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

Take off your glasses.NEW!nozomi

Take off your glasses.

Released for digital distribution in January 2026, this track became a hot topic as the opening theme for the anime “Opposites You and I.” Sprinkled with mathematical and physics terminology, the lyrics capture the frustrating inability to express love in words, tightening listeners’ hearts.

With ESME MORI on arrangement, the sound shimmers with youthful sparkle and exhilarating momentum, perfectly aligning with the anime’s world.

It’s a bittersweet love song that brings back the flutter of locking eyes with someone you like.

Give it a listen when you need a push to overcome your fear of love or when you want to reconnect with a pure, heartfelt feeling.

Pardon the excessNEW!Porunogurafiti

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.

XTCNEW!Nakajima Kento

Kento Nakajima “XTC” Music Video

Released digitally in January 2026 as the lead track for the second album “IDOL1ST,” which drops in February 2026, this song also drew attention for sampling Shonentai’s classic “Kamen Butokai.” Centered on the theme of light and shadow—an idol’s fate—the worldview depicting the true self behind the mask conveys Nakajima’s journey and resolve to date.

Experience the aesthetics that lie behind the dazzling stage.

XVINEW!Rinu

「　XVI　」

Rinu, a singer who represents the color red as a member of Strawberry Prince (SutoPuri) and is active across voice acting, livestreaming, and more.

Released on YouTube with its music video on January 19, 2026, this original track was created as a symbol of the team formed through the streaming project “MADTOWN.” It also drew attention for being produced by Root, also from SutoPuri, and the streamer Zuzu.

With its dark atmosphere and exhilarating, fast-paced sound, it’s an emotional upper-tune that sets your heart ablaze.

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

TERMINALNEW!Da-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 NoiseNEW!SPYAIR

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.