Latest J-Pop Releases [May 2025]

Bye-byeNaotaro Moriyama

"Have You Seen the Rainbow Spanning That Sea?" & "Bye-Bye" Music Video (Studio Session)

This is a piece by Naotaro Moriyama themed around parting and setting off, which had previously only been performed live.

It premiered in April 2025 on the YouTube channel THE FIRST TAKE.

It’s a bluegrass song, characterized by a lively, bright sound centered on banjo and fiddle.

Moriyama’s clear, straightforward vocals beautifully capture what lies beyond goodbye, leaving listeners with a positive feeling by the end.

It’s perfect for those at a turning point in life or anyone looking to make a fresh start.

MAKUAKEASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION

ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION 『MAKUAKE』Music Video

A track that resounds with a grand, striking melody and an emotional guitar sound given fresh color by brass arrangements.

Centered on ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION’s journey as a band and their hopes for the future, it delivers a message that cuts deep into the listener’s heart.

It will be pre-released for streaming starting in April 2025 and released in May as their 32nd single.

Over ten artists join the chorus, including Maguro Taniguchi of KANA-BOON and Achico.

A newly recorded version of Little Lennon, produced by Kishida of Quruli, is also included.

Created as the theme song for NANO-MUGEN FES.

2025, the work captures the band’s momentum.

It’s a perfect track not only for listeners who resonate with Ajikan’s musicality, but also for anyone who wants to enjoy music in the feverish atmosphere of a rock festival.

Yeah Yeah YeahNORIKIYO

【MV】 NORIKIYO / Yeah Yeah Yeah

A new solo project from NORIKIYO, a heavyweight in the socially conscious scene.

Created under the unique circumstances of serving time, this work delivers raw emotions from a confined space that truly resonate.

It’s a May 2025 single leading up to the album “Cookin’ Selfish,” with a music video by Agro Creative that exudes a vintage, oldies vibe.

The vinyl is a limited press of 228 copies.

A must-listen for anyone who’s faced setbacks or adversity, and for those who want to experience authentic hip-hop.

FriscoNumber_i

Frisco

Number_i, gaining support with their innovative performances that fuse rap and dance atop an energetic hip-hop foundation.

Featured on the EP “GOD_i,” this track is an ambitious work woven from its powerful beats and the members’ distinctive rap styles.

The experimental sound, incorporating elements of Jersey club and dubstep, hints at new possibilities for J-pop.

Included on the group’s first EP as a three-member lineup in May 2025, the song was composed by MONJOE and SHUN, with the members themselves contributing lyrics.

Its message—rich in self-expression and confidence—blends seamlessly with its refined musicality.

Their thoughts on the track are shared on Spotify’s video podcast “Liner Voice+,” and it’s a number that strongly appeals to dance music fans as well.

whereaboutsOmoinotake

whereabouts

An evocative track that opens with a delicate piano timbre and moves into emotionally stirring vocals.

With a sound that signals a new frontier for Omoinotake, its piano-centered arrangement infused with oriental elements reflects a bold new challenge for the band.

This piece is included as the coupling track to the single “Hitorigoto,” released in May 2025.

The single’s title track—its main song—was selected as the ending theme for cour 2 of season 2 of the TV anime The Apothecary Diaries.

In 2024, the band steadily proved their prowess, winning an Excellent Work Award at the 66th Japan Record Awards with “Ikuoku Kounen.” It’s a highly recommended song for calm nighttime drives or as background music for moments of solitary reflection.

Sound Bodyziproom

Sound Body

This is a new work by ziproom, a hip-hop collective based in Kobe, weaving introspective, polished beats with melodious rap.

Produced by Arich under the moniker Private Land in May 2025, it adds elements of electronica and R&B to their signature style, resulting in a richer, more nuanced sound.

About six months after their previous EP, Ebis, their evolved sound has been drawing significant attention both in Japan and abroad.

They successfully completed a China tour in March 2025, and have been confirmed to perform at Summer Sonic.

Their intelligent, urban groove and pleasantly weightless textures make this a track that will capture the hearts of music lovers—perfect for night drives or quiet moments.

The DistanceNaoto Inti Raymi

Naoto Inti Raymi “The Distance” Lyric Video

To celebrate the 15th anniversary of his debut, globally active Naoto Inti Raymi released a new song in May 2025—a heartwarming R&B-style mid-tempo ballad themed around long-distance love.

Blending story-rich lyrics that reflect his own experience of working between Japan and Miami with a contemporary sound infused with Afrobeats, the track achieves a beautiful fusion.

The majestic arrangement of a gospel choir and strings further elevates the piece, gently singing about a love that connects across distance.

Dropped about a month after the release of his 11th album, “Intersection,” this soothing song offers comfort to anyone who longs for someone far away.

We’re already looking forward to hearing it performed on the nationwide tour starting in May 2025.