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
THIS WEEK: January 25 – 31
BiTE A SHOCK – Catch You Later
It’s been awhile since we’ve heard from them. It feels like they’re still searching for the song that will break them out. This has some great moments but doesn’t quite come together.
BUDDiiS – #KISSYOU
Upbeat, but not enough melody for me.
HANA – Cold Night (song of the week!)
I wrote about this last week but now it has a music video. I still like it a lot and it’s still my song of the week!
Hey! Say! JUMP – Hanikami
I feel like I’ve heard this song a million times before.
Hinatazaka46 – Sukininarucrescendo
Hmm… not sure I dig the retro 60s elements for them.
Hyde – The Abyss
I love his voice on a ballad, but this is a bit stark. I would’ve loved more drama from the instrumental.
Mika Nakashima – Winner
Meh. Not for me at all.
MON7A – TOGE TOGE
This popped up in my YouTube feed and the thumbnail captured my attention. The song is as retro as the imagery suggests, but otherwise it’s not really for me. I like the concept, though.
Novelbright – Anemone
A pretty ballad.
Number_i – 3XL
This actually has some cool textures. I’m not sure how often I’d listen to it, but it’s interesting.
One Or Eight – Tokyo Drift
This is just… not good. I don’t really love the original song either, but it’s way better than this cover.
Phantom Siita – Rose-Colored Moon
They continue to be a group of Ados in my mind. Whether you love that or not will depend on how much purchase Ado has with you.
STARKIDS & Motsu – Neurobeat
I like the production but not the vocals. That filter/effect is obnoxious.
Sweet Revenge – Mine
This new trio is aimed at a global market and the song certainly sounds like it. I find it quite dull, unfortunately.