Latest J-Pop Releases [May 2025]

Like, dislikePhantom Seater

Phantom Theta “Like, Dislike” (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)

Phantom Theta is a five-member idol group that expresses a unique worldview rooted in retro horror.

This work, released in May 2025, is their first drama tie-in and serves as the opening theme for TV Tokyo’s Drama 24 series “Dear My Baby: Until I Control You.” Composed by Koharu of Charan-Po-Rantan, the song explores the theme of deranged love, fusing an addictive pop melody with unsettling sounds in exquisite balance.

In the music video directed by Nanene Suzuki, the distorted love-hate relationship between idols and fans is strikingly portrayed.

It’s a must-listen for those drawn to retro-horror-infused music and for anyone seeking fresh values beyond the conventional idol image.

springBrandy War Chronicles

Spring

The chorus melody is catchy and emotional, creating a striking song where wistfulness and hope intertwine.

It’s included on BRANDY SENKI, the album released in May 2025 by Brandy Senki, a three-piece band from Osaka, and drew attention as the tie-in track for ahamo’s new-life campaign “To You Who Can’t Move Now.” The shifting of emotions alongside the changing seasons is expressed through a gritty guitar sound and a rhythmic bassline reminiscent of 1980s Japanese pop.

It’s a must-listen for anyone feeling the arrival of spring and ready to take a new step forward, and the music video directed by Australian creator Nathalie Scarlette is also a must-see.

monsterPolkadot Stingray

MAMONO

Created as a tie-in with TV Asahi’s Friday Night Drama, this distinctive track was made entirely with English lyrics.

Its dope, stylish sound pairs perfectly with an ominous, dark atmosphere, marking new territory for the band.

Set for release in May 2025, the 10th anniversary of Polkadot Stingray’s formation, it features a weighty sonic texture that stands apart from their previously catchy pop-rock style.

It vividly captures the world of the co-produced Japan–Korea drama starring Kumiko Aso, resulting in an ambitious work that symbolizes the band’s new challenge.

As a tense track that adds color to a suspense production, it’s sure to be irresistible for listeners who love mysterious vibes and enigmatic twists.

MartianYorushika

Yorushika – Martian (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

A gem of a song that weaves literary lyricism with a translucent vocal tone to portray the fragility of youth and a yearning for ideals.

Slated for May 2025 as the opening theme for the TV anime The Little Citizens Series Season 2, this offering from Yorushika harmonizes n-buna’s delicate composition with suis’s expressively nuanced vocals.

True to the duo’s hallmark—literary lyrics and a pop yet philosophical worldview showcased in albums like ‘That’s Why I Gave Up on Music’ and ‘Plagiarism’—the song remains quintessentially them.

Centered around guitar-driven arrangements, the richly emotive sonic landscape shaped by suis’s singing makes it a perfect fit for listeners who resonate with hearts wavering between ideals and reality, or who appreciate finely wrought musical expression.

MemoryKayoko Yoshizawa

Kayoko Yoshizawa “Memory” MUSIC VIDEO

A song lovingly woven with feelings for her hometown has arrived from Kayoko Yoshizawa.

Chosen as the official theme song for the 75th National Tree-Planting Festival to be held in Saitama Prefecture, it expresses a warm gaze toward her hometown’s nature and the creatures that live there through her tender vocals.

The nostalgic yet grand arrangement is by Ryo Konishi, who previously arranged “Namida no Kuni” and “Otokobai.” The music video, which features home videos from Yoshizawa’s childhood, further enriches the work’s world.

Released in May 2025 to mark the 11th anniversary of her debut, the song was premiered at her solo concert at Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall in April 2025.

It’s a heartfelt recommendation for anyone who wants to revisit their hometown through the lens of childhood memories.

Dangerous MagicKarin Miyamoto

Karin Miyamoto “Dangerous Magic” Promotion Edit

A pop tune with the refreshing feel of an anime song, featuring Karin Miyamoto’s strikingly transparent vocals.

Written by Konnyaku Nishino, composed by Kazunori Watanabe, and arranged by Yusuke Tojima, the track beautifully blends a fantastical worldview with a breezy sound.

Released as her fourth single in June 2025 in a double A-side format, it was first performed at M-line Special in May 2025, where it received a strong response from fans.

This pop tune, which showcases a new frontier for Miyamoto as a solo artist, is perfect for lifting your mood or accompanying a drive.

The fresh musical direction, which significantly overturns her idol-era image, is also drawing attention.

See you, hero.Takaya Kawasaki

Takaya Kawasaki - See You, Hero [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

In July 2018, Takaya Kawasaki released as a single a mid-tempo ballad that beautifully captures both the weight of saying “Do your best” when encouraging someone and the complex feelings of the person who hears it.

Its warm, acoustic guitar–driven sound and soul-stirring vocals resonate with those who face the mix of courage and anxiety that comes with stepping into a new environment.

Although it’s a standout track from his indie days, it’s being newly included on his fourth album, Ambiguous Blue, set for release in May 2025, with a brand-new music video as well.

Longtime fans should definitely check it out.