[2026] Japanese music that sings wishes: A collection of J-POP masterpieces

hometownarashi

Arashi Hometown

Furusato, with lyrics by Kundo Koyama and sung by Arashi.

Although it was originally provided for NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, a second verse was added in the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake, and it has since been performed in many settings, including being selected as a set piece for the NHK School Choir Competition.

I want to be kinder.Saitō Kazuyoshi

Kazuyoshi Saito – I Want to Be Kind [Live at Nippon Budokan 2012.2.11]

Kazuyoshi Saito’s “Yasashiku Naritai,” which drew attention as a TV drama’s theme song.

I may be who I am now, but deep down I want to be strong and kind.

Above all, I want to tell you how I feel.

And I want to make you happy.

This song gives voice to those wishes.

At times like thisVaundy

At Times Like This / Vaundy

It’s a number that gently nestles close to your heart, with warmth that slowly seeps in.

This work is a special piece released by Vaundy in June 2025, on his birthday, as “a song written for myself.” Set to a soft melody, it quietly sings of deep bonds with someone dear, partings, and the hope of meeting again.

When you think of someone important, or on nights when you want to face yourself, I think you’ll feel your heart grow warm as you listen.

Please take your time and give it a careful listen.

Let’s dance in a circle (Wasshoi)V6

V6 / Let's Dance in WA (YouTube Ver.)

A bright, poppy, and catchy song that feels friendly.

Even when you’re sad or going through hard times, try to believe.

Come on, let’s join hands and dance in a circle! Something might change.

Your dreams will surely come true.

This is a song that sings of those hopes.

Reach to the heavensMatsutōya Yumi

Yumi Matsutoya – Reach to the Heavens

This piece was written by Yumi Matsutoya, one of Japan’s most iconic singer-songwriters, as the theme song for the drama “When I Was Little, There Was a God,” which began airing in October 2025.

Its nostalgic melody, the harmony that layers her past vocals—recreated with AI technology—with her present voice, and its grand soundscape resonate deeply.

It carries a curious, floating sensation, as if traveling through multiple dimensions.

A gentle autumn song that links the past and the present.

I just feel like crying.Nagayama Miho

Miho Nakayama "I Just Feel Like Crying"

A bright, poppy, catchy, and approachable song.

Even when you’re sad or going through hard times, try to believe.

Come on, let’s join hands and dance in a circle! Something might change.

Your dreams will surely come true.

This song carries that wish.

hikariKid Fresino

KID FRESINO – hikari (Official Music Video)

KID FRESINO’s “hikari,” a work that continually pushes the boundaries of hip-hop, is both a requiem dedicated to a late close friend and a song of hope that illuminates the listener’s future.

Released in July 2025, the track features a sound marked by the gentle timbre of steelpan—beginning like a quiet prayer and gradually transforming into a groove brimming with vitality.

The accompanying music video weaves in live footage of JJJ, who passed away suddenly in 2024.

On a quiet night when you’re thinking of someone dear, this warm light will surely envelop your heart.