Spotify Releases Rankings Highlighting Japan's Music Scene for First Half of 2026

Spotify's 2026 Japan Music Rankings

Spotify, the global leader in audio streaming with over 761 million users, has recently published its music rankings for Japan based on data from the first half of 2026. The rankings showcase the most streamed songs and artists, revealing trends and patterns in the music scene.

Most Streamed Songs in Japan

The standout track of the first half of 2026 was Kenshi Yonezu's "IRIS OUT." Released on September 15, 2025, as the theme song for the anime film Chainsaw Man: Leze Arc, it broke records by achieving an unprecedented 596,608 streams on its release day alone. The song later became the first in Spotify Japan's history to exceed 1 million daily streams, ultimately amassing over 274 million plays globally by 2026.

Following closely was Mrs. GREEN APPLE with their latest song "lulu." This marks another significant entry for the band, which continues to dominate the charts since their previous year's hit. Their song "Lilac," which topped last year's rankings, also remains in the spotlight, ranking seventh this time.

A notable trend emerged in the Top 10 as five songs were from dance and vocal groups. Ranked fourth was M!LK with their infectious hit "Suki Sugite Metta!" The group's unique appeal and captivating routines turned it into a social phenomenon. HANA, who claimed last year's title for the most discovered artist, also made a mark this year with two entries in the Top 10: "Blue Jeans" at fifth and "ROSE" at tenth.

Number_i, who recently won the Best Listener's Choice for domestic songs at the MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN, landed third with their January release "3XL." Finally, fresh on the scene, BE:FIRST made a strong entry with their song "Mucchuu," landing eighth place for its vocal prowess.

Most Streamed Artists in Japan

In the artist category, Mrs. GREEN APPLE maintained their throne as the most streamed artist, reaffirming their popularity alongside familiar names in the Top 3. BTS, returning from their hiatus, has positioned themselves at fourth place, with Arashi following closely behind in fifth. This ranking highlights the strong loyalty of their fan bases.

New entries in the rankings include HANA and the artist producer Chanmina, further showcasing their influence in the music scene, particularly among female listeners, underlining their impact in 2026.

Most Streamed Domestic Tracks Overseas

On the international front, King Gnu achieved their first number one with "AIZO," released as an opening theme for the anime Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3. This track grew immensely popular overseas, particularly in the United States, accumulating over 124 million streams globally. Another of their hits, "SPECIALZ," remains popular, re-entering the eighth position following its success in 2023.

Kenshi Yonezu’s enormous hit "IRIS OUT" also made waves internationally, ranking second, illustrating its broad appeal across various regions. Notable tracks like Fujii Kaze's "Shi no ga ii wa" and Teriyaki Boyz's "Tokyo Drift" have further solidified their places in the international music rankings.

Most Streamed International Artists from Japan

Ado retained her top position as the most streamed domestic artist abroad, following a successful world tour. Her act is complemented by significant appearances at major festivals such as "Zipangu 2026" and "Lollapalooza." King Gnu also made a mark, ranking sixth on the list.

YOASOBI, Fujii Kaze, and Nujabes continue to gain traction globally, demonstrating the lasting appeal of Japanese artists in the international music arena.

Most Discovered Artists in Japan

In a surprising twist, M!LK emerged as the most discovered artist, dethroning HANA. The group’s presence in this category combined with their musical success signifies a transformative year for them, showcasing their impressive growth as a leading act in the domestic scene. Arashi and Snow Man also ranked among the top, thanks to their massive fan followings.

Through these rich rankings, Spotify continues to illustrate the dynamic landscape of the Japanese music scene while preparing listeners for the exciting musical content yet to come in 2026. Their year-end initiative, the “Spotify Wrapped,” will allow users to reflect on their listening habits, highlighting the personalized touch of Spotify’s music experience.

For detailed rankings for the first half of 2026, be sure to check Spotify as the data highlights the trends and favorites of music enthusiasts across Japan.

Conclusion

Spotify’s insights into Japan’s music scene for the first half of 2026 reveal not just the popularity of certain tracks and artists but also underlying trends that hint at the evolving music preferences of listeners. With continuous innovations and strategies, artists are also seeing new avenues for growth and popularity, pushing the boundaries of what it means to be a part of the vibrant music community.