[2026] Latest Popular and Recommended Japanese Rock Songs

branching pointWANIMA

WANIMA “Branching Point” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

This is WANIMA’s single for June 2025, featuring a striking music video with actor Kengo Kora from Kumamoto running with powerful energy.

The song was originally created as the opening SE for their national tour.

Its lyrics explore the moments of choice in life and how we face ourselves.

Riding on a powerful band sound, it conveys the resolve to overcome inner conflict and step into the future.

Perfect for when you need the courage to take the next step! Let this song ignite your determination: “I’m starting from here!”

protagonistSUPER BEAVER

SUPER BEAVER 'Protagonist' MV (Theme song for Fuji TV's 'Mezamashi TV')

An epic yet warm rock number that tells everyone they are the protagonist of their own life.

It’s a track by the rock band SUPER BEAVER—also known for “Rashisa” and “Namae wo Yobu yo”—released as a single in July 2025.

The song was chosen as the 2025 yearly theme for Fuji TV’s Mezamashi TV.

Perfect for the band’s 20th anniversary year, its band sound is enriched with brass and strings, over which vocalist Ryota Shibuya’s powerful voice resonates.

This song affirms everyday life—be sure to listen to it at the start of your day!

With love from a certain futureback number

Sincerely, from a Future

It’s a number that gently stays close to your heart.

Released in June 2025 by back number, it was used as a song for a MOS Burger commercial.

The lyrics say, “Even on days when things don’t go well and you end up hating yourself, the future still goes on,” and its straightforward message is deeply moving.

According to vocalist Iyori Shimizu, he created it with the hope of giving back through music the positive energy he has received from MOS Burger over the years.

Listening to it when you’re feeling down might give you the push you need to look forward.

spring stormHitsuji Bungaku

spring storm

It’s a track where emotions swirl like a storm within a gentle, spring-breeze sound.

Created by the alternative rock band Hitsujibungaku, it was released digitally in June 2025.

Despite its calm tone, the lyrics portray the anxieties and loneliness that lurk in everyday life, as well as the struggle of confronting one’s own choices.

Its quiet strength—accepting everything and trying to move forward again—really resonates.

Give it a listen when you find your steps faltering a little before starting a new chapter.

Avalanchetsurezuregakan

Tsurezure Shokan – Avalanche (Music Video)

Released in April 2025, this work captivates listeners with its distinctive arrangements and sound design.

Beyond its musical breadth, it shines in the seamless fusion of spacious lyrics and melody.

Following the album “Taishū Novel,” it’s an ambitious release that signals a new challenge for the band.

The groove crafted by the guitar, bass, drums, and keyboards pairs beautifully with Kuu’s clear, translucent vocals.

Highly recommended for literature lovers and for music fans who value lyrical storytelling.

KusushikiMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE “Kusushiki” Official Music Video

This piece expresses scenes woven by a mystical tale through an Oriental-tinged melody and band sound.

Created by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE in April 2025, it was selected as the opening theme for the second cour of season 2 of the TV anime The Apothecary Diaries, with arrangement handled by Shingo Kubota and Motoki Omori.

The lyrics, inspired by the dual nature of the archaic word “ayashi” (strange/wondrous), delicately weave the power of words, subtle shifts of emotion, and love that transcends time.

In harmony with the story and carried by vocals that resonate deep within, this is a recommended track for anyone wishing to touch upon life’s mysteries and their most cherished feelings.

Blue amberback number

back number – Blue Amber [Theme song for the Kansai TV/Fuji TV Monday 10 p.m. drama 'From the Day I Took You']

This work gracefully depicts profound sorrow and loneliness, accompanied by a wistful, resonant melody.

It conveys the emotional turmoil between grief over losing a loved one and the vengeful feelings born from that loss, expressed through delicate vocals and a beautiful melody.

Created by back number, the song was produced as the theme for the Kansai Television/Fuji TV Monday 10 p.m.

drama “From the Day You Took You Away,” which begins airing in April 2025.

Produced by Koichi Tsutaya, it is wrapped in gentle tones centered on piano and strings, and has also drawn words of empathy from lead actress Keiko Kitagawa.

It is a song that quietly stays close to the hearts of those who strive to move forward while carrying their sorrow.