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

By the side on a moonlit nightUru

[Official] Uru “By Your Side on a Moonlit Night” — Theme song for the film “The Guardian of the Camphor Tree”

Singer-songwriter Uru, whose mysterious vocals envelop listeners.

Produced by back number, this work was written as the theme song for the film “The Guardian of the Camphor Tree,” slated for release in January 2026.

Its sound feels like being illuminated by moonlight in the quiet, and the vocals, which gently scoop up feelings that defy words, resonate deeply in the heart.

It makes you empathize with that earnest longing to simply be by someone important.

If you listen at night when you want to spend time alone in silence, I think a gentle warmth will fill you to the depths of your heart.

obsessive loveWEST.

WEST. – Aishū [Official Music Video]

WEST., a seven-member group that captivates fans with their uniquely Kansai-born brightness and fiery performances.

Released as a digital single in January 2026, this track was created as the theme song for the TV Asahi drama “Zenbu, Anata no Tame Dakara,” starring member Ryusei Fujii.

From the intro, its bewitching atmosphere and the thrilling lyrical world where love turns into obsession seize the listener’s heart.

A mature, irresistibly sultry strong love song.

The Story of Usmilet

milet 'The Story of Us' MUSIC VIDEO (TV anime 'Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End' Season 2 Ending Theme)

Written specifically as the ending theme for the second season of the TV anime Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, this song is perfect for savoring the lingering emotions of the story.

Arranged by Evan Call, who also composed the score, its string-driven sound blends beautifully with the anime’s world.

Lyrics themed around journeys and memories intertwine with milet’s delicate vocals, kindling a quiet hope in the heart.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to at the end of the day, in a calm and unhurried mood.

TEST MEchanmina

CHANMINA – TEST ME (Official Music Video)

Chanmina’s “TEST ME” is a song you won’t forget after a single listen.

With her signature edgy sound, it turns even negative emotions like “resentment” and “jealousy” into fuel to move forward, radiating overwhelming energy.

Released as a single in January 2026, it was written as the opening theme for the third season of the TV anime Oshi no Ko.

Many listeners will likely be moved by the determination to prove oneself while enduring others’ gazes and judgments.

HARD WORKnaniwa danshi

Naniwa Danshi – HARD WORK [Official Music Video]

Released in February 2026, this work is their tenth single overall.

It was selected as the theme song for the drama “Yokohama Neighbors Season 1,” co-produced by Tokai TV and WOWOW.

Branded as a swing-rock anthem, its sound features a bouncy beat and an exhilarating feel that naturally gets your body moving.

The lyrics are packed with fiery energy centered on themes of hard work and perseverance.

Give it a listen when you need the power to move forward.

BABYYOASOBI

BABY

This work is a bittersweet yet heartwarming love song that portrays pure feelings of love too deep for words and the wavering conflicts they bring.

Released in January 2026, it was written as the ending theme for the TV anime “For You in Full Bloom.” Ayase’s sound arrangement—built on the world of Yasuko Aoki’s original novel “My Dear……”—is perfect for lingering in the afterglow of the anime.

And ikura’s delicate vocals gently embrace the emotions that quietly grow deep within the heart.

It’s a song I recommend for nights when you want to sit in quiet contemplation.

favorite songfumino

Fumino / favorite song -Music Video-

Fumino, who drew major attention as the first artist on the label led by Chanmina, released this work as her debut single in January 2026.

It became a hot topic when it was revealed that Chanmina had written it as a “gift” to Fumino for her live performance on NTV’s Shuichi.

The brisk pop-rock sound highlights Fumino’s down-to-earth charm.

Packed with the bright energy of a so-called “vitamin song,” it’s perfect for mornings when you need a boost or when you’re ready to take a new step forward.