![[2026] Japanese Boy Bands in the Spotlight Recently: A Roundup of Popular Male Groups](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/ZVUxJsPfoX8/maxresdefault.webp)
[2026] Japanese Boy Bands in the Spotlight Recently: A Roundup of Popular Male Groups
In recent years, both in Japan and abroad, the number of male vocal groups has really grown!
These boy groups, with a core of passionate female fans, have sparked excitement and captivated many people.
Sensing the trend of boy groups, many of you may be thinking, “I want to learn more about the most popular groups, too!”
In this article, we’ll introduce a range of Japanese boy groups that have been attracting attention lately, all in one go.
If a group catches your eye, be sure to check out their performances and videos on social media—and dive headfirst into stanning your favorite!
[2026] Recently Trending Japanese Boy Groups. Summary of Popular Male Groups (1–10)
So in love I’m gonna perish!NEW!M!LK
Under the concept of “a group that can be dyed any color,” the dance-vocal group M!LK has been winning fans with its flexible musicality.
They captivate listeners by mastering a wide range of genres, from classic idol pop to danceable tracks.
They made their CD debut in March 2015 with “I Can’t Drink Coffee,” and marked their major-label debut in November 2021 with “Ribbon.” Steadily building their prowess, they successfully held their first solo show at Yokohama Arena in October 2023.
In 2025, they won the Excellence Work Award at the Japan Record Awards for “Ii Jan,” and also made their first appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen that same year.
After a decade of activity, they finally broke into mainstream household recognition.
Their approachable personalities and authentic performances are definitely worth keeping an eye on!
MoonchaserNEW!STARGLOW
Born from “THE LAST PIECE,” STARGLOW is a dance and vocal group whose allure lies in the chemistry sparked by their diverse personalities colliding.
Rooted in J-POP and fused with R&B and hip-hop, their sound offers new discoveries with every listen.
Their pre-debut track “Moonchaser” garnered high acclaim, and the follow-up single “Star Wish” sold 46,580 copies in its first week, debuting at No.
1.
Their unstoppable momentum continues to make waves on the charts.
With performances that combine skill and star power, they’re perfect for anyone who wants to fully enjoy authentic music and captivating expressiveness.
You won’t be able to take your eyes off their shining trajectory.
Mi*lightNEW!VIBY
VIBY is a next-generation boy group that documents the wavering and uncertainties of youth and shares the process of growth.
It’s a new-style project that fuses a Korean-style training system with the unique personalities of its Japanese members.
Their debut track “Mi*light,” released in April 2026, also featured in a protein brand’s commercial, drawing significant attention.
Their pre-debut song surpassed 25 million views on social media, creating a huge buzz right from the start.
Their performances, which emphasize visuals and storytelling, are uniquely theirs, combining the appeal of J-POP and K-POP.
They’re a highly recommended group for those who want to support and watch their growth over time.
MasterplanBE:FIRST
BE:FIRST is a seven-member boy group produced by SKY-HI, who is active as a member of AAA, a rapper, and a music producer.
The audition show THE FIRST, aired within the morning information program Sukkiri, became a hot topic, with many viewers moved by the boys’ passion for music and their youth.
Their pre-debut track Shining One and debut track Gifted.
both dominated the charts and have gained popularity both in Japan and internationally.
With each member’s exceptionally high potential, they’re definitely a group to keep an eye on!
Da-Da-DaNEW!ICEx
ICEx, born from EBiDAN, a group of young male artists from Stardust Promotion, is a dance-vocal unit that embraces the concept “loving all kinds of love.” They showcase a unique world they call “Retro Toy Pop,” characterized by a charmingly pop sound like spilling out the contents of a toy box.
They made their major debut in August 2023 with the single “CANDY,” and released the album “Retro Toy Pop” in 2024.
In just a few years since their formation, they have steadily grown their drawing power to the point of selling out large venues such as Pacifico Yokohama.
The members are also active individually, each showing distinctive personalities, and are expected to grow further in both music and acting.
They’re a perfect pick for anyone looking for a fresh, high-energy group!
It crashed in seconds.NEW!aoen
Formed through an audition project, aoen is a boy group that has absorbed a refined performance aesthetic rooted in J-pop.
Their debut single, “青い太陽 (The Blue Sun),” released at the time of their formation in 2025, was a huge hit, topping the Oricon Daily Ranking.
In the same month, June 2025, they were also certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association’s Gold Disc.
The announcement that member Hikaru changed his stage name in June 2025, the month of their debut, also generated major buzz on social media.
Their greatest appeal lies in a bright worldview that, beneath its freshness, conceals high-temperature passion and forward momentum.
They’re a group I highly recommend to anyone who wants to enjoy growing together while weaving a story with them.
TOKYO DRIFTNEW!ONE OR EIGHT
ONE OR EIGHT is a boy group formed through Avex’s training project.
Their major appeal lies in an internationally benchmarked sound that spans hip-hop, R&B, and pop.
They made their debut in August 2024 with “Don’t Tell Nobody,” and have continued to present globally minded sounds with tracks like “DSTM.” In January 2026, they released the album “GATHER,” maintaining a pace of prolific activity that’s hard to ignore.
They received a special award at MTV VMAJ 2025, and their high level of teamwork—honed through performing on overseas stages even before debut—is another strength.
They’re a highly anticipated group that fans who love sophisticated dance beats and overwhelming performance should definitely keep an eye on.