Latest J-Pop Releases [June 2025]

Check it out!Maki Goto feat. Sota Hanamura (Da-iCE)

Maki Goto feat. Sota Hanamura (Da-iCE) / “Check It Out” Music Video

Just listening to it puts you in a happy mood! It’s a luxurious collaboration by Maki Goto and Sota Hanamura from Da-iCE, released in June 2025.

The lyrics, themed around male-female friendship, and the bursting, addictive sound are incredible! Their expressive vocal performances also help shape the song’s bright, pop world.

Give it a listen when you want to lift your spirits!

Moon on pampas grassRingo Sheena

Ringo Sheena – The Moon on the Pampas Grass

You’ll be overwhelmed by the dramatic soundscape.

This work is a single released by Ringo Sheena in June 2025.

It was chosen as the theme song for the NHK Saturday drama “Hitori de Shinitai.” It’s a cover of the band Appa’s song “Gypsy,” expressing the loneliness of life and the quiet resolve within it over a glamorous yet weighty sonic palette.

On nights when you feel contemplative, why not immerse yourself in this cinematic world of sound?

The real meKazamaki Iroha

The real me

It’s a dramatic number that grabs your heart with its inner strength.

The song is by Iroha Kazama from hololive and was released in June 2025.

It sings of the resolve to never bow to others’ judgments and to turn even bitter experiences into one’s own power.

If you know how she overcame psychosomatic struggles, it will resonate even more deeply! When you feel like you’re losing sight of yourself, it’s sure to give you courage.

Definitely give it a listen!

The answer to my first love.Nadeshiko on a high peak

[MV] The Answer to First Love / Takane no Nadeshiko [HoneyWorks]

A refreshing pop tune with a breezy sense of speed, like dashing under a summer sky.

Produced by the creator unit HoneyWorks, this is a release by Takane no Nadeshiko slated for June 2025.

The song portrays a bittersweet yet powerful love that takes a brave step toward someone special.

It’s like a cheer song that gently gives courage to those who are hesitant in love.

Please take your time and give it a listen!

LOVE NEVER DIESMISIA

MISIA – LOVE NEVER DIES (Official Music Video)

This song, released in May 2025 as the title track of the first original album in about three and a half years, features lyrics written by MISIA and composition by Toshiaki Matsumoto, known for “Everything.” Inspired by Shakespeare’s As You Like It, the lyrics explore the theme of undying love.

It’s a danceable number that fuses an emotional melody with rousing arrangements—a hopeful anthem that supports those at life’s turning points and those who want to believe in eternal love.

Voice of Lifetuki.

tuki. 'Voice of Life' Official Audio (Insert song from TBS Sunday Theater drama 'Caster')

An emotional rock ballad that powerfully sings of inner conflict with strong vocals.

Released digitally in May 2025, it was featured as an insert song in the Nippon TV drama “Caster.” Written and composed by tuki.

himself, it delves deeply into the meaning of existence and what it means to live, with “voice” and “life” as its central themes—just as the title suggests.

The bittersweet arrangement centered on acoustic guitar and piano is particularly striking.

When you feel lost on your path, this song might be the one to support you.

Queen’s illusionAnipani (Rinu feat. Vaw & Chigusa-kun)

[MV] Queen’s Illusion / Anipani (Rinu feat. Vau & Chigusa-kun)

A thrilling and glamorous track released in May 2025 as the theme song for the theatrical anime Phantom Thief Queen’s Elegant Vacation! It’s a song by the music unit Anipani, centered around Rinu from Strawberry Prince, with Vau and Chigusa-kun participating.

The bright, jazz-inspired arrangement is striking, evoking the excitement and heart-pounding adventure aboard a luxury cruise ship.

The vocal work, showcasing the individuality of all three, is also captivating—the powerful voice of Rinu, Vau’s resonant low tones, and Chigusa-kun’s soaring high notes blend together exquisitely.

It’s a number I recommend when you want to immerse yourself in an extraordinary world.