Lovely hit song

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

Accompanist / Piano Instructoryuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.
A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerAraki Jakkan
I’ve worked in a variety of roles—regardless of pro or amateur settings—including live event PA, cameraman for video and photography, restaurant staff, and logistics center staff. I now spend my days as a part-time writer. I’ve contributed to music and manga websites with feature/review articles, and wrote the liner notes included as a bonus for 1st PLACE Inc.’s “IA SUPER BEST.” As for my music background, I started playing guitar in junior high and focused on band activities during my school years. For over 15 years since then, up to the present, I’ve continued releasing original tracks as a Vocaloid producer. My areas of expertise are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.

We’ve put together the latest hit songs you’ll definitely want to check out if you’ve been wondering, “What tracks are trending right now?” From classic tunes by popular artists to those buzzy songs that lit up anime and TikTok—this playlist captures the sound of “now” in Japanese music.

Find tracks that match your taste and hit repeat.

It’s perfect not only for trend-chasers, but also for those who don’t usually listen to much music and just want to keep up a little!

[2026] Must-Listen! This Year’s Japanese Hit Songs Best (121–130)

True LoveINI

INI | ’True Love’ Performance Video

True LoveINI

A youthful pop-rock number by INI included on THE WINTER MAGIC.

It was released in November 2025.

Written as the youth-theme song for the live-action film Romantic Killer, the track captures the exhilaration of the moment you fall in love—when the world bursts into color—through a buoyant beat and band-driven sound.

The chorus features a catchy melody that makes you want to sing along.

The lyrics convey a sincere desire to cherish days filled with heart-fluttering excitement, evoking the sweet and bittersweet memories of youth.

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LAVALAVANumber_i

Number_i – LAVALAVA (Official Visualizer)

LAVALAVANumber_i

Included on the deluxe edition of Number_i’s second album, “No.

II,” this track is a driving song that fuses an up-tempo beat—like speeding down the highway—with a sweet, romantic melody.

While subtly weaving in the suffocating aspects of urban life and the anonymity of the online world, it portrays a down-to-earth love where the time spent with the person by your side is the one thing that feels genuinely warm.

The sound balances both a sense of speed and a chill mood—quintessentially Number_i.

It’s the perfect song for a winter night drive date.

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Welcome To Our Show TonightTravis Japan

Travis Japan – ‘Welcome To Our Show Tonight’ Music Video

Welcome To Our Show TonightTravis Japan

A glamorous swing-jazz number from Travis Japan.

Featured on the album ‘s travelers,’ this track stands out with its big-band-style horn section and buoyant rhythms, giving you the exhilaration of being there the moment a Broadway curtain rises.

The lyrics carry a message: forget your daily fatigue and enjoy the show together—your smile is the missing piece that completes the stage.

It’s a show tune you’ll want to play when you need a boost.

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RIDEONE N’ ONLY

ONE N’ ONLY／ “RIDE” Music Video

RIDEONE N' ONLY

It’s a dance number that lets you feel a refreshing, happy vibe—like going on a drive with friends, swept by a tropical breeze.

Tropical sounds and reggaeton rhythms intertwine comfortably, resulting in a catchy track that makes your body move before you know it.

The lyrics sprinkle in English and Spanish, carrying a positive message that crosses borders and brings everyone together.

It’s filled with the glow of time spent with someone special and the uplifting energy of enjoying the moment.

Included on ONE N’ ONLY’s major-label debut album “AMAZONIA,” set for release in November 2025, this track is perfect for summer drives and parties with friends.

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end creditsTakahashi Yuu

Yu Takahashi “End Roll” MV

end creditsTakahashi Yuu

This is a mid-tempo ballad released in July 2025, marking the 15th anniversary of their major-label debut.

The song is filled with gratitude for the fans, staff, and friends who have supported them over the past 15 years, as well as a strong desire to keep singing into the future.

The first half unfolds gently, centered on piano, and gradually builds into a dynamic full-band sound in the latter half—an arrangement that’s truly moving.

It’s a warm number recommended for moments when you want to reflect on bonds with someone important or when you’re reaching a milestone in life.

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In producing this article

Editorial Policy

We researched charts across various music websites and streaming services to select tracks. In addition to numerical data, we also checked factors like buzz, recognition, and tie-in information. Drawing on experience as a music writer and taking a multifaceted view of the term “hit,” we picked out the songs.

Yuri (accompanying pianist / piano instructor)

Wakagen Araki (a Vocaloid producer who is also a music writer)

[Evidence]

[About the order of publication]

Based on the editorial team’s research results, the final decision also takes into account the total number of your “Rank Up” and “Rank Down” button presses.

[Update History]

March 17, 2026: Added/updated 4 reviews.
March 9, 2026: Added or updated 17 reviews and updated the entire article.
2026/3/2: Added/updated one review.
2026/2/26: Added/updated three reviews.
February 24, 2026: Added and updated 15 reviews and updated the entire article.
February 12, 2026: Added/updated 14 reviews and refreshed the entire article.
February 10, 2026: Added/updated one review.
January 29, 2026: Added/updated 12 reviews.
January 27, 2026: Added and updated three reviews.
Jan 21, 2026: Added/updated 5 reviews.
2026/1/15: Added/updated 15 reviews.
2025/12/30: Added/updated 1 review.
2025/12/25: Added/updated 15 reviews.
Dec 24, 2025: Added/updated one review.
2025/12/17: Added/updated 1 review.
2025/12/10: Added or updated 14 reviews.
2025/12/9: Added/updated 1 review.
December 4, 2025: Added/updated three reviews.
Published the article on 2023/10/30.