Latest J-Pop Releases [May 2025]

Dark HeroesSUPER★DRAGON

[MV] SUPER★DRAGON / Dark Heroes

This is a passionate track crafted by members of SUPER★DRAGON, who are active across a variety of fields including anime, voice acting, and YouTube.

Member Kaito Jean handled the lyrics and composition, with beatmaker Geek Kids Club and Ace Hashimoto providing support to bring the song to completion.

It opens with a cinematic intro, and its innovative sound design—blending elements of drum and bass and film music—leaves a strong impression.

Positioned as the lead track from their major-label debut album “SUPER X,” slated for release on June 11, 2025, the song is accompanied by an MV that showcases a refined worldbuilding.

Marking the group’s 10th anniversary, this powerful and daring piece embodies their growth and evolution.

It’s a perfect work for listeners seeking a fresh musical experience.

MILLION PLACESXG

XG – MILLION PLACES (Official Music Video)

The song by the hip-hop/R&B girl group XG, who successfully wrapped up their global world tour “The first HOWL” with the final show at Tokyo Dome in May 2025, is a heartwarming track that celebrates bonds forged across borders.

Set over a trap beat with a memorable, looping synth melody, it captures the emotions tied to the precious moments shared on stages around the world.

Released on the same day as the Tokyo Dome finale, May 14, 2025, this work comes as a CD box featuring a total of four tracks, including the Y2K version of “LEFT RIGHT” and live recordings, making for a substantial package.

Through depictions of travel and emotionally resonant expressions, the song conveys gratitude to fans connected beyond nationality and culture, making it highly recommended for anyone who wants to experience the appeal of truly worldwide music.

TWISTED PARADISEYUTA

YUTA Yuta 'TWISTED PARADISE' MV

A solo project by NCT’s YUTA, notable for its electronic sound and dark atmosphere.

Blending multiple genres—glam rock, pop punk, and J-pop metal rock—the tracks captivate with a distinctive sonic identity and powerful vocals.

The solo single released in May 2025 includes two new songs that he took an active role in creating, plus two live recordings from the Tokyo stop of the 2024 “YUTA Solo Debut Showcase Tour HOPE.” It’s a release packed with YUTA’s multifaceted appeal, conveying both his energetic performance and the sense of unity with the audience.

Expertly balancing aggressive sounds with melodic elements, this work is sure to resonate with rock fans.

I want to keep touching you.tonun

tonun – I Want to Keep Touching You (Official Lyric Video)

Singer-songwriter tonun has released a J-pop tune that stirs listeners’ hearts with a Western-tinged sound woven from a groovy track and a sweet, smoky vocal.

Released in May 2025, the song also serves as part of the original soundtrack for TV Asahi’s Friday Night Drama “Mamono.” It’s a track that further evolves the musicality he’s showcased across numerous works like the album “Intro” and the single “Sugar Magic,” with lyrics that closely intertwine with the drama’s worldview leaving a strong impression.

Fully displaying his prowess—handling guitar, track production, and mixing himself—the piece boasts a comfortable groove infused with elements of Black music.

It’s a perfect pick for a driving soundtrack or a calm, late-night relaxation session.

BLACK DOLLЯu-a

Яu-a 『BLACK DOLL』 Music Video

A unique world that weaves together a sound fusing diverse genres—dance, hyperpop, and R&B—with a captivating voice that grips listeners.

Released in May 2025 by rising female artist Яu-a, this track perfectly balances refined track-making with a catchy melodic line.

Produced by Taydex, the song intertwines funky beats and a memorable hook in exquisite harmony, skillfully blending elements of Japan’s kawaii culture with Western pop.

The music video marks her return to on-screen appearances, overflowing with a pink, her signature color, as the core visual theme.

With its rhythmic sound and delicate emotional expression, this release is highly recommended for fans of contemporary pop music.

Everyonechakra

Chakura – For Everyone (Official Music Video)

This song marks a new frontier for Chakra, a four-piece girls’ rock band from Hachioji, Tokyo.

It carries a message that stands with those who have faced life’s pains and setbacks—never forcing positivity, but instead offering a gentle push forward.

Released in May 2025, the track drew attention as an advance digital single from the album “Distorted Love, But Still,” and the film released on YouTube deeply moved many viewers.

With its striking guitar riff and a bittersweet, emotionally resonant melody, it feels like the birth of a new anthem.

hungertsukimi (moon viewing; also used for dishes featuring egg, e.g., “tsukimi udon” referring to an egg resembling the moon)

hunger

The song released in May 2025 by Tsukimi, a gal rock band from Fukushima, captures the feeling of confronting an unfillable emptiness while turning away from it and escaping into a world of reverie, expressed through a powerful rock sound and delicate melodic lines.

After singing about female friendship in their previous single “Girls Band” in September 2023, and steadily building their track record with their 2022 EP “Men Are Momentary, Friends Are Forever,” which ranked No.

1 for nine consecutive weeks on Tower Records Shibuya’s “TawaKuru” chart, the group continues to rise.

This new track is perfect for those who resonate with inner loneliness and want to face their true feelings.