[2026] Must-listen! This Year's Best Japanese Hit Songs
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!
Playlist
| [2026] Must-listen! This Year's Best Japanese Hit Songs | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| show_chart | Title | Playlist | Review |
| 1 | Fivearashi |  play_arrow | Arashi’s new song “five” is a track that expresses the bond of the five members. |
| 2 | Cold NightHANA |  play_arrow | HANA’s support song dedicated to those who chase their dreams |
| 3 | first cryMr.Children |  play_arrow | A song by Mr.Children that affirms the preciousness of living |
| 4 | Let’s dance!Snow Man |  play_arrow | A fun dance party song by Snow Man |
| 5 | I love you explosivelyM!LK |  play_arrow | M!LK’s explosively positive song affirming love |
| 6 | My cutieMON7A |  play_arrow | MON7A’s love song is hugely popular on YouTube |
| 7 | Welcome back, Johnny.ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION |  play_arrow | A rock song by ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION themed around homecoming and reunion |
| 8 | green leavesimase |  play_arrow | A sentimental song that portrays the confusion of youth and coming-of-age |
| 9 | Ten Billion Cravings for ApprovalRemioromen |  play_arrow | Remioromen’s first new song in 15 years |
| 10 | ploverYorushika |  play_arrow | Yorushika’s poignant song with a Kenji motif |
| 11 | gang up on someone; beat someone up badly; total beatdownWANIMA |  play_arrow | A surging fighting spirit and a band sound brimming with speed |
| 12 | TouchInaba Hiroshi |  play_arrow | A beloved national anime song has evolved through a rock cover |
| 13 | Ignis -Ignis-Nishikawa Takanori |  play_arrow | Takanori Nishikawa’s anime opening theme song |
| 14 | Lucky I love youAI |  play_arrow | A warm message song by AI |
| 15 | This very dayUru |  play_arrow | An epic ballad for a movie theme song |
| 16 | ActionAKATSUKI |  play_arrow | An addictive dance track in which AKASAKI depicts adolescence |
| 17 | by all means; no matter what; at any costback number |  play_arrow | back number's Winter Olympics theme song |
| 18 | OLD meets NEWDa-iCE |  play_arrow | Dance-pop that fuses nostalgia and freshness from Da-iCE |
| 19 | Mirror, mirrorSaitō Kazuyoshi |  play_arrow | The importance of sticking to your convictions in Saito Kazuyoshi’s TV drama theme song |
| 20 | I don’t need it.Sakanakushon |  play_arrow | Sakanaction, a dance tune for a TV drama theme song |
| 21 | Ride the windRyokushokushakai |  play_arrow | A single that sings of anxiety and courage toward dreams |
| 22 | ALL DAYBE:FIRST |  play_arrow | BE:FIRST 5th Anniversary Song |
| 23 | layersyuzu |  play_arrow | A commemorative song passing down memories 15 years after the earthquake disaster |
| 24 | oarYorushika |  play_arrow | A song by Yorushika themed as an answer to anger |
| 25 | vivariumAdo |  play_arrow | A rock song based on Ado’s autobiographical novel |
| 26 | Serenadenatori |  play_arrow | Oshi no Ko ED theme song, a lyrical dance beat |
| 27 | SaturdayMr.Children |  play_arrow | Relax with the new song by Mr.Children |
| 28 | My PlaceFuji Kaze |  play_arrow | Fujii Kaze’s Multicultural Baseball Cheer Song |
| 29 | LumièreHarukamirai |  play_arrow | Emo rock depicting hardships by Harukamirai |
| 30 | It’s a love like cherry blossoms.miwa |  play_arrow | miwa’s new spring song, a love ballad themed around cherry blossoms |
