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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] (391–400)

New OrderTokoyami Towa

New Order / Tokoyami Towa (official)

New OrderTokoyami Towa

“SHIN,” the second full album by hololive VTuber Tokoyami Towa, released in October 2025.

The closing track, “New Order,” written, composed, and arranged by R・O・N, is a powerful number that portrays self-affirmation and a will for transformation.

Rather than tracing values created by others, it expresses the determination to remain true to oneself without fearing failure, conveyed through emotional melodies and a rock-driven sound.

It’s a song that gives you a push when you want to forge your own path.

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ActorIkuta Rira

Actor

ActorIkuta Rira

Released digitally in October 2025, this is the ending theme for season 3 of the TV anime SPY x FAMILY, performed by Lila Ikuta, who is also active as the vocalist of YOASOBI.

Colored by a warm jazz sound, the song gently portrays the roles we play in everyday life and the true feelings hidden behind them.

Its lyrics, which sing of the warmth of hands that connect beyond titles and positions, quietly accompany the Forger family’s story.

A comfortable pop tune that shines with Lila Ikuta’s own artistry.

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1991Yonezu Kenshi

1991

1991Yonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu, a singer-songwriter leading the Japanese music scene.

This song, written as the theme for the live-action film “5 Centimeters per Second,” bears the title 1991—the year he was born—reflecting his deep attachment to the original work.

The lyrics, woven around themes of memory and loss that trace personal emotions, convey a will to keep moving forward while facing the past, making it highly relatable for many listeners.

It’s an emotional number that will resonate deeply with those at a turning point in life or anyone wishing to confront precious memories.

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I Need U BackFuji Kaze

Fujii Kaze – I Need U Back [Official video]

I Need U BackFuji Kaze

A track included on singer-songwriter Fujii Kaze’s third album, “Prema,” released in September 2025.

It’s an English-language number that layers a heartfelt desire to regain lost passion over a retro sound inspired by late-1980s to early-1990s R&B and New Jack Swing.

Its lyrics, centered on rebirth from burnout and self-recovery, are sure to resonate with anyone grappling with doubt and inner conflict.

It stands by you when you need the courage to move forward.

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TRUE LOVESnow Man

Snow Man ‘TRUE LOVE’ Music Video

TRUE LOVESnow Man

Set to a vibrant J-pop sound, it sings about the small miracles found in everyday life.

It’s a track released digitally by the idol group Snow Man in October 2025, serving as the lead song for their album Ongokochishin, which came out in November of the same year.

It expresses the feeling of still being captivated by a lover turning around at a meeting spot, and gratitude for the days that pass by as a matter of course—warming the heart with the relationship it portrays.

It’s a touching love song to listen to when you want to be reminded of the happiness of having someone precious in your life.

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CRAZZZYAooo

CRAZZZY

CRAZZZYAooo

An emotional rock tune laced with irony toward tedious love and absurdity.

The lyrics are striking, interweaving razor-sharp words that push back against fate-bound romance with a cry against a world going mad.

The sound has a cutting, breakneck drive that feels like it’s racing through the boundary between reality and fiction.

Released in September 2025 as the third installment of a three-month consecutive drop, it’s already a killer tune firing up crowds on the live tour.

A perfect track for when you want to let your emotions run free.

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Stare In WonderBE:FIRST

BE:FIRST / Stare In Wonder -Special Lyric Video-

Stare In WonderBE:FIRST

This song, which portrays the moment of blocking out noise to focus solely on sound, is a BE:FIRST number released in October 2025.

It was written as the opening theme for the TV anime “Wondance,” and is included on the best-of album “BE:ST,” released on October 29 of the same year.

Created to accompany a story of growth through dance, the choreography was handled by KAITA and ReiNa, who serve as the anime’s dance cast, along with member SOTA.

It’s a dance tune that conveys the heat of growth and challenge.

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