Lovely karaoke song

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

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

Now that we live in an era where anyone can broadcast on the internet and information is overflowing, music trends are emerging differently than before.

These days, it’s completely normal for Vocaloid producers to thrive as singer-songwriters, or for a song posted online to spark widespread popularity.

What’s more, trends—especially among younger generations—are shifting at a tremendous pace.

So in this article, our editorial team, which regularly researches a wide range of music, will carefully select and introduce tracks that are currently hot among young people.

It’s become a must-hear playlist where you won’t want to miss a single song, so be sure to read to the end!

[2026] Popular Songs Among Today’s Youth [Japanese Music] (151–160)

Unknown Degree (feat. Runrun)DYES IWASAKI

[MV] DYES IWASAKI × Runrun – Unknown Degree

Unknown Degree (feat. Runrun)DYES IWASAKI

This track is a collaboration between DYES IWASAKI—who is also active as a trackmaker for FAKE TYPE.—and Lunlun, a VTuber from NIJISANJI.

The swing-infused track, where a lively beat intertwines with the sound of saxophone, has a feel-good groove that naturally sets your body in motion just by listening.

The lyrics, which follow the heart while carrying anxieties about an uncertain future, resonate deeply.

Give it a careful listen when you’re unsure of which path to take or on nights when you need a little courage.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

UnderdogEVE

Underdog – Eve Music Video

UnderdogEVE

This track captures a heart wavering between the fiction and reality of the social media era, carried by razor-sharp synths and tight beats.

It’s a single released in November 2025 by Eve, a singer-songwriter who commands massive support from the online scene.

Delving deep into his own inner world, the song delivers a message to everyone living today: when you’re struggling to accept yourself, you don’t have to force yourself to be strong.

Playful touches—like a hidden nod to the timbre of his signature song “Dramaturgy” in the intro—add to its charm.

Be sure to check out the high-quality animated music video as well!

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

MAKE IT, BREAK ITFLOW GLOW

MAKE IT, BREAK IT

MAKE IT, BREAK ITFLOW GLOW

Break the status quo—or break yourself.

This is a fierce dance track that surges forward with a razor’s-edge intensity.

It’s a song by the five-member unit FLOW GLOW, released in November 2025.

The ambition to escape a dull everyday life and seize the center of the stage with friends is vividly conveyed through the five members’ distinctive raps and vocals.

The heartbeat-raising beat makes it perfect for moments when you need to fire yourself up.

Give it a listen when everything’s on the line.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

MeloriHey! Say! JUMP

Hey! Say! JUMP – “Melory” [Official Music Video]

MeloriHey! Say! JUMP

A nostalgic, bittersweet sound that hits you right in the heart! Featured as the lead track on the album “S say,” released in November 2025.

You’ll get swept away by the groovy bassline crafted by MINA of East Of Eden.

The lyrics, themed around that “meloi” emotional vibe, pop-fully portray slightly tangled attachment and memories, leaving you with a sweet, aching feeling.

It’s an addictive dance track perfect for those nights when an old romance suddenly comes back to mind.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

True LoveINI

True Love

True LoveINI

It’s a refreshing pop-rock tune that straightforwardly captures the flutter of falling into true love and the exhilarating rush of youth—just listening to it makes your heart leap.

Included on the winter single “THE WINTER MAGIC,” released in November 2025, it also drew attention as the theme song for the film “Romantic Killer,” starring Masaya Kimura alongside Moeka Kamishiraishi and others.

Brimming with such positive energy that you’ll forget the winter chill, it’s the perfect track to play when you want to lift your spirits.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

U MINEINI

INI | ’U MINE’ Performance Video

U MINEINI

Included on the single “THE WINTER MAGIC,” released in November 2025, this track also drew attention for featuring member Fengfan Xu’s participation in the lyrics.

Its lyrics interweave the crisp, transparent feeling of winter with devoted love, reminding you of the warm emotions you hold for someone special.

With high tones and an exhilarating sound that resonate in your ears and your heart, it’s a pop tune perfect for winter listening.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

[2026] Popular Songs Among Today’s Youth [Japanese Music] (161–170)

PS118 (feat. Rapsody)JURIN ASAYA

JURIN ASAYA – PS118 (feat. Rapsody) | Official Music Video

PS118 (feat. Rapsody)JURIN ASAYA

Jurin Asaya, known as the leader of the globally active group XG.

Under her real name, she released her debut single in November 2025—an ambitious work featuring powerhouse, Grammy-winning rapper Rapsody.

Using a voyage into space as a metaphor, it conveys a firm resolve to break free from existing molds and forge her own path.

Over hard-edged beats, the two trade verses like a dialogue between MCs that transcends borders and generations.

It’s a cool track with a weighty hip-hop sound that really hits home.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem