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[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!

Popular songs (91–100)

Different / No / That’s not rightNEW!Daichi Yamamoto, MIKADO, NENE

An electrifying collaboration track where three rappers with distinct sensibilities and backgrounds intersect.

Released in March 2026, this song is the official collaborative piece planned as an original track for the POP YOURS hip-hop festival held in April.

The appeal lies in how Daichi Yamamoto, MIKADO, and NENE each clash their individuality head-on.

Rather than smoothing things out, they deliberately keep their differences intact while riding an addictive trap beat—and it’s undeniably cool.

Give it a listen when you want to clear a foggy mood or fire yourself up.

BE:FIRST ALL DAYNEW!BE:FIRST

BE:FIRST / BE:FIRST ALL DAY -Official Audio-
BE:FIRST ALL DAYNEW!BE:FIRST

This is a luxurious hip-hop track.

Created to mark the fifth anniversary of BE:FIRST, the boy group formed through an audition, this work showcases their fiery determination to remain a group for life.

It was released in March 2026.

The track overflows with an energetic vibe as they head toward new challenges.

Give it a listen when you want to charge forward with all your might or lift your spirits.

LET YOU GOBi-rei -Bi-ray-

Bi-ray / LET YOU GO (Official Music Video)
LET YOU GOBi-rei -Bi-ray-

A heart-wrenching ballad that captures emotions swaying between the happiness of the past and the reality of parting.

While holding onto the pain of heartbreak and lingering attachment, it ultimately conveys a down-to-earth resolve to let go and move forward on one’s own path.

With overwhelming vocal power intertwined with delicate expression, it evokes not only sadness but also a palpable heat and strength.

This work is by the girls’ vocal group Bi-ray, with an average age of 15, produced by YOSHIKI.

Following their world debut with “Butterfly” in June 2025, it was released in March 2026.

When you want to sever ties with an unforgettable past and take a fresh first step, this piece will gently give you a push.

Medianochezutto mayonaka de ii no ni.

ZUTOMAYO “Medianoche” MV (I wish it could stay midnight forever.)
Medianochezutto mayonaka de ii no ni.

This is a track titled with the Spanish word for “midnight.” Written and composed by ACA-ne, with arrangement contributions from 100kai Vomit and others, it was released in January 2026 as a lead single from the album “Keisoudo,” which is set to be released in March 2026.

The lyrics, depicting the struggle of acting to fit in and the inner wear and tear, really hit home.

Give it a listen on nights when you’re a bit worn out from daily life and want to reset your feelings.

angina pectorisMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – Angina / Kyoshinsho [Audio]
angina pectorisMrs. GREEN APPLE

Among the projects commemorating the 20th anniversary of RADWIMPS’s major-label debut, this tribute stands out as a particularly hot topic.

The once heavy guitar rock has been reborn into a delicate arrangement featuring piano and strings, and it moves me anew every time I listen.

Over its extended runtime of about 6 minutes and 50 seconds, it portrays an inner struggle against the pain and suffering that pervade the world.

Mrs.

GREEN APPLE’s uniquely transparent vocals seem to gently envelop that weight.

Why not take a quiet night to immerse yourself in it alone?

YouNEW!WILD BLUE

WILD BLUE ‘You’ Official MV
YouNEW!WILD BLUE

Released as their eighth single in March 2026, this song by the boy group WILD BLUE is a medium-tempo ballad written as the theme for the drama “Bad Choice, Good Love.” Its melody blends warmth with poignancy, creating a comforting number that sings about embracing regret and lingering feelings in love while finding the resolve to move forward.

It’s the kind of song many listeners will inevitably relate to their own experiences.

A work we hope you’ll listen to when you want to overcome the pain of heartbreak.

Cartoon girlKanaria

[GUMI] Cartoon Girl [Kanaria]
Cartoon girlKanaria

Released in November 2025, this work is a pop tune produced by Kanaria—who has created numerous hits as a Vocaloid producer—featuring GUMI on vocals.

The lyrics weave sensory words in which sweetness and pain intersect, portraying emotions swaying between ideals and reality through metaphors of taste and color.

A brisk beat and highly addictive melody are condensed into a short runtime, with an impressive structure that feels like a succession of choruses.

Illustrator LAM’s striking visuals combine with video crafted by Kanaria himself to create a world that’s pop yet tinged with unease.

It’s a recommended track for when you want to hype things up at karaoke or check in on the latest Vocaloid scene.