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

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.

Reach it, all of it.Oni-chan

Reach it, all of it.

Oni-chan is a popular character from KDDI/au’s “Santaro” TV commercial series, also known for being voiced by actor Masaki Suda as the singing performer.

The single Todoke, Zenbu., released on January 9, 2026, was selected as the new New Year CM song for the series in 2026.

Its lyrics, which depict the desire to share your feelings with someone important, have drawn attention as the series’ first love song.

With string arrangements by Kenichi Nagahashi of agehasprings Party highlighting its beautiful melody, it’s a heartwarming pop tune.

Why not give it a listen when you want to feel connected despite the distance, or while thinking of someone special?

ERASETHE ORAL CIGARETTES

THE ORAL CIGARETTES “ERASE” Music Video (TV anime “Hell Teacher Nūbē” Cour 2 Opening Theme)

THE ORAL CIGARETTES are a four-piece rock band known for their distinctive dark worldview and explosive live performances.

Their single “ERASE,” released digitally in January 2026, was written as the opening theme for the second cour of the TV anime Hell Teacher Nūbē.

The serious lyrics, which tie into the anime’s story, stir listeners’ emotions alongside an urgent, tight-knit ensemble.

The music video, released on the day of distribution, also drew attention for featuring veteran artists TOSHI-LOW and MAH in special-effects makeup as demons.

It’s a powerful rock tune that gives you a push when you want to break through the status quo.

SuperlativeHatsuboshi Gakuen

Superlative

Set at Hatsuboshi Academy, an idol training school known as the stage of the idol-raising simulation game “Gakuen Idolmaster,” this track is the solo song of Misuzu Hataya from the same title.

Written, composed, and arranged entirely by siqlo, its authentic club sound leaves a strong impression.

It also drew attention when it was first performed live in May 2025.

Created around the keyword “possessiveness,” the song captivates with the contrast between its heavy beats and sweet, dangerous lyrics.

It began streaming in January 2026 to coincide with its in-game implementation, revealing a new side of the character.

An emotional dance tune, it’s a must-listen for those who want to surrender to passionate waves of sound or seek a stirring musical experience.

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.

Funky Spice feat. TOMOOBREIMEN

BREIMEN “Funky Spice feat. TOMOO” Official Music Video (TV Anime “High School! Kimengumi” Opening Theme) #BREIMEN #HighSchoolKimengumi

BREIMEN are a five-piece band that effortlessly cross genres with rock-solid musicianship.

Featuring TOMOO as a guest, this track is an exceptionally happy dance tune where funky grooves intertwine with airy vocals.

Its worldview—likening standout individuality to a spice—is exhilarating, and you can’t help but feel the kind of energy that makes you want to move.

Released in January 2026, the song also made waves as the opening theme for the TV anime “High School! Kimengumi.” The chemistry created by these two long-time allies of ten years is brimming with power to blow away a gloomy mood.

When you want a jolt in your daily life or a night of pure, no-questions-asked fun, turn up the volume and dive in.