Latest J-Pop Releases [May 2025]

TraceDEXCORE

DEXCORE 「Trace」 Official Music Video

A song that powerfully questions the value of one’s existence and the importance of memory was released in May 2025 alongside the album WE WERE HERE.

Built on a foundation of metalcore and deathcore, DEXCORE weaves heavy guitar riffs and dynamically shifting melodies into an exquisitely balanced piece.

Within its aggressive progression breathes delicate emotional expression, and the contrast between ferocious shouts and clean vocals resonates deeply.

The track carries a message of a soul’s cry—expressing a strong will to overcome inner conflict and the sense of loss over what’s slipping away, while holding hope for the future.

To celebrate the release of WE WERE HERE, a collaboration event will be held at ROCKAHOLIC in Shinjuku, Tokyo, from May 20 to 26.

It’s a song for those who connect with the profound humanity hidden within intense music and for listeners seeking a new frontier in heavy music.

SHININGIS:SUE

IS:SUE (Isshu) ‘SHINING’ Official MV

This IS:SUE track features an arresting sound where hip-hop house and Afropop tones intertwine with drums reminiscent of 2000s pop.

It conveys a powerful message—keep honing yourself without fearing failure, transform outside stimuli into a spectrum of light, and shine—delivered through an addictive hook, bold lyrics, and edgy rap.

The song is included on the artist’s third single, “EXTREME DIAMOND,” and began streaming in April 2025.

It was also chosen as a tie-in song for the app WEAR GO LAND, which offers fashion experiences in a virtual space, and the group’s performance at KCON JAPAN 2025 in May has been generating buzz.

It’s perfect BGM for workouts and gym sessions, and a rousing anthem for moments when you want to stay true to yourself.

K2KEIJU

KEIJU – K2 (Official Music Video)

Built on Neetz’s production, which exquisitely blends contemporary hip-hop and R&B elements, KEIJU’s new track—marked by its polished, memorable beat—was released in May 2025 as the lead single from the album N.

I.

T.

O.

The song deftly balances a cool, urbane flow with introspective themes of self-confidence and personal growth.

The music video, directed by Russian filmmaker Mikhail Pashkulsky, features KANDYTOWN members IO and MUD, and the track is slated to be performed on the N.

I.

T.

O.

TOUR in June.

With simple, straightforward lyrics wrapped in a sleek, metropolitan vibe, this is a song we recommend when you want to reflect on yourself in the midst of everyday life.

Cheese (ft. Manaka)Litty

Litty – Cheese ft. Manaka

A sophisticated city-pop-style club tune that vividly portrays the real nightlife of young people in Minato Ward is finally here.

Following the buzz of her debut track “Pull Up,” Litty returns with a captivating collaboration featuring Manaka, formerly of Little Glee Monster.

Lion Melo’s production makes effective use of brass, resulting in a track that’s perfect for both a late-night drive and the club scene.

The music video showcases the two artists performing against the backdrop of Tokyo’s night skyline.

The song reached No.

47 on the iTunes Store Hip-Hop/Rap chart, offering a new glimpse into Litty’s artistry as she continues to win over listeners since her debut.

Highly recommended for anyone looking to immerse themselves in sophisticated urban nightlife entertainment.

Take Me Away to Traumerei [feat. Isekai Jōcho, Issei]MAISONdes

[717] [feat. Isekai Joucho, Issei] Take Me Away, Traumerei / MAISONdes

MAISONdes’s new song, set in a uniquely crafted world where reality and fantasy intersect, quietly stirs the listener’s heart.

The collaboration by Issei and Isekaijoucho, who have newly moved into the fictional six-tatami-and-a-half apartment, beautifully marries delicate, dark soundscapes with ethereal vocals.

It vividly expresses the desire to escape reality and the longing for salvation.

Since its release in May 2025, it has drawn attention on social media, ranking among trending keywords.

As another milestone for MAISONdes—whose total streams have surpassed 600 million—expectations for their future work are rising.

This piece resonates with those burdened by real-life regret and emptiness, and it’s also perfect as a soundtrack for solitary nights or quiet walks home.

It won't disappearNOMELON NOLEMON

It won't disappear

As an insert song for the TV anime “Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX,” NOMELON NOLEMON has released a track where electropop and city pop blend beautifully.

From a serene intro, the emotional sound and vocals unfold into a spacious piece that evokes the cosmos.

Set for release in May 2025, this gem weaves together Tsumiki’s meticulous sound crafting and Miki Maria’s richly expressive vocals.

The artists’ formative memories of stargazing also inform the song’s worldview, adding to its allure.

It marks a new frontier for the duo, known for their work on the albums “POP” and “Rule,” and is highly recommended for listeners seeking delicate music that resonates deeply.

gazeSUPER BEAVER

SUPER BEAVER “Gaze” MV (Theme song for the film ‘Kaneko Sashiireten’)

Created as the theme song for the film “Kaneko Sashiireten,” this powerful track is a masterpiece that exquisitely fuses SUPER BEAVER’s trademark emotional rock sound with a serene atmosphere that reflects the movie’s worldview.

Crafted by guitarist Ryota Yanagisawa, the song’s carefully woven lyrics and Ryota Shibuya’s emotive vocals brilliantly express the universal themes of human renewal and hope.

It was released digitally on May 14, 2025, after its first on-air premiere on TOKYO FM’s “SCHOOL OF LOCK!” on May 9, 2025.

Deeply echoing the sentiments of the film, which opens nationwide the same May, the track resonates with a dramatic progression.

Enjoying this work alongside the film will surely offer an even more profound emotional experience.