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
30. Ryugujo – Waltz
The group’s final song with producer and visionary Avu-chan is a bittersweet burst of emotion, but ultimately cathartic. (full review)
29. Rainy. – But No Love
A sprightly track that sprinted under the radar early this year. But No Love has one of 2025’s catchiest choruses, underlined by a house beat.
28. aoen – MXMM
aoen successfully blend their sweet and sour sides together, all the while twisting classic K-pop tropes to the Japanese (and global) market. (full review)
27. Ryugujo – Sugar
It might not have sounded much like Ryugujo at first, but Sugar‘s sweet, poppy chorus grew more addictive with time. It’s interesting to hear them explore this musical realm. (full review)
26. One Love One Heart – Anone, Zutto Suki Deshita
Much of One Love One Heart’s 2025 work fused anthemic production with wistful melodies. This chugging anthem feels perfectly positioned for spring — especially the exciting pre-chorus. (full review)
25. Snow Man – Serious
Snow Man’s music has fallen out of my favor, which is very depressing. But once in a blue moon, a funky dance track like this slips through and reminds me why I love them.
24. ZEROBASEONE – Now Or Never
Though it remains to be seen if ZEROBASEONE will ever release another original Japanese single, this melodic highlight would be a fine track to go out on. (full review)
23. One Love One Heart – Bagucchau Ne
I love when this group takes a harder-edged approach, and Bagucchau Ne‘s frenetic beat and rapid-paced vocal interplay made it an easy standout for them this year. (full review)
22. DXTEEN – Mutual Crush
The melodies here are so sweet they could give you a cavity, which is no surprise given the song is composed by the same team who give The Wind their candy floss confections.
21. ATEEZ – Ash
ATEEZ were succeeding on both sides of the sea this year, exploring new genres to great effect. Here, they tackle moody, hypnotic dance music. (full review)
20. Fujii Kaze – Hachiko
Though this song’s effect faded for me a bit since its initial review, I still love its lush texture and irresistible groove. (full review)
19. XG – Gala
XG successful mash together their hip-hop and dance sides, crafting a total serve in the process. What it lacks in a standout chorus it makes up for with sheer charisma (full review)
18. &TEAM – Go In Blind
Compared to their excellent 2024 work, I wasn’t initially impressed with Go In Blind. However, time has been kind to the song and revealed a slow-burn highlight that also marked their first million-selling release. (full review)
17. Ado x Jax Jones – Stay Gold
Whether you can fully count this as “J-pop” is debatable, but Ado’s here so it makes the countdown. More importantly, it’s an anthemic slice of dance music in just the style I love.
16. One Or Eight – Bet Your Life
One Or Eight’s music has been a mixed bag, but this ultra-percussive hip-hop banger enjoyed a long life on my playlist. It’s incredibly infectious.
15. &TEAM – Deer Hunter
Released early in the year as a follow-up promotion for their second album, Deer Hunter compelled through its minimalist groove and slinky style. (full review)
14. Micchi & Kyohei (Naniwa Danshi) – Devil Or Angel
It feels like we’re back in 2019 with this one, since the music video (and accompanying audio!) isn’t available online. You’ll have to make due with a 30-second clip, but hopefully that’s enough to convince you of how awesomely cheesy this song’s bombast is.
13. Hiit Factory – Shinin’ On, Movin’ On
My favorite 90s throwback act gets the era just right with this blazing dance track. It’s almost impossible not to sing along with its instantly familiar chorus.
12. ENJIN – Day By Day By Day
ENJIN were not on my radar going into 2025, but this impressive dance track reminds me of the J-pop and K-pop I loved in the early-to-mid 2010s. It just never lets up.
11. Wild Blue – Pop
Wild Blue don’t get the love they deserve, especially when they’re releasing bubblegum pop music this awesome. It’s an incredibly buoyant and bubbly track, perfect to usher in the spring or summer.