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 (41–50)

SOMETHING AIN’T RIGHTXG

XG – SOMETHING AIN’T RIGHT (Official Music Video)

SOMETHING AIN'T RIGHTXG

A retro garage rhythm stirs up nostalgia in this dance-worthy track.

Showcasing the unique personalities of XG’s seven members, it blends a ‘90s vibe with contemporary production to stunning effect.

Released in July 2024, the song is generating major buzz as the lead single from XG’s second mini-album.

With colorful, pop styling to match, it’s guaranteed to hype up any event or festival.

Packed with a message about valuing your true self, it’s an energizing anthem—perfect for your next drive.

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[2026] Summary of Popular Japanese Songs Recently Played on the Radio (51–60)

Like an angel.rikon densetsu

Divorce Legend – Just Like an Angel (Official Music Video)

Like an angel.rikon densetsu

A song by Rikon Densetsu themed around a faint, emotional summer romance.

It features a rhythmic, comfortable sound with city pop elements that evoke the freedom of summer and the thrill of love.

Released on August 21, 2024, the track was first unveiled during the band’s first-ever solo tour in July.

The jacket artwork features an illustration by popular illustrator Hisashi Eguchi, and the music video stars Yui Okamoto and Yuto Hirai.

The video, depicting the fleeting nature of summer love, further enriches the song’s world.

It’s a recommended track for those who want to rekindle nostalgic summer memories.

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prettyfine 🙂Re:name

prettyfine 🙂

prettyfine :)Re:name

The song selected for FM802’s March 2023 Heavy Rotation is “prettyfine :)”.

It’s a track by Re:name, a three-piece rock band from Osaka.

Premiered on FM802, it quickly became a popular tune.

The song’s appeal lies in vocalist Kazunari Takagi’s ultra-high voice and its chill, laid-back melody.

It’s the kind of piece that naturally relaxes you as you listen.

Immerse yourself in its one-of-a-kind, mysterious world.

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Friday’s highPenthouse

Penthouse – Friday’s High [Official Music Video]

Friday's highPenthouse

A city-soul track by Penthouse, released digitally in January 2024.

It was featured in a Nissan X-TRAIL e-4ORCE commercial.

The six-piece band of University of Tokyo alumni delivers a refined, urban sound.

The twin vocals of Shintaro Namioka and Maho Oshima weave a soulful harmony that feels great.

With lyrics capturing the thrill of the weekend, it’s the kind of song you’ll want to play on Friday night after work.

Perfect for blowing off steam or turning up the energy at a party with friends.

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maximum speedSHISHAMO

SHISHAMO “Top Speed”

maximum speedSHISHAMO

Written and composed by Asako Miyazaki to match the theme of “a place where everyone can shine,” the song was released digitally in January 2024 and chosen as the tie-in track for the BOAT RACE 2024 commercial series.

Carrying a message of charging forward with faith in oneself over an aggressive melody, this piece stands out.

SHISHAMO formed in 2010 in their high school light music club and have since gained experience through numerous live shows and albums.

It’s a perfect track especially for those living life at a fast pace.

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ANTENNAMrs. GREEN APPLE

Antenna

ANTENNAMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs.

GREEN APPLE is a three-piece rock band garnering attention from a wide range of listeners with a colorful catalog that reflects their diverse backgrounds.

ANTENNA, the title track and opener of their fifth album, leaves a lasting impression with its catchy synths and hysteric guitar ensemble.

The whirlwind of key changes in the arrangement seems to capture the mix of anticipation and anxiety toward an unseen future, as depicted in the lyrics.

It’s a refreshing rock tune marked by a hook-laden melody.

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Hoshino Takashi

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SandeliaLAY

Lay – Sanderia

SandeliaLAY

One song that’s been getting a lot of buzz after being picked for BAY-FM’s Power Play in March 2023 is “Sanderia.” It’s the debut single by Lay, a next-generation artist who debuted at 14 in 2023.

The track was featured on various radio shows and quickly caught on.

By the way, it was also a recommended track on Kiss FM KOBE for March.

Since it’s been getting a ton of radio airtime, if you’ve been curious, take this opportunity to give it another listen.

Its American vibe and intense guitar sound are part of its appeal.

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