| 31 | ALL INHANA |  play_arrow | A high-energy track that portrays the resolve to charge forward with full force |
| 32 | WonderlandOmoinotake |  play_arrow | Depicting the loneliness and brilliance of graduation in the Uni-Haru 2026 commercial song |
| 33 | Pardon the excessPorunogurafiti |  play_arrow | Period-piece theme song by Porno Graffitti |
| 34 | CaravanNovelbright |  play_arrow | Novelbright's new song encourages the journey of life |
| 35 | Discomutant!CUTIE STREET |  play_arrow | Intercultural Exchange Disco between Aliens and Earthlings |
| 36 | The Story of the Wind and MeMiyamoto Hiroji |  play_arrow | A warm, positive message song by Hiroji Miyamoto |
| 37 | Put magic in your pocketHata Motohiro |  play_arrow | Motohiro Hata releases a new song as a TV drama theme |
| 38 | 0.2mmŌmori Motoki |  play_arrow | Motoki Omori’s new solo mid-tempo ballad |
| 39 | Gods’ Play feat. Naomi WatanabeNakajima Kento |  play_arrow | Kento Nakajima and Naomi Watanabe collaborate |
| 40 | Let’s get started.Remioromen |  play_arrow | Remioromen’s first new song in 15 years |
| 41 | brilliant; radiantSUPER BEAVER |  play_arrow | SUPER BEAVER's movie theme song |
| 42 | crescendoM!LK |  play_arrow | A classic idol song produced by Hayato Sano |
| 43 | In both shadows and sunlightTravis Japan |  play_arrow | Travis Japan’s new song has the theme of duality |
| 44 | I want someone to tell me, “The moon is beautiful, isn’t it?”Kakizaki Yūta |  play_arrow | Yuta Kakizaki’s love song is now available for streaming |
| 45 | Take off your glasses.nozomi |  play_arrow | A pop song that expresses feelings of love through mathematics |
| 46 | STARSSnow Man |  play_arrow | Snow Man releases a sports cheer song for streaming |
| 47 | Medianochezutto mayonaka de ii no ni. |  play_arrow | Medianoche depicts the conflict at midnight. |
| 48 | BANQUET BANGMAZZEL |  play_arrow | MAZZEL’s rapturous dance music |
| 49 | ray Ultra Princess Kaguya! Versionkaguya (cv. Natsuyoshi Yuuko), tsukimi yachiyo (cv. Hayami Saori) |  play_arrow | Ending theme song of a Netflix film |
| 50 | Fashion Killa♡Aee! group |  play_arrow | Aぇ! group new song Fashion Killer |
| 51 | HIROYUKIMasato Hayashi |  play_arrow | Masato’s new work showcases courage and passion |
| 52 | ENDROLLKawakami Yohei [Alexandros]×SennaRin | ![ENDROLLKawakami Yohei [Alexandros]×SennaRin](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/rnbohJ1xS1s/default.jpg) play_arrow | Insert song for a Gundam movie, featuring multiple artists |
| 53 | PurikyukyuCUTIE STREET |  play_arrow | A song by an idol spreading “KAWAII” to the world |
| 54 | MadderYorushika |  play_arrow | A movie theme song inspired by Fujimura’s poetry |
| 55 | one secondSixTONES |  play_arrow | SixTONES produces the support song for the Milan Olympics |
| 56 | AIZOKing Gnu |  play_arrow | King Gnu’s intense, adrenaline-charged rock filled with a sense of urgency |
| 57 | This is just fine!WEST. |  play_arrow | An energetic uptempo track that showcases the group's evolution |
| 58 | By the side on a moonlit nightUru |  play_arrow | Uru writes a new song for a film’s theme |
| 59 | PuzzleIkuta Rira |  play_arrow | Rira Ikuta releases “Puzzle,” the theme song for a dating show |
| 60 | cliffhangerHinatazaka46 |  play_arrow | A song where Manami Ohno Center’s emotional expression shines |
| 61 | When our eyes metFRUITS ZIPPER |  play_arrow | A new song by a band spreading Kawaii from Harajuku. |
