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

idolNEW!YOASOBI

YOASOBI "Idol" Official Music Video

A historic track that became the first Japanese-language song ever to top Billboard’s Global Excl.

U.S.

chart.

Its lyrics, which depict the shine of a perfect idol and the lies and inner conflicts lurking behind it, were created by composer Ayase based on the novel “45510” written by the original author, Aka Akasaka.

Released in April 2023 as the opening theme for the TV anime Oshi no Ko, the song’s fusion of diverse genres and ikura’s chameleonic vocals has captivated audiences worldwide.

This killer tune also sent crowds into a frenzy during the 2024 U.S.

tour and at a Chicago festival.

It’s a pop number we can confidently recommend to anyone who wants to savor the hidden poignancy and storytelling beneath its bright, upbeat sound.

I look up as I walkNEW!Sakamoto Kyu

Sukiyaki

Beloved around the world under the title “Sukiyaki,” this classic has continued to transcend borders.

Sung by Kyu Sakamoto, a singer who also thrived as an actor and TV host, it was released as a single in October 1961.

In June 1963, it achieved the unparalleled feat for a Japanese artist of reaching No.

1 on the U.S.

Billboard chart.

The song was also featured in Studio Ghibli’s film “From Up on Poppy Hill,” helping its melody resonate with younger generations as well.

Its worldview—portraying someone holding back sorrow and lifting their face—continues to comfort hearts regardless of the era.

When you’re feeling a bit worn out, why not listen to this song and find a sense of hope for tomorrow?

Gimme Chocolate!!NEW!BABYMETAL

BABYMETAL – Gimme Chocolate!! (OFFICIAL)

BABYMETAL is a unit that has taken the world by storm with their shocking fusion of idol and metal.

This track features lyrics themed around the conflict between craving sweets and maintaining one’s figure, which is truly unique.

The contrast between the heavy guitar riffs and the catchy chorus is highly addictive—you’ll find it stuck in your head after just one listen.

Included on their first album, “BABYMETAL,” released in February 2014, the song sparked a viral hit overseas and was later used as the trailer track for the popular game “Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands.” It’s the perfect number for blowing away the blues or cranking up the energy when you just want to get hyped!

Bling-Bang-Bang-BornNEW!Creepy Nuts

Creepy Nuts “Bling-Bang-Bang-Born” × TV Anime “MASHLE: MAGIC AND MUSCLES” Collaboration Music Video #BBBB Dance

This is a track by Creepy Nuts released in January 2024 as the opening theme for Season 2 of the anime Mashle: Magic and Muscles, the Divine Visionary Candidate Exam arc.

The image of the protagonist, who can’t use magic, breaking through obstacles with nothing but his physical body perfectly mirrors the life of R-Shitei, who fought his way up using his rap skills as a weapon.

There’s no need to even explain its global popularity on TikTok or its No.

1 spot on Billboard Japan’s 2024 year-end charts.

Riding on an addictive Jersey club beat crafted by DJ Matsunaga, the song overflows with positive energy that makes you want to take pride in your own weapons.

If you listen to it when you’re feeling down, you’ll undoubtedly feel invincible!

Crimson Lotus FlowerNEW!LiSA

LiSA – Gurenge / THE FIRST TAKE

This is the 15th single by singer LiSA, who has established her standing as a “rock heroine” with overwhelming performance and expressiveness.

Released digitally in April 2019 as the opening theme for the TV anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, which took the world by storm, the song achieved the remarkable feat of simultaneously topping Oricon’s digital rankings as both the last No.

1 of the Heisei era and the first No.

1 of the Reiwa era.

Its lyrics, depicting a resolve to grow stronger for the sake of what must be protected while resisting fate despite being wounded, stirred the hearts of countless fans across borders.

Blending traditional Japanese melodies with a fierce rock sound, the track continues to be beloved by many anime fans in the United States as well.

It’s the perfect number to give you a push when you want to fire yourself up or before a showdown you can’t afford to lose.

PPAP (Pen Pineapple Apple Pen)NEW!PIKOTARO

PIKOTARO – PPAP (Pen Pineapple Apple Pen) (Long Version) (Official Video) [Ultra Records]

Many of you probably remember that 45-second video that took the world by storm with its unique rhythm and comedic moves.

Sung by PIKOTARO, this piece charms with its quirky lyrics combining a pen and fruit and a dance you can’t help but imitate.

When the video was released in August 2016, it became a runaway hit after Justin Bieber introduced it on social media.

It even charted on the US Billboard Hot 100 and was included on the album “PPAP,” released in December 2016.

Its use in a SoftBank commercial also drew major attention.

The simple, straightforward choreography is easy for anyone to learn, so it’s fun to dance along with kids!

F.L.YNEW!supeKUTORAMU

SPECTRUM / F-L-Y (Music Video)

Spectrum is a legendary band that established Japanese brass rock with armor-like costumes and exceptional musicianship.

This track, also included on their album Spectrum 2: OPTICAL SUNRISE released in March 1980, experienced a worldwide revival hit nearly 45 years later after being used in an overseas social media video at the end of 2024.

The soaring falsetto and weighty horn tones alone can elevate your mood to its peak.

Its boundlessly uplifting, positive worldview feels perfect for moments when you want to blast away the tedium of everyday life.

It’s a funk number boasting supreme entertainment value that transcended eras to electrify American listeners as well.