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
Ado – Angelseek
I guess I missed this last week. I’m not her target audience, but this is fine.
Da-iCE – Try&Groove
I tried. I didn’t really groove.
Fantastics – Finale (song of the week!)
This is Fantastics’ best single in ages. I’m so happy to hear them back in this slick EDM sound.
Kana Nishino – Kiminosei
Sprightly indie pop.
Lil League – LILMATIC
That title…
Anyway, this is too reliant on its interpolation to work for me.
MAZZEL – Banquet Bang
The title of this song intrigues me. Unfortunately, the actual music has a predictable K-pop sound. The chorus is decent, I guess.
MYERA – Crushproof!
I like the message of this and also enjoy the song’s slight rock influences.
ØMI – The Fusion
I’m not really into the chorus, but I like the verses. A resounding electro thump is always appreciated.
Rol3ert – Savior
This has a nice driving energy.
Rosy Chronicle – Miracle
It’s pretty much what you’d expect from a Hello Project single. I appreciate the drama, though.
Ryugujo – The Embers
I’m not really feeling the new songs on the deluxe version of their EP, but this is the most melodic so it’s my favorite for now.
SixTONES – Ichibyo
A perfectly serviceable, effusive rock track.
SKE48 – Sandarudaze
I enjoy the chugging, celebratory energy of this, even if the song is something we’ve heard many times before.
Snow Man – Stars (song of the week!)
I’m not a sports guy, but sports related themes are always good. This is a strong entry from Snow Man.
Sota Hanamura (Da-iCE) – Me.exe
Plenty of pomp and circumstance, but the song does nothing for me.
Takase Toya & Fumiya Sato – Please Miss Me (song of the week!)
This has a constant sense of build that I absolutely love. Better yet, it pays off on the promise of that build during the chorus. This is great!
Teddyloid (Altervoice) – Rider, Rider
I’m not sure what’s up with the “Altervoice” part of this, but the song is fun.
WATWING – Nani Wana Be
The skittering percussion is kind of interesting but otherwise this is not for me.
WEST. – Kore de Iinoda!
Too much mugging for me to enjoy.