| 62 | PROVANTSawanoHiroyuki[nZk]:Jean-Ken Johnny & TAKUMA | ![PROVANTSawanoHiroyuki[nZk]:Jean-Ken Johnny & TAKUMA](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/bQVMACYeCYs/default.jpg) play_arrow | New song from Hiroyuki Sawano's vocal project |
| 63 | HYPNOTIZEXG |  play_arrow | A song that captivates listeners with its dreamy, ethereal sound |
| 64 | The Story of Usmilet |  play_arrow | Sousou no Frieren Season 2 Ending Theme |
| 65 | PlaysicYorushika |  play_arrow | A heart-stirring song from Yorushika’s commercial |
| 66 | Angel SeekAdo |  play_arrow | Ado releases new song 'Angel Seek' |
| 67 | AgainMr.Children |  play_arrow | A rock song themed around Mr.Children’s comeback |
| 68 | DEAD CENTER feat. LiSAREOL |  play_arrow | A powerful song collaborated with LiSA, a fiery feeling |
| 69 | Slay! Mi AmoreJuice=Juice |  play_arrow | Latin-style dance tune, an upbeat love song |
| 70 | A Crescendo of Falling in LoveHinatazaka46 |  play_arrow | A coming-of-age pop song by Hinatazaka46’s 5th generation |
| 71 | TEST MEchanmina |  play_arrow | Chanmina’s “TEST ME” is overwhelming energy |
| 72 | Lullaby (Prod. ALYSA)Reiko |  play_arrow | REIKO’s released track “Lullaby” is moving. |
| 73 | bashfulnessHey! Say! JUMP |  play_arrow | Hey! Say! JUMP’s love-support song |
| 74 | GaiaSiip |  play_arrow | The mysterious music of Siip resonates with the heart. |
| 75 | UnderdogEVE |  play_arrow | Expressing self-affirmation and emotional fluctuations in the age of social media |
| 76 | LOVE 2000tsuru and kame |  play_arrow | Movie theme song by Jutaro Yamanaka and Aloha Takamatsu |
| 77 | HARD WORKnaniwa danshi |  play_arrow | 10th single to be released in February 2026, theme song for a drama. |
| 78 | Wimarma Sagashigure ui |  play_arrow | Shigure Ui’s genius song showdown |
| 79 | faint noseKitanitatsuya feat. BABYMETA |  play_arrow | Masterpieces by Tatsuya Kitani and BABYMETAL |
| 80 | The world has ended.Yuuri |  play_arrow | A moving song that conveys love through Yuuri’s powerful vocals |
| 81 | The color of happinessOnda Masanori |  play_arrow | Masayuki Onda, a TikTok sensation, and his bittersweet love song |
| 82 | My respectNogizaka 46 |  play_arrow | A moving piece that portrays respect and history |
| 83 | obsessive loveWEST. |  play_arrow | WEST new song drama theme song |
| 84 | Sensation SeasonSuda Masaki |  play_arrow | Masaki Suda’s music: timeless songs that resonate with the heart |
| 85 | BRAVE GROOVEiLiFE! |  play_arrow | A fiery anime theme song that makes your body move |
| 86 | XTCNakajima Kento |  play_arrow | A powerful song that depicts the truth behind the mask |
| 87 | streetlightBE:FIRST |  play_arrow | A warm song of empathy echoing on a winter night |
| 88 | Stay with meTele |  play_arrow | Singer Tele’s heartwarming song |
| 89 | favorite songfumino |  play_arrow | Debut of an uplifting pop-rock song |
| 90 | AdrenaYOASOBI |  play_arrow | Expressing love with the high-speed sounds of school life |
| 91 | PLAYER 1Ryokushokushakai |  play_arrow | An uplifting song that turns a crisis into an opportunity |
| 92 | monologueOmoinotake |  play_arrow | The ending theme song of the anime “The Apothecary Diaries” |
| 93 | lulu.Mrs. GREEN APPLE |  play_arrow | The opening theme song of the anime “Frieren” is moving. |
| 94 | BABYYOASOBI |  play_arrow | A poignant love song about pure affection and wavering emotions |
| 95 | A Lump of LoveDOMOTO |  play_arrow | A love ballad of warmth and wistfulness |
