In connection with my desire to fully keep up with the J-pop industry, I’m planning to do a weekly round-up of any new releases that have caught my ear. Some of these may have been covered on the blog already, but my hope is that this will become a one-stop shop for anyone interested in what’s new in J-pop.
With that in mind, here’s where you come in: I’m one person with one set of musical preferences, so please embed any other new J-pop tracks you’ve enjoyed in the comments so we can get a fuller spectrum each week.
2023-2025 Index
2026 Index: Dec 28 – Jan 3 // Jan 4 – Jan 10 // Jan 11 – Jan 17 // Jan 18 – Jan 24 // Jan 25 – Jan 31 // Feb 1 – Feb 7 // Feb 8 – Feb 14
Ado – Vivarium
This definitely has a heavier edge in places.
Aile The Shota – Kaika sengen
This opens with such a flurry of energy but quickly becomes quite dull.
AKB48 – Nagorizakura
The chorus has a nice nostalgic sound that’s appealing, if familiar.
The Beat Garden – Element
I miss when they used to do upbeat dance-rock! I’m sure this treacly sound is more profitable, though.
CRAVITY – Blast Out
Hmm… not my favorite sound for them and a weird follow-up from their very strong 2025.
JAM HEADS – Another Call
Really not sure about that group name, but this song has its moments.
M!LK – Bakuretsu Aishiteru
I wrote about this last week and now it has an mv.
≒JOY – Amagami Girl (ft. DJ Alice)
The chorus is strong. Not sure about the rest.
Produce 101 Japan Shinsekai – Shinsekai (song of the week!)
Yep, we’re still making these Produce 101 themes. This one’s a bit different, though. It’s got a rock vibe that works surprisingly well. I actually love it and kind of wish it was just a regular idol comeback!
Reol – Utsukushi Jigoku
This sounds like it’s pulling from Ado’s sonic playground.
RIIZE – All Of You
I wrote about this here. I thought it was just okay.
Ryugujo – Girari
Here’s the thing: this is fine, and has some decent moments. However, it lacks specificity. Anyone could have been given this song. I really fell in love with how unique their sound was and it’s a shame to see that watered down now that Avu-chan isn’t producing them anymore.
The Super Fruit – Koi Wa Merry Go Round
This feels slightly new for them but still conforms to their cutesy sound.
Takumi Ozaki & Kyosuke Fujimaki (INI) – Fly High
A nice, celebratory energy.
Toma Ikuta – Super Romance
Very old-school. It’s fun, I guess.
Travis Japan – KAGENIMO-HINATANIMO
This has a more refined sound than much of their singles, but I kind of miss the goofy funk they debuted with.
Voksy Days – Light It Up
There are some interesting things happening in this instrumental.
ZORN – Jimoto Love (ft. Maki Goto)
That feature certainly caught my attention, but overall this isn’t all that memorable.