I don’t write as many full J-pop reviews as I used to, mostly because I haven’t been as enamored with the industry as I was before, but I continue to spotlight new releases each and every Sunday. This countdown is a culmination of that feature, rounding up my fifty favorite singles (or promoted b-sides) of the year.
SONGS 50-31
SONGS 30-11
SONGS 10-1
2025 YEAR-END MASTERPOST
50. Hinatazaka46 – Love Yourself!
At their best, songs like this feel like a breath of fresh air. Love Yourself bounds forward on plenty of good energy.
49. DJ Koo x BEYOOOOONDS – Saikooo De Dance
J-pop is one of the only industries that still revels in the occasional, high-octane Eurobeat banger. This is such a goofy ode to the 90s dance boom.
48. Nogizaka46 – Same Numbers
Overall, I wasn’t that taken with music from the Sakamichi Series groups this year, but Same Numbers is the sound of Nogizaka46 doing what they do best, cresting in a gorgeous chorus.
47. ICEx – Risokyo
Jagged electro beats collide with perky idol melodies for this quirky standout from ICEx. The pre-chorus is especially memorable.
46. Hey! Say! JUMP – Symphony
I love when Starto groups embrace their inherent theatricality, and Symphony gives Hey! Say! JUMP orchestral heft in a way we haven’t heard from them in years.
45. Takanori Nishikawa – Hibike Kassai
Even without his famous moniker, T.M.Revolution’s reign will never end. This song blends his indefatigable energy with celebratory brass in rousing fashion.
44. Boku ga Mitakatta Aozora – Cowardly Crow
To be honest, I was sold as soon as I heard that blazing instrumental intro. I love songs with a sense of speed, and Cowardly Crow blasts forward right out of the gate.
43. Queen Bee – High Flame
Queen Bee had a slower-than-normal year, at least when it came to new singles. However, this slow-burn highlight reminded listeners of their emotional power.
42. ILLIT – Toki Yo Tomare
ILLIT’s Japanese material is often what I wish their Korean work would sound like. Toki Yo Tomare has delightful bounce to it, building toward a satisfying pop chorus. (full review)
41. One Love One Heart – Katsu Made Yamenai
One Love One Heart continue to unfurl powerful anthems that take advantage of their mixed-gender configuration. This one grabs you by the hand and pulls you forward.
40. Fantastics – Top Of The Game
I haven’t loved much of Fantastics’ work over the past year or two, but Top Of The Game reinvented their sound in a way that still felt fun and upbeat.
39. King & Prince – Theater
King & Prince go full-on funk with this colorful highlight. This style of song shows off their unique vocal tones so well.
38. Kento Nakajima – Hekireki
A sleek synthwave track from one of the industry’s most charismatic soloists. Sure, I miss his glory days with Sexy Zone, but Hekireki echoes the stylish drive of classics like Purple Rain.
37. NAQT VANE – Visions
By now, you pretty much know what a NAQT VANE song will sound like, but Visions pumps up their energy for the demands of a Kamen Rider theme.
36. aoen – The Blue Sun
HYBE’s new boy group makes a colorful debut with this fun, upbeat summer track. It may not be particularly unique, but the formula still works. (full review)
35. TXT – Where Do You Go?
TXT’s Japanese work eclipsed their Korean comebacks this year, and Where Do You Go offered a rare shot of full-bodied, sentimental melody. Sometimes, simple is best. (full review)
34. Gre4n BOYZ x &TEAM – OTAKEBI
Unexpected team-ups can be quite exciting, and &TEAM’s pairing with the quirky Gre4n BOYZ gave them leeway to go full-on hard rock. The crushing guitar distortion here is so satisfying.
33. Chotokkyu (Bullet Train) – Nine Lives
Chotokkyu have been frequent visitors to this countdown for over a decade now, and their offbeat pop style continues to bear fruit with delightful material like this.
32. Genic – Don’t Give Up
Genic excel at this style of optimistic pop-rock. Their voices are so clear and honest, perfectly matching the song’s surging energy.
31. Kamenashi Kazuya – The Truth
Those of of waiting for new KAT-TUN music… did not have the best year. However, a new Kame single is the next best thing and this slots comfortably within his group’s excellent discography.