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[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 [J-Pop] (331–340)

RomanceMarushii

Romance

RomanceMarushii

This is a song by Marcy, a three-piece rock band from Fukuoka.

Released digitally in October 2025, the track candidly expresses a longing that grows painfully strong and a wish to stay together forever.

As the narrator counts the things they love about the other person, their desire to fulfill this once-in-a-lifetime, special romance resonates in the heart alongside a warm melody.

The song was chosen as the theme for the fashion event TGC Kitakyushu 2025 and is also included on the album “Flavors,” released in November 2025.

It’s a heartfelt pop-rock tune recommended for anyone who’s experienced a bittersweet unrequited love or who feels happiness in everyday moments with someone special.

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Offering (sacrificial victim) -nie-Yoshino

[Official MV] Sacrifice - nie - / Yoshino

Offering (sacrificial victim) -nie-Yoshino

A song by Yoshino released in October 2025 as the opening theme for the TV anime “I Want to Eat You, Inhuman.” It portrays searing emotions that waver between loneliness and obsession, between devouring and being devoured, set to a theatrical rock sound.

Yoshino’s vocals move between edgy power and delicate nuance, highlighting the work’s beautiful worldview.

I imagine many listeners will relate to the bittersweet feeling of yearning for someone even while carrying loneliness.

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MafiosaInugami Korone

[Original Anime MV] Mafiosa / Inugami Korone (official)

MafiosaInugami Korone

This is a track released by Korone Inugami in October 2025.

Provided by FAKE TYPE., it marks a striking shift from her previous pop style to an aggressive sound.

The beat-driven track features highly challenging rap parts.

The lyrics depict emotions that hold self-affirmation and rebelliousness at the same time.

It’s a recommended song for when you want something edgier and different from the usual.

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Amidakuji (Japanese lottery method)chōgakusei

[Chogakusei] Amida Lottery

Amidakuji (Japanese lottery method)chōgakusei

This is a song by Chogakusei released digitally in October 2025 as the opening theme for the second cour (Nerima arc) of the TV anime “Tougen Anki.” It’s a rock number that confronts weighty themes like fate and justice head-on, with lyrics, composition, and arrangement by Yuki Tsujimura.

The track boldly sings of the resolve to survive in turbulent times and of self-affirmation, featuring a powerful sound and vocals that are sharp yet passionate.

It’s a work we hope everyone who is striving to move forward while facing inner conflict will listen to.

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[2026] Popular Songs Among Today’s Youth [J-Pop] (341–350)

Queens＝LOVE

=LOVE (Equal Love) / 19th Single c/w 'Queens' [MV full]

Queens＝LOVE

=LOVE is a voice-actor idol group produced by Rino Sashihara.

This unit track, included on their 19th single “Attacked by a Love Song,” is a duet by Kiara Saito and Iori Noguchi, imbued with the determination to break existing values and create a new world.

The lyrics, where a noble drive to reach the top intersects with true feelings hidden behind a mask, bring a sense of liberation to listeners.

Dive into this dark worldview.

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VenusYURIYAN RETRIEVER

YURIYAN RETRIEVER – 『Venus』Music Video

VenusYURIYAN RETRIEVER

Yuriyan Retriever, a comedy performer who has won numerous awards and shines on international stages, released her second digital single in September 2025, once again produced by yonkey following her debut track “YURIYAN TIME.” The lyrics—born from her candid feelings about being judged by appearances—resonate deeply with many who wish to stay true to themselves.

The music video’s direction, moving from a glammed-up look to her natural face, is also striking.

It’s an empowering number whose message rides on a pop ensemble to deliver courage.

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SOSNanatsukaze

Nanatsukaze – Save Our Sound

SOSNanatsukaze

It’s a track that resonates like a prayer to a heart on the verge of being crushed by resignation and nihilism.

This work was released in August 2025 by Nanatsukaze, a unit formed by EDM trackmaker PIKASONIC and singer-songwriter nakotanmaru.

Its nostalgic arrangement stands out, and the vocals, which gradually build in intensity over a driving sound, really hit home.

If you listen on a night of inescapable loneliness, you may find this piece feels like a ray of light.

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