[2026] Popular Songs Among Today’s Youth [J-Pop]

As Love SaysNichiyoubi no Mezonde

As Love Says (from “Akira Momose’s First Love in Ruins.”) / Sunday no Maisondé

“As Love Commands” is a song released in February 2026, created based on Shinta Harukawa’s manga “Akira Momose’s First Love in Ruins.” Tomoya Tabuchi of UNISON SQUARE GARDEN wrote and composed the song, with arrangement by Akita Horie.

Vocalist Rei’s translucent voice vividly conveys the frustration of love and the exhilaration of spring, while the driving band sound sets your heart racing.

It’s the perfect track for when you want to feel the sparkle of youth!

déjà vuShio Reira

Reira Shio / déjà vu [Official Music Video]

Released in February 2026, this track serves as the lead song symbolizing the second EP “HB2U,” a collection of pieces based on Reiira Ushio’s real-life experiences.

It portrays the emotional journey toward self-affirmation while confronting inner conflicts and past wounds.

With dynamic arrangements by Kazuma Nagasawa and clear, powerful vocals, it’s a must-listen.

When you’re struggling with self-confidence or wishing to change on a sleepless night, why not listen closely?

light sourceSakurazaka46

Sakurazaka46 “Kōgen (Light Source)” MUSIC VIDEO

Sakurazaka46, the idol group that continues to captivate fans around the world with overwhelming performances.

Sung by the 4th generation members who joined in 2025, this song is a number marked by the powerful gaze of center Konomi Asai.

The lyrics, which portray voices that keep rising toward the future while facing the harshness of reality and discovering light within themselves, are truly stirring.

It’s included in all editions of their 14th single “The growing up train,” released in March 2026, and the music video directed by Hidejin Kato, unveiled in February 2026, also became a hot topic.

The emotional sound composed by Koshiro Honda is sure to gently push the backs of those who are about to take on a new challenge!

PROVANTSawanoHiroyuki[nZk]:Jean-Ken Johnny & TAKUMA

SawanoHiroyuki[nZk]:Jean-Ken Johnny & TAKUMA『PROVANT』 Music Video

Sawano Hiroyuki, who has brought color to numerous visual works as a composer for film and television, leads the project SawanoHiroyuki[nZk], which unfolds with guest vocalists.

The 14th single, produced as the opening theme for the TV anime Fate/strange Fake that began airing in January 2026, became a hot topic for its lavish collaboration featuring Jean-Ken Johnny from MAN WITH A MISSION and TAKUMA from 10-FEET as guest artists.

The aggressive arrangement—fusing a heavy sound with a driving, high-velocity beat—elevates your spirits just by listening.

Its thrilling progression, where voices with distinct characters intersect, also ties in with the anime’s worldview.

It’s an energetic rock tune perfect for mornings when you want to get fired up or moments when you want to rally yourself.

Kotonoha – Kotonohatuki.

tuki. “Kotonoha” Official Music Video

This warm, message-driven song portrays the power of words as seeds that, given time, bloom in the heart.

Singer-songwriter tuki., who made a sensational debut in 2023 with “Bansanka” and has continued to captivate listeners with her voice, wrote this piece as the theme song for the drama “No Mistake, He’s My Husband,” starring Nao Matsushita, released in January 2026.

The gently confiding melody, which seems to nestle close to the story, also aligns with her mysterious aesthetic as an artist who maintains anonymity.

The sound, which cherishes the lingering resonance of words, is something you’ll want to listen to on sleepless nights troubled by relationships, or when you wish to convey your feelings to someone important.

Pardon the excessPorunogurafiti

Porno Graffitti “Hamidashi Gomen” MUSIC VIDEO (Anime “Fire-Eating Bird: Ushū Borotonbi-gumi” Opening Theme)

Bursting onto the scene with their debut single Apollo and remaining at the forefront of the J-pop world for years, the rock band PornoGraffitti returns.

Released for streaming in January 2026, this track was written as the opening theme for the TV anime Fire-Eating Bird: Yorihane no Kuni Borotonbi-gumi.

Guitarist Haruichi Shindo delved into the original novel, crafting lyrics that incorporate Japanese-style expressions aligned with the period-drama setting—words that are sure to resonate with people fighting their own battles in modern society as well.

It’s the band’s first attempt at a theme song for a historical piece.

When you want to start something new or fire yourself up, give it a listen—it’s guaranteed to give you a push forward.

Fashion Killa♡Aee! group

Aぇ! group “Fashion Killa♡” Official Music Video

This piece, included on the second album Runway released in February 2026, is a sub-lead track that embodies the album’s concept.

With the theme of being an “overwhelmingly captivating presence,” it features sleek production and an addictive melody that sticks in your head after just one listen.

It’s a pop tune brimming with positive energy that makes you feel as if you’re confidently striding down a runway.