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 // Feb 15 – Feb 21
THIS WEEK: February 22 – 28
AKB48 – Mukaikaze
A sentimental ballad.
Chotokkyu (Bullet Train) – Poker Face
It’s fun to hear them tackle a more rock-influenced song. However, this is far from their strongest work.
Da-iCE – OLD meets NEW
It’s funky in the way that doesn’t actually feel very funky, if that makes sense.
HiiT Factory – Feels Good Times
As usual, they’ve nailed the time period they’re going for. I prefer when they target a different genre of nostalgia, though.
LADYBABY – Real Eyes Realize Real Lies (song of the week!)
The group name gives me major ick, but the pounding rock-meets-electronic instrumental is very enjoyable. The song itself could be stronger, but I’m intrigued by their sound.
ME:I – Best Match
This has great upbeat energy. Fans of K-pop groups like Twice would probably enjoy it.
NAQT VANE – GREENLIT
It follows their formula to a tee, but that formula’s still pretty good.
NAZE – Isn’t She Lovely?
I gave up on this drama after 1.5 episodes, and sadly the music’s just as dull as the show.
NCT Wish – Same Sky
Very boring.
NOMELON NOLEMON – mitemite (song of the week!)
This is very quirky in a fun way and will definitely win over a bunch of fans.
Philosophy no Dance – Dance for Philosophy
This takes a while to get going, but I enjoy the chorus.
Sakurazaka46 – Kougen
An absolutely fine Sakurazaka46 song. I prefer when their music is more ambitious and hard-hitting.
Sandaime J Soul Brothers – Through The Rain
I wish this went full on dance club. It feels like it’s constantly holding back.
Seventeen – Tiny Light (song of the week!)
How is this random Japanese (performed in English) Seventeen song the best thing they’ve released in ages?
SKE48 – Moushiran
Doesn’t really go anywhere for me, but the chorus is decent.
Snow Man – Odorouze!
Funky and bright. It’s not my favorite thing they’ve ever done, but it’s pleasant.
STEREO DIVE FOUNDATION – Harmonics
Not as catchy as his usual stuff, unfortunately.
STU48 – Sukisugite Naku
That perky synthline that runs through much of the track is very nice.
T.N.T – Ro”kyun”roll
Watching the ambitious plans for XY basically turn into this Tegoshi-fronted side project is honestly depressing. This isn’t bad (the chorus is actually strong), but in the end it’s just another rock song.
Tsubaki Factory -Shikurettosama
A very classic, chugging idol sound.
Wolf Howl Harmony – Gachi Funk
Despite its title, I don’t find this particularly funky.
XG – Rock The Boat
I know some of you were expecting a full review for this follow-up track, but I just didn’t have much to say. The song is fine. I’d rather listen to the Aaliyah track it interpolates.
7ORDER – Machichuuka Kimetaina
I appreciate the nostalgic textures on this, but ultimately the song is not for me.