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

TORICOIwatatakanori

Takanori Iwata – TORICO (Official Music Video)

This is a solo work by Takanori Iwata, featuring a pleasing, passionate Latin rhythm.

Released in July 2025, it was chosen as the CM song for JATA’s “More! Overseas” campaign, enhancing the open, carefree mood of summer.

The sound instantly captivates listeners, and the lyrics—framing the push-and-pull of romance—leave a strong impression.

With Iwata’s lustrous vocal performance, it skillfully conveys a mature passion.

It’s perfect not only as BGM for a beachside party, but also for setting the mood on a special night with someone important.

THIS IS MY HOMETOWNKobukuro

Kobukuro “THIS IS MY HOMETOWN”

It’s a warm song from Kobukuro, imbued with deep feelings for Osaka, where the duo was formed, and for the members’ hometowns.

The acoustic tones, reminiscent of their street-performing days, blend with the duo’s beautiful harmonies to gently envelop the listener’s heart.

The lyrics depict landscapes that remain in one’s heart even after leaving home as an adult, as well as unchanging bonds with old friends—many listeners will likely find their own memories resurfacing.

This track is included as the lead song on the mini-album “THIS IS MY HOMETOWN.” It’s a moving piece you’ll want to listen to when you want to reconnect with your roots.

snow moonRyosuke Yamada

Ryosuke Yamada – “snow moon” [Official Music Video]

This song centers on a dreamlike scene where moonlight shining in the winter night sky is reflected by the snow.

Scheduled for release on February 19, 2025, as Ryosuke Yamada’s second solo digital single, it’s a medium-tempo ballad that portrays tender yet aching emotions.

In contrast to his previous danceable tracks, this piece highlights his delicate and lustrous vocals.

The music video will be released simultaneously, featuring model and actress Erika Mori as the love interest.

With a structure that interweaves past and present, it depicts bittersweet memories of love in a phantasmagoric way.

It’s a heartwarming song to listen to when you want to reflect on someone special in the quiet of winter.

Over The Horizon!naniwa danshi

Over The Horizon!

This is a song by Naniwa Danshi that heralds the start of a new adventure with a refreshing sound.

Included on the album “BON BON VOYAGE,” released in July 2025, the track brilliantly embodies the concept of “journeys and adventures.” It captures the exhilaration of stepping beyond the horizon with your friends and conveys a powerful hope that you can overcome any hardship—listening to it leaves you feeling uplifted.

When you dive into the unknown, this song gives you strength!

end creditsTakahashi Yuu

Yu Takahashi “End Roll” MV

A medium-tempo ballad of gratitude and resolve that Takahashi Yu released to mark the major milestone of his 15th anniversary since his major-label debut.

It’s a lead track from the best-of album “Jiyū Gozen,” set for release in December 2025, and it was digitally released in July.

Starting with a quiet piano motif and building powerfully toward the latter half, its structure unfolds like a single film retracing his journey so far.

It’s a work infused with his soul—he even rebuilt it from near completion after deciding, “This isn’t it.”