[2026] Liven Up Your Party! A Roundup of the Latest and All-Time Favorite J-Pop Hits

Horse and deerKenshi Yonezu

Kenshi Yonezu – Horse and Deer

2019 was the year of rugby, wasn’t it? Kenshi Yonezu’s “Uma to Shika” was chosen as the theme song for the TV drama “No Side Game,” which is based on rugby.

It’s a robust and powerful track that embodies the spirit of athletes.

While listening to this song, talk passionately about what happened this year and your goals for next year!

on stageYOASOBI

on stage

This song was written as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “If This World Is a Stage, Where Is the Green Room?” Its worldview overlays life with theater to accompany Koki Mitani’s ensemble drama set in Shibuya in 1984.

Another highlight is that composer Ayase takes part on vocals as a new challenge for this release.

It’s an ambitious work that conveys the will to move forward while facing the role one has been given.

MarigoldAimyon

Aimyon – Marigold [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

Aimyon has grown into a songstress who represents the modern era.

Among her works, “Marigold” is an iconic track.

There are few people who wouldn’t recognize it if it played at a party.

That makes it an all-around song—great for a performance skit or for karaoke.

If you can play guitar, try a solo acoustic version or form a small band.

There are many ways to enjoy this song, so go ahead and play your own original take on “Marigold.”

Turning Upstorm

ARASHI – Turning Up [Official Music Video]

This is a digital single released on November 3, 2019, when Arashi celebrated the 20th anniversary of their CD debut.

It drew attention for being included in the special medley performed as the grand finale at the 70th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen that same year.

The relentlessly positive lyrics are emblematic of Arashi, who have remained top idols for many years.

It’s a perfect song for a New Year’s gathering where you share fresh resolutions.

Why not try the dance as well, using the music video—featuring the members and dancers grooving enthusiastically—as your guide?

water lily blossomShonan no Kaze

Shonan no Kaze “Suirenka” MUSIC VIDEO

You could even say it’s a high-energy summer anthem perfect for hyping up banquets and parties.

The fact that it took first place in the 2012 “High-Calorie-Burning Karaoke Songs” ranking shows just how powerful this track is.

Its masculine vibe makes it perfect for a New Year’s party where a bunch of guys get together to talk about their resolutions.

Sing it with lots of energy, putting in that “Let’s keep the momentum going this year!” spirit.

It might even be fun to swing a towel around like you’re at a festival to really set the mood.

PretenderOfficial HIGE DANDism

Official HIGE DANDism – Pretender [Official Video]

Cover videos by popular YouTube creators are also creating a buzz! This is the second single from Official HIGE DANDism, “Pretender,” which set an astonishing record with 500 million total streams and over 1 million full-track downloads.

Many people probably remember hearing the melody in theaters or commercials as the theme for the film “The Confidence Man JP: Episode of the Romance.” The rhymed lyrics and striking turns of phrase are pure brilliance! Since the song has wide melodic intervals and is hard to sing, practice repeatedly—like at karaoke—before the real performance!

New Treasure IslandSakanaction

Sakanaction / New Treasure Island -Music Video-

This is “Shin Takarajima” by Sakanaction, a song whose sensational synthesizer sounds lift your spirits.

The rhythmic, funky guitar tones get listeners grooving, and the catchy, exhilarating chorus makes it an addictive track.