[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 Playing on the Radio (21–30)
Let me give you a songTakeuchi Mariya
A song by Mariya Takeuchi that captivates with its warm vocals and resonant melody.
Released digitally in August 2024, it was written as the theme song for the drama “What a Wonderful Teacher!” This medium-tempo ballad carries a heartfelt message that offers comfort and encouragement through music, gently accompanying listeners through everyday hardships and feelings of loneliness.
Erika Ikuta joins on chorus, creating a beautiful harmony with Mariya Takeuchi.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when your heart feels tired or when you want to lift someone’s spirits.
PolaroidShin-Tōkyō
The song that took the No.
1 spot on SAISON CARD TOKIO HOT 100 is Polaroid.
It’s been getting a lot of airplay on other radio programs too, so many of you have probably heard it.
It’s a piano pop song released in 2023 by the rock band New Tokyo.
While it’s grounded in the timbre of the piano, the arrangement lets you enjoy changes such as the drums growing more intense partway through.
The lyrics, which liken the “Polaroid” in the title to memories, are also beautiful.
[2026] Summary of Popular Japanese Songs Currently Playing on the Radio (31–40)
ApollodorusMrs. GREEN APPLE
It’s an emotional, heartwarming cheer song! Released by Mrs.
GREEN APPLE in July 2024, it’s drawing attention as a sports anthem boosting excitement for the Paris Olympics.
The lyrics, which sing of overcoming hardship and blooming hope for the future, are striking.
Its pop-rock sound and Motoki Omori’s soaring vocals are deeply moving.
It’s perfect for times when you’re weighed down by everyday worries or anxieties, and listening will surely fill you with courage.
A highly recommended track when you want to face forward and give it your all!
RewriteHakubi
“Rewrite” has been generating buzz after being selected for NACK5’s Power Play in March 2023 and receiving its first airplay on SONAR MUSIC.
The song, written by the three-piece rock band Hakubi as the ending theme for the anime The Tale of Outcasts, gently conveys the feeling of loneliness and solitude at night.
However, the message embedded in the lyrics is positive, making it a likely candidate to serve as an uplifting, supportive song.
ColumbusMrs. GREEN APPLE
It’s a memorable track with an exhilarating melody and lyrics themed around history.
It’s a song by Mrs.
GREEN APPLE, released digitally in June 2024.
It drew attention in many ways, and the quality of the track truly stands out.
Motoki Omori’s soaring vocals and the lyrics, which value individuality and curiosity, really resonate.
It’s recommended when you want a message to help you live positively, or if you like upbeat pop sounds.
Be sure to give this work—a packed showcase of Mrs.
GREEN APPLE’s new challenges—a listen.
I like youChilli Beans.
Chilli Beans.
are a three-piece rock band whose Western-influenced songwriting and performances, paired with an exquisitely cute vibe, have captivated fans.
Their digital single “I like you,” released on October 11, 2023, was selected as the theme song for the TV drama “Toki o Kakeru na, Koibitotachi” (Don’t Time-Travel, Lovers).
Its message—embracing everything about the person you love—conveys a fragile yet powerful resolve that affirms one’s own feelings.
With its airy melodies and arrangements, it’s a simple yet compelling number that feels wonderfully comfortable.
hundreds of millions of light-yearsOmoinotake
A song by Omoinotake that sings of longing for a loved one far away.
It was selected as the opening theme for the TBS Tuesday drama “Eye Love You” and released as a digital single in January 2024.
The trio’s unique lineup of keyboard, bass, and drums is a defining feature.
The lyrics, which strive to convey an unchanging love even across an unfathomable distance of billions of light-years, resonate deeply.
It’s a perfect track for listening while driving or gazing at the night view—one that will accompany you in moments spent thinking of someone special.
Wrapped in Omoinotake’s warm vocals and soothing melodies, it’s sure to touch your heart.