[2026] A roundup of popular Japanese songs currently playing on the radio
Do you usually listen to the radio?
Maybe you hear it as in-store background music, or if you drive for work you might have the car stereo on, and these days you can even listen on smartphone apps.
It may be the age of the internet, but I think radio is still very much a part of our daily lives.
This time, we’re introducing popular Japanese songs that have been getting airplay on recent radio shows!
If you want to check the latest trends or find out which tracks are on power play, this is for you!
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[2026] Summary of Popular Japanese Songs Recently Played on the Radio (71–80)
Days of JewelsAina ji Endo
Singer Aina the End captivates fans with her distinctive husky voice that tugs at listeners’ heartstrings, and she has been expanding her activities, including her first lead role in a film in 2023.
Her 11th digital-only single, “Hoseki no Hibi” (“Days of Jewels”), written as an insert song for the final episode of Season 2 of the TV anime Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury, features gentle melodies and ensemble arrangements that soothe the soul.
Its lyrics, which teach us that the ordinary moments of daily life can shine like jewels, may help us notice the precious things close to us.
It’s a track with tenderly resonant strings—one you’ll want to keep listening to.
Stop that nightTeranishi Yūma
This is a song by Yuma Teranishi that portrays a heartrending love.
It’s a ballad reflecting on a special night that has passed, resonating with regret over lost love and a wish to reunite.
Released as a digital single in November 2024, it was chosen as the theme song for the BS Fuji drama “Kazuhiro Teranishi Mystery: SPELL – Revenge of the Green Monkey.” Teranishi himself wrote, composed, and arranged the track, infusing it with a message that respects diverse forms of love.
It’s a recommended listen for those sensing the end of a romance or feeling nostalgic about memories with someone special.
CrystalsYuka
Yuka, a singer-songwriter from Okinawa who drew attention with Hoshizukiyo, the theme song for the drama A Night When the Stars Fall.
This new song, released in October 2023, was selected as the theme song for the drama Even If I Forget You.
Its gently woven sound, imbued with a sense of transparency, and the calm vocals sink deep into the heart.
It’s a love song filled with feelings for someone precious.
It’s the kind of song that will surely resonate in those solitary moments after spending time with someone you love, when your thoughts begin to wander.
A deep and tender love song.
[2026] Summary of Popular Japanese Songs Recently Playing on the Radio (81–90)
Blue New MoonBUMP OF CHICKEN
A quintessential mid-tempo BUMP track imbued with wistfulness for what’s been lost and hope for renewal.
Its delicate lyrics and memorable melody resonate deeply.
Featured on their tenth full-length album, Iris—their first in five years—released in September 2024, the song has earned strong support from fans and showcases the band’s evolution.
It conveys the strength to keep moving forward while looking back at the past, gently encouraging anyone ready to take a new step.
Perfect for moments when you want to bask in memories of youth or think of someone dear.
Summertime BluesHana Hope
A gem of a summer tune capturing the bittersweet feelings of love has arrived.
Its airy sound and translucent vocals feel effortless, and the lyrics—interweaving Japanese and English—leave a lasting impression.
Released as a digital single in August 2024, it also came with a music video.
Set in Tokyo, the visuals beautifully portray teenage summer moments and are a highlight in their own right.
The song has sparked a strong response, earning power plays on outlets like J-WAVE and MTV.
Evoking an end-of-summer blues, this track is recommended for anyone who wants to savor both the joy and fragility of love.
It’s the perfect song for twilight drives or reminiscing about special moments with someone dear.
Useless crossjo0ji
Set in a fishing port town in Tottori Prefecture, a song themed around a friend’s heartbreak was released in July 2024.
Created by jo0ji, it features an impressive sound that fuses power and poignancy.
Both the melody and lyrics are crafted to portray the friend’s strength and story of renewal.
A grand, end-credits-style finale is another highlight.
It’s like an anthem to a friend who has overcome the pain of a breakup and learned to laugh it off.
The track has earned high praise across the board, including selection for FM802’s Heavy Rotation.
It might be the perfect song when you’re sorting out your feelings or trying to look forward.
jabbermuque
With beats reminiscent of UK garage and Miami bass entwined with tension chords on acoustic guitar, muque’s latest is a mid-tempo tune that captures vivid yet nostalgic memories of student days through music.
Released digitally in September 2024 and included the following month on the album “Dungeon,” it was also selected for FM802’s Heavy Rotation for September, receiving extensive airplay across many programs for an entire month.
Recommended for anyone seeking special moments within the everyday.
Its worldview—like a space between reality and dreams—is sure to linger in your heart.