[2026] Get Pumped Just by Listening! A Roundup of Recommended Popular J‑Pop Songs

Tell me your phone number!≒JOY

≒JOY (Nearly Equal Joy) / 4th single title track “Tell Me Your Phone Number!” [MV full]

Released early in January 2026 and officially launched as the 4th single in February, this track is a classic idol pop song that captures the initial impulses at the start of love.

It expresses those sweet, bittersweet feelings of wanting to get closer to someone you like and mustering the courage to ask for their contact—sure to make listeners’ hearts flutter.

The dance music video set in a school, featuring center Kanoa Amano’s adorable charm, is another highlight.

Be sure to check out their fresh, vibrant vocals.

crystallizationNakajima Kento

crystallization

Kessho is a powerful message song that gives a push to everyone running toward their dreams.

Released digitally by Kento Nakajima on January 18, 2026, it was selected as the official TEAM JAPAN support song for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.

The driving, exhilarating beat crafted by m-flo’s ☆Taku Takahashi wraps you in euphoria just by listening.

The choice of words—layering multiple meanings like “final” (決勝) and “crystal” (結晶) in addition to the title—also stirs the heart.

It’s an anthem packed with burning passion, perfect for that make-or-break moment.

BRAVE GROOVEiLiFE!

[MV] BRAVE GROOVE / iLiFE! [Digimon]

iLiFE!’s song offers a fresh perspective by affirming so-called unwanted elements like noise and bugs as “authentic self-expression.” Selected as the ending theme for the TV anime DIGIMON BEATBREAK, which began airing in January 2026, the track also drew attention as the group’s first anime tie-in.

In an era where AI is widespread, its theme of valuing distinctly human passion and fluctuation strikes a powerful chord with listeners.

It’s the perfect number for those who need the courage to move forward or just want to get fired up without overthinking.

Funky Spice feat. TOMOOBREIMEN

BREIMEN “Funky Spice feat. TOMOO” Official Music Video (TV Anime “High School! Kimengumi” Opening Theme) #BREIMEN #HighSchoolKimengumi

BREIMEN are a five-piece band that effortlessly cross genres with rock-solid musicianship.

Featuring TOMOO as a guest, this track is an exceptionally happy dance tune where funky grooves intertwine with airy vocals.

Its worldview—likening standout individuality to a spice—is exhilarating, and you can’t help but feel the kind of energy that makes you want to move.

Released in January 2026, the song also made waves as the opening theme for the TV anime “High School! Kimengumi.” The chemistry created by these two long-time allies of ten years is brimming with power to blow away a gloomy mood.

When you want a jolt in your daily life or a night of pure, no-questions-asked fun, turn up the volume and dive in.

one-way runwayCIRRA

CIRRA / one-way runway -Music Video-

CIRRA is a girls’ group born from an audition show and produced by Harumi Sato, who was also active in E-girls.

Their pre-debut track “one-way runway,” slated for release in December 2025, was created as the theme song for the Nippon TV program “Girls Battle Audition (GARUBATO – GIRLS BATTLE AUDITION).” The music video, featuring powerful choreography set against a wild, open landscape, has also drawn attention.

The lyrics, infused with a determination to charge toward their dreams, pair with a catchy melody to fire up listeners’ hearts.

The song has garnered buzz as well for the involvement of Masato Kotake and FAST LANE in its production.

With cheerleading-style shouts that lift your spirits, it’s an energetic dance-pop tune.

POWERONE OR EIGHT

ONE OR EIGHT / POWER (Performance Video)

ONE OR EIGHT is a boys’ group drawing attention for their world-class performance.

The track they released in January 2026 is “POWER.” Built on hip-hop and infused with R&B and trap, the song’s heavy low end resonates throughout, making for a very cool finish.

Chosen as the ending theme for the TV anime Armor Legend: Samurai Troopers, this work portrays not external cheers but the strength of will that wells up from within.

Co-created with overseas writers including Colby O’Donis, the sound quietly yet fiercely ignites the listener’s fighting spirit.

As the lead single from their first mini-album “GATHER,” it’s an energetic song that gives you a push when you want to inspire yourself.

PROVANTSawanoHiroyuki[nZk]:Jean-Ken Johnny & TAKUMA

PROVANT

Hiroyuki Sawano, who has created music for numerous visual works and enjoys overwhelming support as a composer for film and TV, presents this track from his project SawanoHiroyuki[nZk].

Released early in January 2026 as the opening theme for the TV anime Fate/strange Fake, it features guest vocals by Jean-Ken Johnny of MAN WITH A MISSION and TAKUMA of 10-FEET, whose voices—leaders in the rock scene—clash with fierce intensity.

Sawano’s signature grand-scale sound and driving beats instantly raise the listener’s excitement.

It’s an energetic, uplifting tune that pushes you forward when you need to focus and give it your all at a decisive moment.