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 (131–140)

escalateAimer

Aimer “escalate” MUSIC VIDEO & CROSSFADE (Anime “NieR:Automata Ver1.1a” Opening Theme)

escalateAimer

Aimer, whose recent appearance on the Kouhaku Uta Gassen is still fresh in our memories, released ‘escalate’ in 2023, a track that’s been a hot topic on the radio.

The song was originally written as the opening theme for the anime ‘NieR:Automata Ver1.1a.’ It portrays the anime’s dark worldview and the protagonists’ despair.

Beyond her remarkable vocals, the heavy bass sound also evokes the atmosphere of the anime, resulting in a piece that fully captures its world.

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Life goes onKing&Prince

King & Prince「Life goes on 」MV YouTube Edit

Life goes onKing&Prince

Life goes on,” released by King & Prince in 2023, serves as the ending theme for the drama “Hold My Hand at Dusk,” starring group member Ren Nagase.

It also drew attention for its radio debut on “King & Prince Ren Nagase’s Radio GARDEN,” where he serves as MC.

The track is a relaxed, feel-good pop song that portrays facing tough days with a positive attitude.

The group’s beautiful five-part harmonies and choreography are also highlights.

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In conclusion

We picked out some tracks from radio stations’ own charts, power plays, and heavy-rotation selections.

I bet there were songs here that don’t usually show up in the music rankings you normally see.

Different stations really have their own unique tastes in what they play—and that’s what makes it fun!