Latest J-Pop Releases [April 2025]

Kiss U Dead Or AliveSeikima-II

SEIKIMA-II “Kiss U Dead Or Alive” Official Music Video #SeikimaII

A track by Seikima-II featuring irresistibly crunchy guitar riffs.

In April 2025, it became a major talking point as their first new release in 37 years.

Demon Kakka’s powerful vocals and Jail Ohashi Daikan’s guitar work create a massive sound that conveys the spirit of heavy metal—the very origin of Seikima-II—into the present.

The lyrics, depicting ruinous and perverse love, leave a strong impression, unfolding a dark and passionate worldview.

It’s a must-listen for anyone seeking uncompromising, hard-hitting music.

Metal buddiesLimited Express

Metal buddies

This metal number combines a strong message with humor, throwing a stone into the pond of social divisions and cancel-culture flare-ups in the digital age.

Performed by Chotokkyu, it’s set for release in April 2025.

With unpredictable shifts—like moving from a heavy sound to a catchy chorus—the track weaves in an overflowing amount of positive messages, resulting in a delightful chaos.

The more you listen, the more energized you feel.

Crank up your spirits with this song!

hydrangeaDivorce Legend

hydrangea

This is a ballad with a lustrous melody that evokes rainy scenes.

It’s a song by Rikon Densetsu, released in April 2025, and was chosen as the theme song for the drama “Across the River: This Is My Way of Life!” It begins with a quiet tune where the bass and snare gently resound, and Ayumi Matsuda’s clear vocals and Jun Beppu’s guitar weave a beautiful harmony.

Centered on the rainy season, the piece delicately depicts shifting emotions.

It gently stays by your side on pensive days or during quiet moments spent thinking of someone dear.

Cat’s Meow (feat. Hidefumi Kenmochi)Denonbu

DENONBU – Cat’s Meow (feat. Hidefumi Kenmochi) / Denonbu – Cat’s Meow (feat. Hidefumi Kenmochi)

This track blends a distinctive electronic sound with playfully catchy beats.

Produced by Hidefumi Kenmochi—known as the track maker for Wednesday Campanella—it was released in April 2025.

The resonant, bass-driven electronics pair perfectly with the airy vocals, creating a one-of-a-kind sonic world.

It’s highly danceable, the kind of song that makes your body move naturally, and its unpredictable structure keeps it from ever getting boring.

If you love electronic music, don’t miss this one!

Cute for lifeNadeshiko on a high peak

[MV] Cute for life / Takane no Nadeshiko [HoneyWorks]

An electropop song that captures the feelings of a girl in love.

It’s a track by the idol group Takane no Nadeshiko, released in April 2025.

It stands out with a mellow melody at the start, and the lyrics are packed full of pure, adorable emotions.

The vibe is so cute that you can’t help but grin as you listen.

Perfect for boosting your romantic mood—highly recommended!

WALTZRyūgū-jō (Dragon Palace)

WALTZ

Guided by a waltz-like, otherworldly melody, this is a fleeting yet beautiful song.

As the first installment of Ryūgū-jō’s anime tie-in projects, it will be released in April 2025.

It has been chosen as the ending theme for the anime Black Butler: The Green Witch Arc.

Its poetic, multilayered worldbuilding and dramatically unfolding soundscape are all captivating and immersive.

Producer Ave-chan’s deft touch truly shines here.

It’s a track that makes you feel as if you’ve slipped into a different world from the one you know.

Message — kotodute —Porno Graffitti

Porno Graffitti “Kotodute (Message)” (Theme song for NHK Hiroshima Broadcasting Station’s “80 Years Since the Atomic Bombing” Project) | NHK

It’s a song with a gentle rock sound imbued with deep prayers and wishes.

The 55th single by Porno Graffitti, created with Hiroshima—marking 80 years since the atomic bombing—as its theme, it was released digitally in April 2025.

The track was used as the ending theme for NHK Hiroshima’s documentary program “Connect: Messages to the Future — Porno Graffitti Connects Through ‘Song.

’” The program featured the background of the song’s production and conversations with atomic bomb survivors.

Give it a listen when you want to feel a commitment to peace or to quietly calm your mind.