Latest J-Pop Releases [January 2025]

Marshmallow PunchShinako feat. Princess of Midnight

[MV] Marshmallow Punch 👊🏻💗 / Shinako feat. Princess at Midnight / Airi DX

A collaboration between Shinako and Midnight Princess, released in December 2024.

Its charm lies in the airy, fluffy vocals and humorous sound arrangement.

The lyrics carry a message of “overcoming difficulties by staying true to yourself,” making it perfect for anyone pursuing personal growth.

Give it a listen when you’re feeling down or hoping to change yourself.

Flowersyuzu

Flowers

It’s a song whose beautiful harmonies resonate in the heart.

Surprise-released in December 2024, this refreshing up-tempo track blends acoustic guitar tones with digital sounds, painting a gentle, flower-inspired world alongside warm vocals.

It was created to further expand on the world of the album “Zukan.” Highly recommended when you want to feel positive.

You’re unfair, you know.Lilia.

riria. / Sneaky You. [Music Video]

This song poignantly expresses the feelings of unrequited love.

Released in December 2024, it is also included on the album “Kiseki,” out in January 2025.

With a clear, airy vocal that paints wintry Christmas scenes, the track features a warm arrangement incorporating piano and strings.

The lyrics convey pure emotions toward a one-sided crush, something teens in particular are likely to relate to.

It’s a perfect winter song for elevating a romantic mood.

You are dead.Iori Kanzaki

You Are Dead / Kanzaki Iori

The aching feelings pierce both the ears and the heart.

This piece is a track included on the third EP, “Ensnared by Freedom,” released in August 2024, with the music video unveiled in December.

The lyrics spun by Kanzaki Iori poignantly depict the grief of losing a loved one and the magnitude of their presence, striking close to home.

The intense fixation on “you” and a sharp distrust of the world are powerfully expressed, resonating deeply with listeners.

It’s a song that makes you reflect on life’s impermanence and the essence of love.

A piece I especially want those feeling lonely to hear.

silver vine (Actinidia polygama)Sayaka Yamamoto

Sayaka Yamamoto “Matatabi” Music Video

It portrays a woman’s emotions, where attachment and suspicion toward a loved one intertwine.

Released on December 25, 2024, this track is included on the EP “U TA CARTE.” It’s a song that showcases Sayaka Yamamoto’s musical growth and versatile expressiveness.

Her vocals, combining power and sultriness, enhance the song’s worldview.

The rock ’n’ roll–tinged arrangement is cool, too.

A high-intensity love song with a mature vibe that’s absolutely electrifying.

Real-time singer-songwriterYu Takahashi

Yu Takahashi “Real-Time Singer-Songwriter” MV

A song by real-time singer-songwriter Yu Takahashi, released in December 2024.

Featured on the album “HAPPY,” it was also used as the commemorative commercial song for the 40th anniversary of Akitakomachi rice.

It strikingly contrasts personal happiness with the complexities of the world, leaving a deep impression on listeners.

Its appeal also lies in a free musicality unconstrained by genre.

Titled with the catchphrase from his debut days, it’s a track that tightly encapsulates Takahashi’s ‘now.

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THE CODEKento Nakajima

Kento Nakajima "THE CODE" Music Video

An electronic pop track with English lyrics.

This piece is included on the album “N / bias,” released in December 2024.

It was also used as a cheering song for the Hulu original drama “Concordia.” Written and composed by Kento Nakajima, the song explores the theme of discovering the “code” hidden within oneself, singing about the pursuit of truth and confronting the past.

Its sound arrangement is both mysterious and energetic.

Be sure to experience this track that showcases Nakajima’s musical boldness.