[2026] The latest Japanese pop songs that liven up parties and performances: surefire crowd favorites

Love♡Scream!AiScReam

AiScReam “Love♡Scream!” Official Lyric Video

A debut single by AiScReam, a limited-time unit from the Love Live! series that has exploded in popularity on TikTok and social media.

Its charm lies in a sweet, cute worldview that compares the feeling of being in love to ice cream, expressing the rising emotions—so intense they feel like they might melt—set to a pop sound.

Released in January 2025, the track garnered major attention, topping Spotify’s Japan Viral chart and reaching No.

7 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Ranking.

The shout-along chorus and catchy melody leave an unforgettable impact after just one listen.

It’s the perfect song for moments when everyone wants to get hyped together, like wedding after-parties or school festivals.

The choreography is easy to learn, making it a great pick when you want to create a sense of unity across the whole venue.

Theme of an educational programyami no oneesan

Theme of an educational program

A song by Yami no Oneesan born from the concept of a “nonexistent educational program.” Released in January 2025, it created a big buzz, reaching No.

1 on Spotify’s viral chart in February of the same year.

Its biggest hallmark is the gap between a friendly, nursery rhyme-like melody and lyrics that frankly portray the hardships of modern society.

Sung plainly with a bright, clear voice, it creates a unique atmosphere where you’re not sure whether to laugh or empathize.

It’s a track that lets everyone get fired up together while sharing the fatigue of everyday life.

Rock this Partytimelesz

timelesz ｢Rock this Party｣ (YouTube Ver.)

The party tune unleashed by the newly reformed timelesz has the power to heat up a venue in an instant.

Released in February 2025, this track debuted at No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Digital Singles Chart.

It’s an energetic dance number perfectly suited to mark the beginning of the group’s new chapter as an eight-member unit formed through an audition project.

The lyrics express the joy of chasing dreams with friends and the courage to take a step forward as yourself, gently giving listeners a push.

It was also featured in Universal Music’s spring song campaign commercial and drew attention for its collaboration with Kaya Kiyohara.

Ideal for weddings, party performances, or event openings—any scene where everyone wants to get fired up.

Its celebratory sound will make special moments even more dazzling!

rock starAdo

[Ado] Rockstar

Singer Ado, who rocketed from an internet vocalist to stardom and continues to shine internationally with achievements like a successful world tour, has released this track on her first best-of album, “Ado no Best Album,” commemorating the 5th anniversary of her major-label debut in April 2025.

The song was chosen as the new corporate advertising CM song for Marubeni Corporation.

Blending lyrics that deliver a message of support to those who keep chasing their dreams with an emotional rock sound, it becomes a powerful anthem.

The protagonist, who pushes forward despite loneliness and anxiety, will encourage anyone who continues to take on challenges.

It’s a high-energy number, perfect for moments when you want to feel a sense of unity across the entire venue.

TWILIGHT!!!King Gnu

King Gnu – TWILIGHT!!!

King Gnu, a band that continues to lead Japan’s music scene with a sound that effortlessly leaps across genre boundaries.

Written as the theme song for the theatrical feature Detective Conan: The One-Eyed Afterimage, released in April 2025, this track intertwines a fast, danceable beat with a melody tinged with a certain wistfulness.

The lyrics portray the desperate emotions of trying to hold on to someone who seems to be slipping away, expanding into a dramatic world that overlaps with the fleetingness of twilight.

With an irresistible groove that makes your body move naturally, this song is perfect for moments when you want to engage the whole venue—like school festivals or wedding after-parties.

A recommended track for those who want to energize the crowd with danceable rock.

UMA WITH A MISSIONyonseikyu

Su-xing-cyu “UMA WITH A MISSION” Official MUSIC VIDEO

Born from the delightfully outlandish idea of everyone cheering on a newborn foal as it struggles to stand, this is a track by Su-Xing-Cyu (Yonseikyu).

Released in February 2023, it was included on the 2024 album “Otokedokei” (Sound Clock).

Its lively tempo naturally brings a smile to your face.

Perform it at a party and, despite the goofy premise, it somehow ends up really moving—guaranteed to set that kind of mood! Highly recommended for anyone who wants to raise their voices together and get the crowd going.

Dragon sewing kit (lol)Chōnōryoku Senshi Dorian

Psychic Warrior Dorian: 'Dragon Sewing Kit (lol)'

Do you remember the thrill of flipping through the home economics supply catalog back in elementary school? This song by Psychic Warrior Dorian belts out that universal moment of “choosing your sewing kit” with full force.

Among designs like sporty brand knockoffs and supercar prints, it’s a nostalgic, laugh-inducing track that brings back the oddly specific memory of picking the dragon pattern for some reason.

It’s included on the mini-album ‘Oozora Cruising,’ released in July 2024.

Perform it at a party, and you’ll definitely spark a chorus of “Oh yeah, that!” from friends of the same generation.