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

cream sodaoishikuru meronpan

oishiku ru melonpan “Cream Soda” Music Video

A track from Oisicle Melonpan’s 10th mini-album “bouquet,” released in October 2025, marking the band’s 10th anniversary.

With its transparent melody and refreshing sound, this pop tune evokes bittersweet memories.

The groovy performance pairs perfectly with Nakashima’s gentle vocals.

Yet the lyrics tell a poignant story of waiting in a café for “you,” who never arrives.

Immerse yourself in the ensemble where exhilarating guitar-rock sound meets lyrical poignancy.

3% and me.riria.

riria. / 3% and Me [Music Video]

Singer-songwriter Riria, who enjoys overwhelming support from younger generations mainly on social media.

Released in October 2025, this song was written as the opening theme for the BS TV Tokyo drama “Wakakozake Season 9.” Its lyrics, which express everyday fatigue and emotional wavering through the motif of alcohol, are a standout feature.

The airy sound that makes use of transparent synths and her emotional vocals are soothing.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when you need to unwind at the end of the day.

THE REVOPorunogurafiti

THE REVO

Written as the opening theme for the TV anime My Hero Academia FINAL SEASON, this song marks the band’s first time handling a series theme in about nine years since “THE DAY” for Season 1 in 2016.

The lyrics, built around the keyword “revolution in the mind,” depict a resolve to overturn one’s values, conveying a level of intensity befitting the story’s final chapter.

With powerful vocals and a solid, driving melody that pushes you forward, it’s a rock number that symbolizes change and hope.

monstermakaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Enpitsu "Bakemono" Music Video

Written by the rock band Macaroni Empitsu as the theme song for the film “Devour the Firebird,” slated for release in October 2025, this track marks a new challenge for them in the mystery-horror genre.

With lyrics that liken anxiety and suspicion to monsters and a tense arrangement interwoven with shouts, it creates a dark atmosphere previously unseen in Maca-En’s work.

It’s a rock tune that vividly portrays the human psyche as it’s consumed by madness.

RomanceMarushii

Romance

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.

Offering (sacrificial victim) -nie-Yoshino

[Official MV] Sacrifice - 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.

MafiosaInugami Korone

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

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.