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

In today’s age of subscription services, you can enjoy music from around the world no matter what country you’re in.

With that backdrop, the Japanese music scene is drawing intense attention in the United States right now.

From legendary classics passed down over the years, to viral hits sparked by social media, and even theme songs delivered to the world alongside anime, the range is truly diverse.

You might even stumble upon a surprising track that makes you wonder, “Why did this song resonate in America?” In this article, we’ve rounded up a wide variety of J-pop songs that are gaining support in the U.S.

Check it out to see if your favorite made the list!

Playlist

[2026] Summary of Japanese Songs and J-POP Popular in the U.S.
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	idolYOASOBI		First Japanese-language song to top the Billboard chart
2	I look up as I walkSakamoto Kyu		Kyu Sakamoto's 'Sukiyaki' is a classic song loved around the world.
3	Gimme Chocolate!!BABYMETAL		BABYMETAL’s highly addictive songs
4	Bling-Bang-Bang-BornCreepy Nuts		Introduction to Creepy Nuts’ songs
5	Crimson Lotus FlowerLiSA		LiSA's Demon Slayer theme song
6	PPAP (Pen Pineapple Apple Pen)PIKOTARO		PIKOTARO's smash hit song PPAP
7	F.L.YsupeKUTORAMU		Spectrum’s classic song becomes a global hit 45 years later
8	Midnight Door ~ Stay With MeMatsubara Miki		City pop masterpieces are being reappraised worldwide
9	KICK BACKYonezu Kenshi		Kenshi Yonezu achieves a milestone with KICK BACK
10	I’d rather die.Fuji Kaze		Fujii Kaze’s song is booming in Thailand and becoming a global hit
11	silhouetteKANA-BOON		KANA-BOON's Naruto theme song
12	SPECIALZKing Gnu		King Gnu's addictive song
13	Tokyo DriftTeriyaki Boyz		Features and appeal of Teriyaki Boyz’s signature songs
14	Kiss In The Darkpinku redii		A disco song released in 1979, peaked at No. 37 on the US charts
15	Plastic LoveTakeuchi Mariya		Mariya Takeuchi’s signature songs are emblematic of the city pop boom.