Lovely hit song

[2026] A roundup of popular Japanese songs currently playing on the radio

Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICHane Keisuke
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. After working in a music studio and handling wedding sound, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with a variety of instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in junior high school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on my own musical activities and the experience gained through my work, I produce daily articles, including various song introductions, features on music festivals around the country, and live reports. In music, I enjoy not only rock from Japan and abroad but, lately, a wide range of J-pop as well.
POPS writer/editorKEI
Since discovering music during my school days, I’ve mainly listened to Japanese and Korean pop. I have experience writing articles for sites like Utaten. 2000s J-pop and 2010s K-pop were especially the soundtrack of my youth. With the mindset that “good is good,” I enjoy music across genres. Thanks to past work environments and their influence, I was exposed to lots of classic rock and kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs), which may have broadened the scope of what I love. At RAG MUSIC, I currently focus on K-pop and J-pop. I strive to edit with a feel for the scene and an eye for hit potential.

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!

[2026] Summary of Popular Japanese Songs Recently Played on the Radio (121–130)

WanderlustGENERATIONS from EXILE TRIBE

GENERATIONS / Wanderlust (Music Video) [YouTube Version]

WanderlustGENERATIONS from EXILE TRIBE

GENERATIONS from EXILE TRIBE is a dance and vocal group.

Their song “Wanderlust” is included on their 10th-anniversary album X.

Featured on radio programs and more, the track has been drawing significant attention on its own.

Set to a pop sound, it conveys the importance of connections with the people close to us.

The light, breezy sound—something not often heard in their previous work—offers a glimpse of a new side to the group.

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skirtaiko

aiko-『skirt』music video

skirtaiko

A perfect song for the end of summer, where wistfulness and freshness coexist.

The lyrics, illuminated by Aiko’s delicate emotional expression, portray lost love and the pain of parting.

They gently weave the protagonist’s attempt to break free from past memories, leaving behind a hollow feeling.

Released as a single in May 2024 and included on the album “Zanshin Zansho,” it was also featured on a popular FM802 program, drawing attention.

This work, which showcases Aiko’s unique perspective, resonates with the small emotions of everyday life.

Recommended for those who want to feel both the bittersweetness of summer’s end and the anticipation of a new season.

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Mutual loveaiko

aiko - “Mutual Love” music video

Mutual loveaiko

The more you think about it, the more your feelings deepen—this song is filled with a bittersweet emotion.

It’s aiko’s 45th single, released in May 2024.

Chosen as the theme song for the animated film “Detective Conan: The Million-dollar Pentagram,” it conveys one-sided feelings and a sense of distance through aiko’s characteristically delicate vocals.

It’s a carefully crafted work that captures the nuances of love and resonates with listeners’ hearts.

I especially recommend it to those troubled by love or carrying feelings for someone special.

This heartwarming number evokes the bond between two people in love.

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Jealousy toward catsaimyon

Aimyon – Jealousy Toward a Cat [Live]

Jealousy toward catsaimyon

The title track of Aimyon’s fifth album, “Neko ni Jealousy,” was released in September 2024.

Featuring a performance that blends tension and ease to perfection, the lyrics and melody strikingly portray down-to-earth emotions in a straightforward way.

It projects comparisons with others and self-loathing onto the familiar figure of a “cat,” expressing the anxieties and jealousy we feel in everyday life.

Its breezy sound and Aimyon’s signature mix of humor and irony meld seamlessly, resonating with listeners.

It’s a perfect song for anyone grappling with living life at their own pace.

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[2026] Summary of Popular Japanese Songs Recently Played on the Radio (131–140)

MERRY GO ROUNDEngami

ENJIN – “MERRY GO ROUND” (Music Video)

MERRY GO ROUNDEngami

ENJIN is a boys group formed from a stage project.

Have you checked out their song “MERRY GO ROUND”? It’s a perfect dance number for when you want to lift your spirits.

In fact, it was even selected as FM Osaka’s Power Play for March 2023.

The song also features sharp, dynamic choreography, so I recommend taking this opportunity to watch the music video as well.

You might get a different impression compared to hearing it on the radio.

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junkYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Junk

junkYonezu Kenshi

Released in August 2024, Kenshi Yonezu’s new song was written as the theme for the film “Last Mile.” Centered on the themes of what’s broken and what’s lost, it portrays the importance of living while embracing human imperfection.

Powerfully emotional and characterized by a tense, urgent tone that brilliantly captures the film’s atmosphere, the track appears on Yonezu’s 6th album, “LOST CORNER,” and is available in three formats, including a first-press limited edition and a video edition.

Yonezu has produced numerous hits to date, and this song, too, has deeply resonated with many fans alongside the film.

Amid days filled with tension and anxiety, it’s a song that stays close to the heart.

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to go see (someone) / to go meetaimyon

aimyon – Going to See You [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

to go see (someone) / to go meetaimyon

It’s a song marked by a powerful melody and lyrics that resonate deeply.

Created by Aimyon, a singer-songwriter from Hyogo Prefecture, it was released in May 2024.

The track was chosen as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Unmet: A Neurosurgeon’s Diary.” Set against a cold season, it portrays confronting memories and emotions from the past.

Aimyon’s gentle vocals offer comfort to listeners.

When you want to immerse yourself in memories and thoughts, give this piece a listen—it’s sure to warm your heart.

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