spring approaches.