[2026] Summary of Japanese Songs and J-POP Popular in the U.S.

Midnight Door ~ Stay With MeNEW!Matsubara Miki

"Midnight Door ~ Stay With Me" / Miki Matsubara Official Lyric Video

Riding the wave of the city pop revival, this piece has won love across borders.

Set to a sophisticated sound that colors the urban night, it portrays lingering feelings for a former lover and memories that flood in at unexpected moments, with Miki Matsubara’s emotionally rich vocals resonating poignantly yet pleasantly.

Released in November 1979 as her debut single, it’s included on the acclaimed album “POCKET PARK.” Around 2020, roughly forty years later, cover videos by overseas YouTubers spread on social media, sparking a global revival hit in places like the United States.

Even now, its fresh, groovy vibe adds a touch of color to a nighttime drive or a quiet evening spent alone.

KICK BACKNEW!Yonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – KICKBACK

Kenshi Yonezu is a singer-songwriter whose boundary-defying, original musicality has drawn intense attention both in Japan and abroad.

His single “KICK BACK,” released in November 2022 as the opening theme for the TV anime Chainsaw Man, achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the first Japanese-language song to be certified Gold by the RIAA.

The sound—expressed through fierce beats and dizzying key changes—captures protagonist Denji’s urgent desires and inner conflicts, perfectly syncing with the anime’s depiction of a chaotic world.

It’s a rock tune with a powerful impact, ideal for blasting away a gloomy mood and recharging your energy.

I’d rather die.NEW!Fuji Kaze

Fujii Kaze – Shinunoga E-Wa (Not a MV)

An addictive track that brilliantly fuses emotionally evocative phrases reminiscent of Showa-era kayōkyoku with a modern trap beat.

It conveys an extreme form of love—the fierce obsession with the beloved, and the idea that one would rather choose their own end than lose that person—expressed through Fujii Kaze’s sultry vocals.

Although included on his first album, HELP EVER HURT NEVER, released in 2020, the song went explosively viral on social media around July 2022, about two years after its release, sparked by a boom in Thailand.

Its momentum was tremendous, dominating charts across multiple countries and even earning a performance slot on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

This passionate number, which set the world ablaze, is a must-listen for those consumed by all-too-intense love or anyone who wants to feel Japan’s unique groove that has been acclaimed overseas.

silhouetteNEW!KANA-BOON

KANA-BOON “Silhouette” Music Video

KANA-BOON’s signature number, beloved as the opening theme of the globally popular anime Naruto Shippuden and cherished by fans across borders.

Released as a single in November 2014, it features the band’s characteristic, exhilarating drive and an emotional, instantly memorable melody.

The lyrics depict a resolve to grow into adulthood by drawing strength from past experiences and pain while protecting what’s important, powerfully spurring listeners forward.

It was later included on the album TIME and is celebrated as a song that generates enough heat at live shows to unite the entire venue.

When you’re feeling lost or want to fire yourself up, listening to it will surely give you the courage to face forward!

SPECIALZNEW!King Gnu

King Gnu – SPECIALZ

King Gnu is a four-piece band leading the music scene with overwhelming originality.

This track is highly addictive, intertwining a heavy, thundering beat with melodies that are unsettling yet exhilarating.

Released as a single in September 2023, it was chosen as the opening theme for Season 2 of the TV anime Jujutsu Kaisen, Shibuya Incident arc.

The lyrics, which depict flaunting one’s uniqueness and charging forward on pure instinct in a chaotic, labyrinthine world, are nothing short of breathtaking.

Within just 12 weeks of release, it racked up 100 million streams and has been making waves overseas as well, showing a strong presence on the Billboard Global charts.

It’s perfect for moments when you want to fire yourself up or lose yourself in a late-night drive.

Tokyo DriftNEW!Teriyaki Boyz

Tokyo Drift – Teriyaki Boyz [ MUSIC VIDEO ] HD

Teriyaki Boyz, a supergroup that brings together leading members of Japan’s hip-hop scene and world-class producers.

Released as the theme song for the 2006 film The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, this track is a dance tune powered by The Neptunes’ irresistibly addictive beat.

Its distinctive synthesizers and driving rhythm make you feel the thrill of tearing through the city at night at high speed.

The mix of Japanese and English in the lyrics conveys the street’s heat and a playful spirit.

Perfect not only as driving music, but also for amping up your workout.

Continually shared by fans around the world on social media, it’s a signature number that has become an anthem crossing borders.

Kiss In The DarkNEW!pinku redii

Kiss In The Dark

Released first in the United States in May 1979 and issued as a single in Japan that September, this track is a full-fledged disco tune sung in English, marked by a driving four-on-the-floor beat and dazzling synth sounds.

The English lyrics, which prioritize feel and flow, and the chorus’s repetition create a sense of lift that naturally gets listeners moving.

At the time, it reached No.

37 on the U.S.

Billboard Hot 100, was showcased on Leif Garrett’s TV special, and tied in with the variety show Pink Lady and Jeff, making it a symbol of their push onto the global stage.

Produced by Michael Lloyd, this song is perfect as BGM for parties or whenever you want to boost your mood!