Latest Japanese music releases [February 2025]

Phone NumberTakanori Iwata

Takanori Iwata – Phone Number (Official Music Video)

A soulful track by Takanori Iwata that elevates the ache of heartbreak into a mature love song.

From the viewpoint of a protagonist wandering neon-lit streets, it delicately portrays a fleeting goodbye and lingering regret.

Marking a new chapter in his solo career, the work features refined, soul- and funk-based production that showcases unprecedented expressiveness and allure.

Ahead of its February 2025 release, a teaser video dropped late last year, stoking anticipation.

It has also been performed on the arena tour “ARTLESS,” drawing a huge response.

Highly recommended for anyone who wants to savor the sweet, bittersweet atmosphere of the night alongside an urban sound.

It’s a song with adult charm that makes you want to stroll through the city after dark, lost in memories of a broken heart.

Transparent mapKazuyoshi Saito

Kazuyoshi Saito – Transparent Map [Official Audio]

Saito Kazuyoshi’s new song, woven with a gentle melody and warm vocals, is a heartwarming story that softly portrays a life turning point brought on by changes in one’s home.

Amid the mix of hope and anxiety for the future, it serves as an encouraging anthem that powerfully supports a new step in life.

Released digitally in February 2025, the piece was written for SUUMO’s web movie “Jinsei no Matorizu” (“Life’s Floor Plan”) and has been gaining attention alongside the commercial featuring actress Yu Aoi.

This song offers quiet companionship to those preparing for a move or a new chapter, and to anyone about to open a fresh page in their life.

Nothing specialSakurazaka46

Sakurazaka46 “Nothing special” Music Video

An approachable song by Sakurazaka46 that portrays the importance of always moving forward, even in ordinary everyday life.

Set to a calm and memorable melodic line, the BACKS members deliver emotive vocals.

It drew attention even before its release for featuring Yuzuki Nakajima in her first center role, and it has been confirmed for inclusion on the album “UDAGAWA GENERATION,” slated for release on February 19, 2025.

It is also scheduled to be performed at the “11th Single BACKS LIVE!!” on March 6 and 7, where Yuzuki Nakajima will serve as the lead.

This track is perfect for those who spend their days savoring small joys and a sense of progress.

With a warm, comforting sound that feels close to the heart, it gently wraps you in honest, down-to-earth feelings.

aloeMashō Funatsu

Masato Funatsu “Aloe” Official Music Video – Ending Theme Song for the drama ‘By the Irori at Ms. Alice’s House’

This is a work by Masho Funatsu that delicately portrays a frustrating relationship where, like a spiky aloe, you can’t get closer even when your hearts are near.

Centered on themes of “more than friends, not quite lovers” and the ambiguity of love, the song’s clear, translucent vocals create a warm atmosphere that gently embraces emotions many have experienced.

Released in January 2025, it airs as the ending theme for the TBS drama “At the Irori in Ms.

Alice’s House,” drawing attention as a track that complements its age-gap romance storyline.

It’s a recommended song for those who want to resonate with the wavering emotions of love or spend a calm, peaceful time.

A heart in love dancesMasanori Onda

The Dancing Heart of Love / Masanori Onda

Its sensual expression, as if wrapping the sweetness of romance in a gentle singing voice, is captivating.

Through unassuming everyday moments, the song delicately depicts the feeling of love for a partner, conveying the vibrancy and happiness of romance along with a light melody.

Masanori Onda’s uniquely warm vocals resonate as if nestling close to the listener’s heart.

Released in January 2025, this work was selected for TikTok’s #NewMusic and has garnered buzz as many users featured it in their posts.

In the music video, scenes that feel like snapshots of lovers’ daily lives stand out alongside warm, visually beautiful imagery.

It’s the perfect track to serve as background music for time spent with someone special, from relaxing moments at a café to a drive.

Specially, do it.＝LOVE

=LOVE (Equal Love) / 18th Single “Tokubechu, Shite” [MV full]

A sweet, bittersweet love song has arrived from =LOVE.

It’s infused with a passion so strong it can’t be captured by a simple “like” or “I love you,” filled with a girl’s possessiveness and pure feelings.

The melody is a pop tune brimming with cuteness, blending adorable charm and earnest emotion in perfect balance.

Set for release as their 18th single on February 26, 2025, the song features lyrics by Rino Sashihara and Maika Sasaki as center.

The music video has already sparked a major reaction, surpassing 5 million views just nine days after its February 2 premiere.

Highly recommended for those who want to empathize with a lovestruck girl’s feelings or revel in the sweet-and-sour memories of young love.

UDAGAWA GENERATIONSakurazaka46

Sakurazaka46 “UDAGAWA GENERATION” Music Video

This is a bold new challenge from Sakurazaka46, featuring a striking lyrical world that captures modern youth’s thirst for freedom.

Set in Shibuya’s Udagawachō, it powerfully portrays young people confronting social restrictions and prejudice.

While staying true to themselves, they carefully search for coexistence with others—a theme rendered with nuance that, combined with the members’ expressive performances, makes the work deeply resonant.

This is the group’s 11th single, set for release on February 19, 2025, with Hikaru Morita serving as center.

It’s a must-listen for anyone feeling anxious about society or the future, or for those searching for a place where they belong.