Latest J-Pop Releases [May 2025]

absorbed; engrossed; infatuated; crazy aboutBE:FIRST

BE:FIRST / Mucchuu -Lyric Video- (Theme song for Fuji TV Thursday Theater 'Nami Uraraka ni, Meoto Biyori')

This is a love song with a striking, churchy sound rooted in gospel, portraying a pure, straightforward love despite a certain clumsiness.

The warm vocals of the BE:FIRST members blend exquisitely with heartfelt words of love, gently enveloping the listener.

The track was written as the theme song for Fuji TV’s Thursday drama “Nami Uraraka ni, Meoto Biyori,” perfectly matching the show’s world, which depicts the sweet-and-sour daily life of newlyweds set in Japan in 1936.

It is slated to be included on the single “GRIT,” scheduled for release on May 28, 2025, and is recommended for those who cherish pure love or want to bask in a gentle, tender mood.

Hey! Ho! This is awesome!GANG PARADE

GANG PARADE “Hey! Ho! Isn’t This the Best?!” Music Video

A relentlessly upbeat rock tune that gives you energy was released digitally in April 2025.

Written and composed by Takeya Kaminaka and Takero Yamada of THE Inazuma Sentai, this is the second collaboration between the band and GANG PARADE.

True to its theme of “unapologetically bright and ridiculously fun,” the song brilliantly captures the excitement of live shows and the sense of unity with fans.

It arrives as the third advance single from their major-label third album, “GANG RISE,” scheduled for release on June 18.

In the music video, members gather around a hot pot in a traditional Japanese house while CG yokai add lively flair, and THE Inazuma Sentai also make an appearance.

The positive lyrics stand out—perfect for blowing away everyday anxieties or when you just want to cut loose and have a blast!

MessageMISAMO

Message

A new mid-tempo ballad by MISAMO, the sub-unit of TWICE’s Japanese members, chosen as the theme song for the film “Kaku Kaku Shika Jika.” The heartwarming track beautifully aligns with the movie’s theme of “feelings that remain unchanged across distance and time.” Released in April 2025 and starring Mei Nagano and Yo Oizumi, the film’s first-ever theme song has garnered significant attention.

The harmonies woven by Mina, Sana, and Momo’s distinct voices further elevate the work’s emotional world.

It’s a perfect song for when you want to feel the bond with someone special or when you have feelings you haven’t yet been able to express.

You Know What I Mean?NORIKIYO

【MV】 NORIKIYO / You Know What I Mean?

Released in April 2025 by Kanagawa-born rapper NORIKIYO, this work was recorded before his incarceration yet powerfully conveys hope for the future.

It’s a track where NORIKIYO’s socially conscious lyrics blend exquisitely with the polished beats of his longtime collaborator BACHLOGIC.

A crowdfunding campaign for a solo concert planned after his release is also running until June 23, 2025, with valuable rewards such as his prison diary “Datsugoku no Susume” (A Guide to Breaking Out).

This is a heartfelt piece recommended for those who resonate with the resolve to face modern society’s contradictions while moving forward, and for anyone who wants to experience the essence of Japanese rap.

Adult modePES 、BIM

Adult mode

This track, which brings together rappers from different generations, is a masterful fusion of PES’s melodious lightness and BIM’s refined, contemporary style.

The lyrics exude a mature allure, weaving in themes like everyday struggles and self-affirmation that resonate deeply with listeners.

Released digitally in April 2025, it marks the first official collaboration between the two.

Produced by Rascal, the song shines with a freewheeling musicality that transcends genre boundaries.

Ahead of the release, a two-man live show was held at Shibuya WWW X on April 28, 2025, and the venue was buzzing with excitement.

It’s a must-listen for anyone who wants to feel cross-generational connections in the music scene or is intrigued by the fusion of different rap styles.

Take It BackReiko

REIKO ‘Take It Back (Prod. Sam is Ohm)’ Music Video

REIKO’s new track features an irresistibly groovy beat that reimagines ’90s US R&B for today.

Riding on her supple yet powerful vocals, it delivers a message of freeing yourself from the expectations of society and those around you.

Released in April 2025 and produced by Sam is Ohm, this song marks the beginning of REIKO’s “R&B Trilogy” and stands as a pivotal first chapter.

It’s the kind of song that gently gives you a push when you want to boost your self-esteem.

Everyday (feat. Satoshi Fujiwara)TAIKING

TAIKING "Everyday (feat. Satoshi Fujiwara)" Music Video

After making his mark as the guitarist for the rock band Suchmos, TAIKING has been turning heads as a solo artist as well.

Featuring Satoshi Fujihara of Official HIGE DANDism as guest vocalist, this track masterfully blends mellow guitar tones with Fujihara’s powerful vocals.

The outro is especially striking, where TAIKING’s guitar and Fujihara’s voice intertwine to deliver a memorable finale.

Included on the EP “Shuffle,” released in April 2025, the song’s music video captures a session set aboard a boat.

With its relaxed vibe, it’s perfect as background music for a calm day or as a smooth soundtrack for a drive.

It’s a track packed with the distinctive charm that only TAIKING’s diverse musicality can offer.