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 (101–110)

Swampiri

iri – Swamp (Music Video)

Swampiri

A track that fuses a deep, distinctive vocal with a fresh musical direction.

Written specifically as the theme song for the TV Asahi drama “Sky Castle,” it features a striking intro of strings and distorted guitar.

While preserving iri’s signature style, it represents a new challenge that aligns with the drama’s worldview.

Released on August 14, 2024, it was accompanied by a collaborative video tied to the show.

The lyrics, which convey tension and complex human relationships, are sure to leave a deep impression on listeners.

It’s a song infused with the energy of human desire and inner conflict, and the determination to protect what matters most.

Highly recommended to listen to while watching the drama.

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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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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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DIGNITYAdo

【Ado】DIGNITY

DIGNITYAdo

Ado, a singer who got her start as a “utaite,” drew attention as a new-generation songstress when her major debut track “Usseewa” became a massive hit and a social phenomenon.

Her 19th digital-only single, “DIGNITY,” written as the theme song for the film The Silent Service, also made waves for being provided by B’z.

The lyrics, which lament futile conflict, resonate with the film’s storyline and provoke reflection.

It’s a beautiful rock ballad whose sweeping arrangement and the contrast of its rock ensemble are moving to the core.

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Hoshino Takashi

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DREAMEREIKO

EIKO [DREAMER] from the Fuji TV Wednesday 10 p.m. drama “Paripi Komei” (Lyrics and Music: Rira Ikuta)

DREAMEREIKO

A grand and beautiful ballad that reminds you of the importance of having dreams.

This song was featured in the drama “Paripi Komei,” performed by Moka Kamishiraishi, who played the lead role of Eiko Tsukimi, and released in October 2023.

The lyrics and composition were created by Rira Ikuta, the vocalist of the music duo YOASOBI.

Her steady, resolute vocals pair perfectly with a melody that feels like stepping forward firmly, one step at a time, resulting in a naturally uplifting piece.

It’s a moving song that might even serve as a compass for your life.

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