Latest J-Pop Releases [May 2025]

Sand Castleyama

Sand Castle

A beautiful track by yama, woven from delicate melodies and a dreamlike worldview.

Skillfully blending ephemeral yet powerful elements of electronica and alternative pop, this piece was released in May 2025.

Co-composed with Kohei Ueguchi, it achieves a refined sound that sets it apart from yama’s previous works.

As a lead single from the album “GRIDOUT,” it’s drawing considerable attention.

Its introspective, emotionally rich lyricism and hauntingly beautiful melody lines are full of a resonance that lingers in the heart.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when you pause in your daily life and face your inner self.

Perfect, too, as background music for a quiet night or a reflective moment.

Until I Fall in LoveCanai

Until I Fall in Love

A song with a simple arrangement centered on acoustic guitar, delicately portraying a singer-songwriter’s inner feelings, was released in May 2025.

Created by Kyanai, the work focuses on the uncertainty of romantic emotions and the essence of humanity’s desire for connection.

Its gentle, mid-tempo ballad style pairs beautifully with lyrics rich in sharp human observation.

It carefully depicts the longing to connect with someone despite feelings of loneliness and anxiety, resulting in a tender track that resonates deeply with those of us living in the present day.

Wobbly feat. 7coHashi Mero

Wobbly feat. 7co / HashiMelo: Music Video

An ambitious collaboration between HashiMelo and 7co themed around the end of the world brought on by conspiracy theories.

Over a modern track that blends a wistful guitar riff with elements of electronic pop, the song features a back-and-forth with vocalist Nanako Ashida.

With its emotional atmosphere, it transforms socially charged topics trending on social media into music.

The artwork, created in May 2025, features illustrator Fuzuki Ishida.

As reflected in HashiMelo’s comment, “You Only Live Once,” the piece carries both a challenge to society and a universal message.

It’s a perfect song for contemplative nights, inviting you to surrender to its melancholic vocals and sound.

GET BACKyuzu

GET BACK

As a Reiwa-era anime song, this ambitious piece mixes the world of Pokémon with Yuzu’s pop sensibilities, crafted by TeddyLoid.

Released in May 2025 as the opening theme for the new chapter “Mega Voltage” of the anime Pokémon, the track delivers a powerful message about reclaiming a lost future, unfolding like a suite.

It marks the first co-written work in about five years by Yujin Kitagawa and Koji Iwasawa, featuring lyrics peppered with Pokémon motifs and a sound that fuses contemporary Japanese culture.

Yuzu’s first anime theme in roughly seven years, this song is recommended not only for anime fans but also for listeners seeking fresh expressions in pop music.

PledgeAngela Aki

Angela Aki “Pledge” Recording Documentary Movie

Marking her first comeback in 11 years, this work is a gem-like piano ballad woven by Angela Aki around the themes of self-affirmation and rebirth.

Since pausing her activities in 2014, she has studied music in the United States and built a family life, and here she expresses her resolve to accept herself as she is through her uniquely emotive vocals and piano melodies.

Since her 2005 debut, Angela Aki has released numerous beloved songs, including the hit album Home, which sold over 600,000 copies, and “Tegami ~Haikei Juugo no Kimi e~.” In 2024, she also composed the music for the musical In This Corner of the World.

With an arrangement that is simple yet draws out deep emotion, and a positive message at its core, this piece is recommended for anyone ready to take a new step forward or to face themselves with honesty.

finger hairChou Kyumei

finger hair

This work achieves a perfect balance between a dark, wet pop sound and lyrics woven from love and heartache.

Released in May 2025 by the four-piece band Chōkyūmei, it delicately captures the complex emotions and conflicts of romance while drawing on each member’s diverse musical background.

Blending danceable elements with an introspective atmosphere, the sound further deepens the world they established on the album “Surudoi Sasakure” and the EP “LOVE no Kōwa Suijōkiryō.” The band has also contributed to visual media, including “Mikoi,” the opening theme for the FOD drama Mikoi: Kakure Botchitachi, and “Cinnamon,” an insert song for the film Atashino!.

It’s a track recommended for those who cherish bittersweet memories of love or want to sit with music on a quiet night.

A world that sways around youMarcy

Marcy – The world that sways around you (Official Music Video)

Opening with crisp, refreshing guitar tones, this song—capturing the exhilaration of falling in love—was released in May 2025 as JTB’s nationwide commercial theme.

Created by Marcy, a three-piece band from Fukuoka, it’s a classic love song that poignantly frames the sweet moments spent with a partner.

Within the liberating guitar-rock sound, Ukyo Yoshida’s translucent vocals leave a strong impression, and the relatable, signature Marcy lyrics are another highlight.

The music video features influencer Noa—whose total following exceeds 3.

3 million—and, paired with exhilarating footage shot in Kagawa Prefecture, the themes of travel and romance are rendered even more compelling.

Evoking the feel of a summer romance, the comfortable, breezy sound makes it a perfect track for drives and trips with someone special.