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)

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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BabelYamamoto Hiroto

Babel

BabelYamamoto Hiroto

In August 2024, a moving new work was born: a song by Fukuoka-based singer-songwriter Daito Yamamoto.

Inspired by the myth of the Tower of Babel, its lyrics explore the rupture of language and liberation from societal frameworks.

Emotionally rich vocals and the driving energy of a live band resonate deeply.

Selected as J-WAVE’s “SONAR TRAX” for August, it captivates with a unique worldview that fuses alternative rock and electronica.

Singing of hope and solidarity in a divided world, this piece is recommended for those who question contemporary society or want to experience deep reflection through music.

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hanatabamilet

milet “hanataba” Music Video (Theme song for TBS Sunday Drama “Antihero”)

hanatabamilet

A voice that blends translucence with power leaves a strong impression.

This is the song selected as the theme for TBS’s Sunday drama “Antihero.” It’s milet’s new single, released in June 2024.

The slow, grand arrangement seeps deep into your heart, perfectly matching the drama’s world.

The lyrics explore personal fragility and the bond with a loved one.

It’s a moving song that brings tears to your eyes before you know it—perfect for moments when you want to feel connected to someone important.

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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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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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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!