[March 2026] The latest J-pop releases. Check out the buzzworthy new tracks!

PrayerFujikawa Chiai

Prayer / Chiai Fujikawa — TV anime “Eating a Living by Death Game.” Ending theme

Singer-songwriter Chiai Fujikawa, who weaves sharp words out of everyday struggles.

Released digitally in January 2026, this work was written as the ending theme for the TV anime “Eating Off the Death Game.” Composed by Seima Kondo of Elements Garden, its music video—shot in Sweden—also drew attention.

The lyrics, which sing of the will to keep moving forward by the light of a small hope even when good, evil, and what’s right become indistinct, quietly nestle close to the listener’s heart.

Even when you feel a senselessness that seems beyond prayer, it may give you the courage to take a step forward.

It’s a ballad meant to be savored on a quiet night, and it’s set to be included on the album “Three-Meter Radius,” releasing in March 2026.

Our riddlesTsunomaki Watame

Our Riddles / Tsunomaki Watame [original]

VTuber Tsunomaki Watame, who’s loved for her sheep-themed character and assured vocal prowess.

Her digital single “Bokura no Nazo Nazo,” released in December 2025, is a brisk, exhilarating pop-rock tune produced by Akita Horie that feels great to listen to.

The lyrics liken the importance of continuing to ask questions in a world without absolute answers to a riddle, something many listeners will probably relate to their own unresolved, day-to-day worries.

With luxurious guest vocals from her Hololive peers—such as Sakura Miko and Hoshimachi Suisei—the choral parts add to a festive, impactful atmosphere.

It’s a playful, positivity-charged track I’d recommend when you’re feeling lost or need a boost of energy.

DunkTodoroki Hajime

[Original] Dunk/Hajime Todoroki [Official MV]

Hololive Production VTuber Hajime Todoroki’s digital single “Dunk,” released in January 2026, drew attention for being both written and choreographed by the artist herself.

Its lyrics, which parallel the flow of a basketball game with the push-and-pull of romance, pair with a rhythm-rich sound to create an addictive track.

The more you listen, the more it makes you want to fall in love! It’s an energetic dance tune with a danceable beat that gets your body moving.

Lovely!!rikon densetsu

Divorce Legend – Lovely!! (Official Music Video)

A two-piece band consisting of vocalist Ayumu Matsuda and guitarist Jun Beppu, Rikon Densetsu delivers a number overflowing with bittersweet emotion.

Set to a city pop–tinged sound where sparkle and shadow coexist, it portrays complex feelings like lingering attachment and possessiveness toward someone who seems about to slip away.

The dramatic world woven by words like “twilight” and “long night” tightens your chest before you know it.

Written as the ending theme for the TV anime High School! Kimengumi airing from January 2026, the track was released digitally ahead of the broadcast that same month.

Their uniquely nostalgic-yet-new groove, evoking the “temperature of the night,” is sure to gently nestle up to the listener’s heart.

Perfect for unwinding at the end of the day or as BGM for a nighttime drive—give it a listen.

ICONIChanabie

Hanabie. – ICONIC – Music Video [HANABIE.]

Hanabie., a band surging ahead with their unique “Harajuku-core” style that sublimates metalcore and hardcore, has even performed at overseas festivals.

Released in advance on January 9 as the lead track from the EP “HOT TOPIC,” which dropped on January 28, 2026, this song delivers a thrilling blend of razor-sharp loud sounds and poppy melodies.

Its lyrics champion “being yourself” over others’ evaluations, likely giving a strong push to listeners who feel uncertain.

The music video directed by Takuya Oyama further highlights the song’s depth with its portrayal of “duality,” making this an energetic number.