Recent songs sung by male vocalists in Japanese music [2026]

Like the beginningRen

[PLANJ] ORIGINAL: 'Like the Beginning' – REN

This is a solo ballad written by REN of the global boy group JO1.

Set for release in July 2025, it’s his fourth solo track.

With a delicate vocal delivery, it captures the unease toward kindness that’s become routine and the premonition of a relationship’s end.

You can clearly feel the protagonist’s poignant resolve in lines like, “This way will be better for both of us.” It’s a song that will sink deep into your heart when you’re struggling with a cherished relationship or quietly reflecting on a breakup at night.

Heart KnotYuuma

Yuma “Heart Knot” Official Music Video

This is a warm ballad by Yuma, written to celebrate the departure into a new chapter of a dear person.

Released in July 2025, it carries a special backstory: it was created as a wedding gift for his own manager.

The song gently weaves pure gratitude and blessings for the future.

The calm tones of piano and acoustic guitar further highlight its straightforward message.

If you listen when you want to express appreciation to a friend or partner, it’s sure to warm your heart.

Highly recommended if you’re looking for a wedding song!

Joined handsFunatsu Mahiro

Joined hands

This is a ballad by Masato Funatsu that gently weaves the warm happiness found in everyday life with an acoustic touch.

The song was written as a CM theme for the Shimane Denkō Group, centered on the theme of human connection.

Unchanging feelings that endure for decades and bonds that deepen when we join hands are expressed through vocals that slowly seep into the heart.

It’s a heartwarming love song that makes the ordinary days spent with someone special feel even more precious.

CocktailA.B.C-Z

A.B.C-Z / Cocktail (Music Video)

“Cocktail” is a track released in August 2025 as the first installment of a three-month consecutive release.

Written and composed by singer-songwriter Anna Takeuchi, it’s marked by a romantic ensemble with a floating, airy feel.

The lyrics depict someone drowning in a love as sweet as a cocktail.

You can’t help but be entranced by the members’ luscious vocals, which convey a fleeting, delicate longing.

Be sure to add this mellow dance tune to your playlist.

Secret GardenBE:FIRST

BE:FIRST / Secret Garden -Official Audio-

It’s a captivating number with a mellow, sophisticated track.

BE:FIRST’s “Secret Garden” is set for release in August 2025.

At first listen, it sounds like a sweet love song, but in fact it sings of deep respect and affection for music itself.

The theme’s dual-layered structure is vividly and gently brought to life by the members’ expressive vocals.

It might be perfect for a quiet night when you want to reflect on what matters most.

Hey Yo at 3 o’clock!HALVES

3 o'clock Hey Yo! / HALVES (Music Video)

HALVES is a twin music duo gaining buzz mainly on social media.

Released in August 2025, this track is a pop tune written specifically as the campaign song for Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s Calorie Mate Jelly.

It features a bright, catchy sound that lifts your spirits just by listening.

The lyrics, themed around “nutrition,” are packed with wordplay that naturally brings a smile to listeners’ faces.

It’s a motivational song like a nutritional drink, charging up tired minds and bodies with energy.

openJO1

open

Formed through the audition program PRODUCE 101 JAPAN, JO1 is a global boy group that continues its remarkable rise.

Known for their powerful dance tracks, they unveiled a new side of their appeal with a song released in August 2025.

Written specifically for them by singer-songwriter Motohiro Hata, this medium-tempo ballad weaves hopes for growth and heartfelt feelings for a loved one—like a small bud dreaming of the day it blooms in its own color.

Serving as the theme song for the film “Mt.

Fuji, Coffee, and the Equation of Happiness,” it warmly accompanies the story.

It’s a gentle work that softly lights a lamp in your heart when you take a new step forward.