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

Now, let love begin. -another story- feat. Ruka Setoguchi (CV: Takao Otsuka)HONEY WORKS

Now, Let Love Begin. -another story- feat. Ruka Setoguchi (CV: Takeo Otsuka) / HoneyWorks

HoneyWorks, the creative unit known for crafting bittersweet coming-of-age stories in their Confession Executive Committee: Love Series, released this new track for streaming in September 2025.

Featuring voice actor Tsuyoshi Otsuka as Ruka Setoguchi, the song spotlights a man who reunites with his childhood friend and finds himself overwhelmed by a love he can no longer contain, despite his confusion—lyrics many listeners are sure to relate to.

Its straightforward melody and words vividly reflect the character’s inner world.

Perfect for savoring that fluttering moment when love begins.

Forbidden Girl 10MEGA SHINNOSUKE

Mega Shinnosuke – Forbidden Girl 10 (Official Music Video)

Released in September 2025, the track “Forbidden Girl 10” is a rock number that strikingly contrasts jazzy chord progressions with noisy guitars.

It portrays a pessimistic story of two people wandering the streets of Shinjuku, sublimating the tangled emotions born from past relationships into sound.

The sultry, moist vocals further accentuate the song’s decadent mood.

Why not give it a listen on a night weighed down by inescapable inner conflict?

Egaku MiraiMyGO!!!!!

MyGO!!!!! × Taiji (Aqua Timez) & Daisuke (Aqua Timez) “Egaku Mirai” Animated MV (Full-size ver.) [Artist Tie-up Song]

Selected as a tie-in song for BanG Dream! Girls Band Party! in September 2025, this work was newly written by Futoshi and Daisuke from Aqua Timez.

The unique, emotionally rich words and melodies they crafted blend with MyGO!!!!!’s emotional band sound, and the resulting chemistry is wonderful.

While singing of youthful confusion and anxiety, the lyrics also stay close to a hope for the future, resonating with those experiencing similar struggles.

It’s a light-filled, encouraging anthem.

ATAMINumber_i

Number_i – ATAMI (Official Live Performance M/V)

The track “ATAMI,” produced by member Yuta Jinguji, is a laid-back number that fuses jazz and rap.

Its mellow ensemble of piano and brass evokes a nighttime scene and draws you deep into its world.

The lyrics, which frame personal ambition and youthful memories in shades of “blue,” are especially striking.

Featured on the album “No.

II,” set for release in September 2025, it also drew attention when a live-band performance video was released in advance.

A sophisticated pop tune with depth.

Pink Strawberry Chocolate FridayNumber_i

Pink Strawberry Chocolate Friday

This is a solo track by Shiyoh Hirano.

Centered on the sweet, bittersweet memories of a past love, it conjures scenes like walking hand in hand along the railway—just like a moment from a film.

The structure is superb, unfolding from rap-like spoken lines into a beautiful chorus, and his husky, gentle vocals further heighten the song’s melancholy.

The track is included on the album “No.Ⅱ,” released in September 2025.

When you want to quietly look back on an old love, listening to it will surely keep you company.

MoonchaserSTARGLOW

STARGLOW / Moonchaser -Official Audio-

STARGLOW is a dance and vocal group formed through an audition led by SKY-HI.

This track is a striking debut piece that heralds the beginning of their story with a sense of exhilarating speed.

You can picture them chasing their dreams without yielding to public opinion or hardship, embracing even the impossible alongside their teammates.

That lyrical worldview also resonates with the intention behind the group’s name.

Released in September 2025 as a pre-debut single, this song is perfect for moments when you need the courage to charge toward your goals.

36°C U・B・UHatsuboshi Gakuen

Hatsuboshi Academy “36°C U.B.U” Official Music Video (Hatsuboshi Gakuen – 36°C U.B.U)

This is a song from the idol-training game “Gakuen Idolmaster.” Among its many unique idols, Rinami Himezaki—who exudes a big-sister charm—delivers this solo number.

It’s a pop tune bursting with toy-box energy, driven by a breezy groove of bass and guitar that feels irresistibly good.

The lyrics depict the push and pull of romance, wishing the other person would turn up the heat just a little more.

If you’ve got a crush right now, it might hit especially close to home.

Give it a listen when you want to lean into that lovey-dovey mood!