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

exceed; surpass; go beyond; cross (over)[Alexandros]

[Alexandros] – Transcend (MV) (Anime “Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray” Season 1 Opening Theme)

This is a powerful track crafted by [Alexandros] as the opening theme that colors the passionate world of the anime Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray.

Released in April 2025, it is also included on the album PROVOKE, which came out the same month.

The song links beautifully with the story of the protagonist Oguri Cap as she confronts herself and breaks through her limits, with lyrics and composition by vocalist Yohei Kawakami truly shining.

Its dynamic shifts in tempo and intensity seem to sonically portray both the tension of the races and the protagonist’s inner turmoil.

While it delivers a strong rock sound, it also maintains a delicate lyrical sensibility, striking a perfect balance.

It’s a motivational anthem that anyone taking on a challenge or trying to overcome a wall should definitely hear.

PLAYER 1Ryokushokushakai

Ryokuoushoku Shakai 'PLAYER 1' Official Video / Ryokuoushoku Shakai – PLAYER 1

Released as the lead single ahead of their fifth full-length album Channel U in February 2025, this track is Ryokuoushoku Shakai’s latest anthem.

It carries a positive message that frames moments of crisis as gateways to opportunity.

Haruko Nagaya’s soaring vocals and the lively accompaniment instantly lift the listener’s spirits.

In its brief 3 minutes and 15 seconds, the song packs a rush of momentum and affirmation.

Play it when you need to fire yourself up for a crucial moment or flip your mental switch.

Bizarre DismantlingMURASAKI

Urban Legend Dismantling Center theme song “Kiki Kaitai” music video

This song, produced by MURASAKI, a Vocaloid producer, was created as the theme for the mystery adventure game “Urban Legend Dismantling Center,” which focuses on the supernatural and urban legends.

It seamlessly blends tense, atmosphere-rich sound design that matches the game’s world with a catchy, memorable melody.

When the game was released in February 2025, it surpassed 100,000 copies in just ten days, prompting the production of a music video.

Since then, the track has gained so much popularity that it has spawned multiple versions, including jazz and heavy metal arrangements.

It’s a must-listen not only for those who have finished the game, but also for anyone who enjoys songs with a mysterious vibe.

Two People in a Fading CitySazan Ōrusutāzu

Two People in a Fading City

This is a gently melancholic song that evokes a twilight cityscape and seeps into the heart.

It’s included on the album “THANK YOU SO MUCH,” released in March 2025 by Southern All Stars, the rock band that has led the Japanese music scene for many years.

The lyrics portray a man and woman in a delicate, not-quite-lovers relationship, with only time slipping by—a sense of helplessness conveyed through Keisuke Kuwata’s tenacious, resonant vocals.

The track also serves as the theme song for the film “Sunflower on the Board,” enveloping the story in a lingering afterglow.

I especially recommend it to anyone seeking a ballad that quietly stays by your side at the end of the day when you’re alone, or when you’re carrying feelings that are hard to put into words.

Nebula RomancePerfume

Nebula Romance

Marking the milestones of their 25th anniversary as a group and 20 years since their major-label debut, Perfume released this song in April 2025.

It also made headlines for being performed as a real-time spatial transmission using cutting-edge IOWN communication technology at the NTT Pavilion of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai.

Produced by Yasutaka Nakata, it unfolds a grand worldview that fuses “nebula” with “romance.” The shimmering synths and airy beats feel sublime, and the lyrics—where cosmic scale overlaps with feelings of love—are especially captivating.

Perfect for a drive or a relaxing night.

ShareYU-KI

YUKI『Share』

This piece was written as the theme song for the theatrical anime “Those Who Steal This Book,” released on December 26, 2025.

Its radiant ensemble of strings and horns creates a soaring sense of immersion, drawing you into the world of the story.

The lyrics express a desire to cherish those fleeting moments when paths cross, even if we can’t fully understand one another—an idea that resonates with YUKI’s own words that the immersive experiences of reading and music are alike.

It’s the perfect number for times when you want to feel a connection with someone.

FakeNise Akira

Nise Akira – Fake (feat. Usono Haruomi, Miyabi Mamoru, Kamishiraishi Mane) [Official Video]

Nise-Akira, a character long loved as Gen Hoshino’s close ally, has been making waves with the news that he will finally make his major debut in 2025.

Released in June 2025, this track started as an April Fools’ project, but became a reality thanks to fervent fan demand.

Characterized by a groove-rich sound rooted in Black music, the song stands out for its lyrics that sift through the things and emotions around us to discern what’s fake and pursue the truth.

It’s a must-hear pop tune packed with Gen Hoshino’s entertainer charm.