| 96 | 3XLNumber_i |  play_arrow | Number_i's first love song, with pure lyrics and a groovy feel |
| 97 | Intro “Soul Quake”watson |  play_arrow | A searing intensity that shakes the soul with real, down-to-earth words |
| 98 | Song of dawnjo0ji |  play_arrow | The moving songs of the anime Jujutsu Kaisen |
| 99 | Nebula RomancePerfume |  play_arrow | Perfume’s latest song, “Harmony of Space and Love” |
| 100 | Nobody Knowsmilet |  play_arrow | A song about finding oneself, a challenge piece for a movie theme song |
| 101 | ShareYU-KI |  play_arrow | Theme song that immerses you in the world of book thieves |
| 102 | BaburinHIMEHINA |  play_arrow | A summer song by HIMEHINA, a life that pops like bubbles |
| 103 | Midnight ReflectionNOMELON NOLEMON |  play_arrow | A grand insert song imbued with feelings for the cosmos |
| 104 | Two People in a Fading CitySazan Ōrusutāzu |  play_arrow | The melancholy of dusk, feelings beyond words |
| 105 | Never Romanticnaniwa danshi |  play_arrow | A party tune that captures the thrill of love |
| 106 | Blue NoiseRyosuke Yamada |  play_arrow | Ryōsuke Yamada’s Japanese-style hip-hop track, an anime theme song |
| 107 | Dead Or AliveGLAY |  play_arrow | GLAY’s powerful new song to be the theme for an anime |
| 108 | Crashing WinnersVOLTACTION×3SKM |  play_arrow | A VTuber collaboration track—an intense song that evokes the night before a revolution. |
| 109 | Bizarre DismantlingMURASAKI |  play_arrow | The popular theme song of an urban-legend game |
| 110 | replicaVaundy |  play_arrow | A composition of selfhood, a song of conflict and will |
| 111 | Fireworks in Augustmurasaki ima |  play_arrow | The changing seasons and thoughts for a loved one |
| 112 | exceed; surpass; go beyond; cross (over)[Alexandros] | ![exceed; surpass; go beyond; cross (over)[Alexandros]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/WsEhSXH497I/default.jpg) play_arrow | Anime theme song, a rousing anthem that colors a passionate world |
| 113 | MAKE IT, BREAK ITFLOW GLOW |  play_arrow | A boundary-pushing dance number that makes your heart leap. |
| 114 | SanitizerOfisharu Higedan Dism |  play_arrow | Message of self-growth and purification of human relationships |
| 115 | loveUru |  play_arrow | A song of pain and love that lingers, seeping into the heart. |
| 116 | My PrincessROIROM |  play_arrow | A love song lit by winter candles |
| 117 | trajectoryVaundy |  play_arrow | An epic musical and a moving depiction of Earth’s history |
| 118 | Sorry for singing.AKASAKI |  play_arrow | The passionate song by AKASAKI from the NEC LAVIE commercial |
| 119 | True LoveINI |  play_arrow | A coming-of-age pop-rock song for a movie theme |
| 120 | LAVALAVANumber_i |  play_arrow | A driving love song that’s both brisk and chill, transcending the suffocation of the city. |
| 121 | Welcome To Our Show TonightTravis Japan |  play_arrow | Travis Japan’s swing jazz makes you forget your fatigue |
| 122 | FakeNise Akira |  play_arrow | Nise-Akira, Gen Hoshino’s alter ego, makes his major debut. |
| 123 | bondKamenashi Kazuya |  play_arrow | The moving ballad from Gokusen will be in the spotlight again in 2025. |
| 124 | RIDEONE N’ ONLY |  play_arrow | A tropical summer dance number |
| 125 | end creditsTakahashi Yuu |  play_arrow | A heartwarming 15th-anniversary ballad filled with gratitude for the fans |
| 126 | NON STOPHANA |  play_arrow | A song that expresses HANA’s dream and the journey of one year |