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

TERMINALDa-iCE

Da-iCE /「TERMINAL」Music Video

Released in January 2026 as the lead track from their ninth album, “TERMiNaL,” this song marks the first collaboration between members Daiki Kudo and Yudai Ohno.

Built around the concepts of “a fresh start” and “the next stage,” it’s a danceable number sprinkled with sounds that evoke airports and aircraft.

Its powerful sound, conveying a determination to move toward a new future, gives a push to anyone ready to take on something new.

An energetic track that lets you feel the group’s evolution.

Kill the NoiseSPYAIR

SPYAIR “Kill the Noise” Music Video (TV anime “Yuusha-kei ni Shosu” theme song)

Kill the Noise is a track that sets your heart ablaze with its exhilarating beats and powerful rock sound.

It was chosen as the theme song for the anime “Yuusha-kei ni Shosu: Chobatsu Yuusha 9004-tai Keimu Kiroku” (Punishing Brave: Disciplinary Warrior Unit 9004 Prison Records).

Brimming with fighting spirit and energy, the song voices a strong resolve: even while confronting heavy themes like sin and punishment, cut through your inner doubts and the noise around you, and move forward.

When you feel swayed by others’ opinions or want confidence in your own decisions, listen to this song to blow away the haze in your heart and take a bold new step.

The color of happinessOnda Masanori

The color of happiness

Masamori Onda, a singer-songwriter who gained attention after posting on TikTok, released “The Color of Happiness.” It’s a ballad that blends tenderness with heartbreak, expressing lingering feelings for a former lover.

The song was chosen as the ending theme for the drama “Kimbap and Onigiri: Two Lovers Alike Yet Different.” There’s also a moving backstory: Onda reworked a chorus he originally wrote at 19, completing it for the first time in about three and a half years.

It’s a perfect track for those freshly heartbroken, those who can’t quite let go, or anyone who wants to reflect on a past love.

akanbe (a teasing gesture of pulling down the lower eyelid and sticking out the tongue)ryūgūjō

akanbe (a teasing gesture of pulling down the lower eyelid and sticking out the tongue)

Produced by Avu-chan from Queen Bee, Ryugujo is a distinctive seven-member group that blends elements of kayōkyoku with their own unique dance style.

Released in January 2026 as a lead track from their second album SHIBAI (Deluxe), due out in February 2026, this song drew major attention for its bold sampling of Sharam Q’s signature hit ZURUI ONNA.

Its boundary-pushing alternative sound and defiant, member-penned lyrics deliver a message that resonates powerfully with listeners.

True to its all-red visuals, the track radiates a blazing energy.

It’s a perfect listen when you want to push back against adversity or fire yourself up for a make-or-break moment.

The world has ended.Yuuri

The world has ended.

Singer-songwriter Yuuri continues to captivate countless listeners with his powerful vocals and relatable lyrics.

His single “The World Has Ended,” released digitally on January 14, 2026, has been drawing attention as it was written as the theme song for the drama “Reunion ~Silent Truth~.” Its message—depicting an unwavering conviction that you matter more than anything else, even at the very end of the world—overflows with a profound love that stirs the listener’s heart.

With a medium-tempo rock sound of grand scale and emotionally charged vocals that feel just right, it’s a track everyone who wants to protect someone dear should hear.

WonderlandOmoinotake

Wonderland

Omoinotake is a piano trio band from Shimane Prefecture.

Released digitally in January 2026, this track was written as the theme song for Universal Studios Japan’s “Uniharu 2026” commercial.

Centered on the life milestone of graduation, it blends a bouncy beat infused with UK garage elements and Leo Fujii’s soulful vocals to stunning effect.

It’s a “dance-and-cry” creation where chest-tightening bittersweetness mixes with an irresistible, body-swaying exhilaration.

A warm number that gives a gentle push to those trying to face forward and move on in this season of farewells.

Be bluePenthouse

Penthouse – Be Blue [Official Music Video]

Penthouse is a six-piece city soul band formed in the University of Tokyo’s music circle, active under the concept of “music that adds a touch of sophistication to everyday life.” Released for streaming in February 2026, “Aoku Are” was created as the broadcast theme song for the 6th National University Coed Ekiden.

Offering a fresh twist from their usual refined city soul, it features a rock-leaning arrangement brimming with 8-beat drive.

The lyrics, which portray the nobility of continuing to run in pursuit of a fleeting moment of brilliance, are likely to resonate not only with athletes but with anyone standing at a crossroads in life.

It’s a rousing anthem you’ll want to hear in make-or-break moments, where the twin vocals’ power and the band’s raw intensity come through directly.