Latest J-Pop Releases [January 2025]

Burn My Uvniverse (Ablaze Remix)Jun Maeda & Nagi Yanagi

Burn My Universe (Ablaze Remix)

The collaborative songs by Jun Maeda and Nagi Yanagi are characterized by moving lyrics and a clear, translucent singing voice.

This work delicately depicts the protagonist’s emotions, centering on themes of inner conflict and hope amid battle.

Following the original version released in June 2022, a remixed version will be available starting in January 2025.

Created as an in-game song for the smartphone RPG “Heaven Burns Red,” it deepens the expression of the game’s world.

With both a sense of speed and a poignant sorrow, the track will resonate with those searching for their purpose in life and those who wish to protect someone dear.

More than lovers, less than in love＝LOVE

=LOVE (Equal Love) / 18th Single “More Than Lovers, Less Than Love” [MV full]

A song by =LOVE produced by Rino Sashihara.

Chosen as the opening theme for a TV anime, the track is included on their 18th single slated for release in February 2025.

This song, which depicts complex feelings of love, features a pop, catchy melody.

Its lyrics align with the anime’s world, expressing the protagonists’ delicate relationships.

Members Kiara Saito, Hitomi Takamatsu, and Iori Noguchi are also set to appear as voice actors in the anime.

It’s a recommended track for anyone who’s experiencing the frustrations of love!

Dream Crumbs CakeAZKi

AZKi “Dream-Fragment Cake” [Official Music Video]

A song by AZKi, a Vtuber from hololive, released in December 2024.

Its downbeat lyrical world leaves a strong impression, portraying the pain of heartbreak and a murky sense of loss.

The imagery of liquid dirtying the sink and a cake reduced to trash really hits hard.

The arrangement is dimly lit yet beautiful, perfectly complemented by AZKi’s cool vocals.

The more you listen, the more it reveals its flavor—a true yandere-style track.

Sparkling MoonGANG PARADE

GANG PARADE「Sparkling Moon」Music Video

Get into the groove with this glamorous dance track that fuses electro swing and big band sound! Sparkling Moon by GANG PARADE is set for release in December 2024.

It’s been chosen as the theme song for the drama Wakakozake Season 8.

The track has a liberating vibe, and its lyrics convey the strength to live freely.

You’ll find yourself captivated by its sparkling sonic approach.

How about adding it to your party BGM?

GIFTICEx

ICEx – GIFT (Special Movie)

A pop love song that delivers a heartwarming gift on Christmas night.

It’s ICEx’s fourth single, released digitally on December 25, 2024.

The gentle soundscape evokes images of snowy scenery and holiday lights.

The lyrics express gratitude to a loved one and a desire to keep spending time together, leaving listeners with a cozy, contented feeling.

If you listen to it with your partner, you might just fall even more in love.

Mad SnowKnight A – Knight A –

[MV] Mad Snow / Knight A – Kishi A –

It’s a winter love song that portrays deep affection and heartrending conflict.

Released by Knight A – Kishi A – in December 2024, the track reflects feelings of love like snowflakes.

The deeper the love grows, the more it hurts—capturing the complex emotions that come with romance.

The sound arrangement vividly conjures winter scenes and leaves a strong impression.

It’s a must-listen for anyone seeking a winter love story during the Christmas season.

If you're going to quit, now's the time.MOROHA

YAMERUNARA IMADA

This is a candid message song that lays bare the conflict and resolve of pursuing a dream.

It’s a track by MOROHA, released digitally in December 2024.

As their final song before going on hiatus, it drew a lot of attention.

Written around the time of their Nippon Budokan performance, the piece intertwines a burning passion for music with doubts about continuing down that path.

As you listen, you’ll naturally find yourself contemplating their lives.

It’s a song that may resonate not only with people in the music world, but with anyone who keeps challenging themselves.