[April 2026] Trending songs: A roundup of the hottest, viral tracks right now
In Japan’s music scene—centered on J-pop—different songs and artists emerge each season.
The landscape changes rapidly, and it can be hard to keep up with what’s trending.
Still, there are times—like at karaoke or in conversation—when you might wish you knew the songs that are buzzing.
In this article, we introduce the latest popular Japanese tracks.
Alongside songs by leading artists driving the J-pop scene, we’ve also picked out theme songs from dramas and films, as well as tracks from buzzworthy newcomers.
Enjoy the current trends in music!
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Popular Songs (81–90)
all night longzutto mayonaka de ii no ni.

Dark, unsettling vibes that are stylish and cool! A track by the music unit “Zutto Mayonaka de Iinoni,” widely beloved by younger generations under the nickname “Zutomayo.” It’s a tie-in song chosen as the opening theme for the drama “The Murders at the Clock House.” Released in March 2026, the piece pairs lyrics that project an endless overnight loop of thoughts and a distorted kind of benevolence with an inviting sonic texture.
While the striking open-reel phrases make it a pleasantly listenable song, its intricate melodies are shaped into a pop sensibility—arguably making it a work that epitomizes today’s music scene.
It crashed in seconds.NEW!aoen

Aoen is a group gaining attention for their euphoria-filled performances and a worldview that portrays down-to-earth youth.
Released in March 2026, this work features a sound arrangement that incorporates the ticking of a clock, leaving a lasting impression.
Many listeners may find themselves relating their own experiences to the lyrics, which express the shock of falling in love in an instant.
I especially recommend it to those who want to savor that spark—the moments when your heart suddenly stirs in everyday life.
Head over heelsraisan

The ensemble, which fuses elements of 1980s-inspired disco kayō and city pop, feels fresh, doesn’t it? Many listeners will probably relate to the upbeat lyrics that wholeheartedly embrace the giddy state of being in love.
The band Raisan features Sāya from the comedy duo Sarand as the vocalist under the name CLR, joined by accomplished musicians including Enon Kawatani.
This track, which opens the mini-album “Killer Pass” released in February 2026, had already been performed live and was generating buzz.
Its dynamic bassline and catchy rap are addictive.
It’s highly recommended when you just want to get fired up and listen to something that will lift your spirits.
Mental Rentalmurasaki ima

Worried about others’ gazes and feeling like you might lose sight of your true self… This work offers solace for such modern anxieties.
It’s a track released in January 2026 by Shion Murasaki, a new-generation creator who rose to prominence with the SNS-born hit “Femme Fatale A.” Chosen as the ending theme for the TV anime “Scum of the Hero,” it dovetails with the inner conflicts faced by the characters.
With razor-sharp, wordplay-laced lyrics and an addictive rhythm, it portrays a heart swaying between authenticity and ideal.
In February 2026, a CD including live recordings was also released.
It’s a number you’ll want to play on nights when you want to reexamine your heart—its pop veneer hides a shadow that becomes irresistibly compelling.
0.2mmŌmori Motoki

Motoki Omori, known as the frontman of the national band Mrs.
GREEN APPLE, released the mini-album “OITOMA” in February 2026, marking the 5th anniversary of his solo career.
This song is included as its lead track.
Written specifically as the theme song for the film “90 Meters,” it’s a mid-tempo ballad that delivers universal themes—parent and child, love, and life’s turning points—with a quiet intensity.
Rather than dramatic shifts, its gentle, conversational vocals seep deeply into the heart, reminding listeners of the preciousness found in everyday, ordinary moments.
It’s recommended for those who want to experience an introspective, personal expression distinct from the band’s dazzling entertainment style, or for anyone who wants to spend a quiet night alone, immersing themselves in music.
3XLNumber_i

The digital single “3XL,” released in January 2026, also drew attention for being produced by member Sho Hirano.
As the group’s first love song, its striking contrast lies in pure, heartfelt lyrics riding over a heavy, bass-driven track.
The robust sound and the trio’s sense of groove stir listeners’ emotions and deepen immersion in the theme of romance.
It’s a dance-pop tune that signals a new creative chapter for them.
Popular songs (91–100)
Hill of HopeKing&Prince

Known affectionately as King Pri, King & Prince is a group where Nagase and Takahashi have been expanding their activities as actors and TV personalities.
This track, included on their album “STARRING” released in December 2025, is a buzzworthy energy song that was born from a segment on the variety show London Hearts.
With 50TA’s unique creative world as the songwriter-composer and a call-and-response that lets the audience join in, it overflows with the power to make listeners smile.
It also drew attention for its performance on Music Station SUPER LIVE 2025, broadcast in December 2025.
It’s an irresistibly upbeat number that we highly recommend when you want to get the crowd going at year-end events or sing along with friends at karaoke.


