[2026] Must-listen! This Year's Best Japanese Hit Songs

HIROYUKIMasato Hayashi

Masato Hayashi – HIROYUKI [Official Music Video]

“HIROYUKI” by rapper Masato Hayashi is a much-talked-about release that dropped in January 2026.

The lyrics, which slice into his own background with humor and logic, are a standout feature.

The track is infused with the resolve to fight in a competitive world, and it’s sure to give you courage when you listen.

It’s an energetic hip-hop tune where meticulously calculated flows coexist with the raw heat of his words.

ENDROLLKawakami Yohei [Alexandros]×SennaRin

Yohei Kawakami [Alexandros] × SennaRin “ENDROLL” Music Video

It’s a song featured as an insert track in the film Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway’s Flash – Witch of Circe, released in January 2026, heightening a pivotal scene in the story.

It brings together Yohei Kawakami of the rock band [Alexandros] and the husky-voiced singer SennaRin, with a superb cinematic sound crafted by Hiroyuki Sawano.

The lyrics switch perspectives between the first and second verses, carrying the story’s tension straight through.

It’s a highly recommended track that will surely seep deep into your heart when you listen alone on a quiet night.

PurikyukyuCUTIE STREET

[MV] CUTIE STREET “Purikyukyu”

How about an irresistibly cute dance number bursting with dazzling synths? Performed by CUTIE STREET, an idol group bringing “KAWAII” to the world, this track centers on “purikura,” a true symbol of youth culture.

Written and composed by YUPPA, it captures the rush of a photo booth session and all its quirky ‘relatable moments’ with addictive flair.

It’s the perfect sound for those times when you just want to boost your mood.

MadderYorushika

Madder

This song was created using a poem from Shimazaki Tōson’s collection Wakana-shū as its motif.

It was newly written as the theme song for the theatrical film The Dangers in My Heart, released in February 2026.

Its nostalgic arrangement, colored by the sound of the erhu, and its literary lyrics that depict scenes at dusk have a deeply moving charm that resonates with listeners.

It’s an emotionally rich rock tune you’ll want to listen to while taking a walk at twilight.

Please take your time and give it a careful listen.

one secondSixTONES

SixTONES – One Second [YouTube ver.]

Since their CD debut in January 2020, SixTONES have made a distinct mark with a diverse musicality spanning rock, R&B, and more.

This track was created to vividly color the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics, which begin in February 2026.

The carefully woven lyrics—based on the real voices of athletes heard by the anchor team during interviews—encourage not only competitors taking on their events, but everyone striving toward their goals.

It’s an emotional cheer song that portrays the resolve to move forward.