Latest J-Pop Releases [January 2025]

PlazmaYonezu Kenshi

Plazma

It’s a work with a grand world-building and a profound message.

It’s a song by Kenshi Yonezu, released in January 2025 as the theme for the theatrical anime Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning-.

The lyrics center on challenge and hope, paired with energetic musicality.

It’s crafted to resonate with themes the Mobile Suit Gundam series has explored over the years—war and peace, and personal struggle.

If you’re striving to keep looking forward amid days of conflict, give it a listen.

From heregunjō no sekai

Ultramarine World - From Here (Music Video)

This song by Gunjou no Sekai will be released in February 2025.

It features an emotional melody and a driving piano sound, filled with determination and hope for a fresh start.

The lyrics by Katsuhiko Sugiyama weave in past wounds, regrets, and thoughts about the future, and are sure to resonate with listeners.

The members have said, “We want people who are troubled by something, or who need the courage to move forward, to listen to it.” It’s a recommended track for those in the midst of their youth or anyone ready to take a new step.

Be sure to lend an ear to their vocals, overflowing with heartfelt emotion.

MOGURA -Barefoot-hannya

MOGURA -Barefoot-

A bittersweet, hard-edged track that reflects the harsh realities of the city.

Released digitally on January 10, 2025, the song drew attention as the tie-in for the ABEMA original drama “Metropolitan Police Department Narcotics Control Division MOGURA.” The rap woven by Hannya and the others balances rawness with lyricism, while the sound carries a somewhat inorganic atmosphere.

Its real lyrics, focused on society’s darker side, are sure to resonate deeply.

When you want to confront contradictions and inner conflict, this might be the song for you.

Real-time singer-songwriterTakahashi Yuu

Yu Takahashi “Real-Time Singer-Songwriter” MV

A song by real-time singer-songwriter Yu Takahashi, released in December 2024.

Featured on the album “HAPPY,” it was also used as the commemorative commercial song for the 40th anniversary of Akitakomachi rice.

It strikingly contrasts personal happiness with the complexities of the world, leaving a deep impression on listeners.

Its appeal also lies in a free musicality unconstrained by genre.

Titled with the catchphrase from his debut days, it’s a track that tightly encapsulates Takahashi’s ‘now.’

Burn My Uvniverse (Ablaze Remix)Maeda Jun & yanaginagi

Burn My Universe (Ablaze Remix)

The collaborative songs by Jun Maeda and Nagi Yanagi are characterized by moving lyrics and a clear, translucent singing voice.

This work delicately depicts the protagonist’s emotions, centering on themes of inner conflict and hope amid battle.

Following the original version released in June 2022, a remixed version will be available starting in January 2025.

Created as an in-game song for the smartphone RPG “Heaven Burns Red,” it deepens the expression of the game’s world.

With both a sense of speed and a poignant sorrow, the track will resonate with those searching for their purpose in life and those who wish to protect someone dear.

More than lovers, less than in love＝LOVE

=LOVE (Equal Love) / 18th Single “More Than Lovers, Less Than Love” [MV full]

A song by =LOVE produced by Rino Sashihara.

Chosen as the opening theme for a TV anime, the track is included on their 18th single slated for release in February 2025.

This song, which depicts complex feelings of love, features a pop, catchy melody.

Its lyrics align with the anime’s world, expressing the protagonists’ delicate relationships.

Members Kiara Saito, Hitomi Takamatsu, and Iori Noguchi are also set to appear as voice actors in the anime.

It’s a recommended track for anyone who’s experiencing the frustrations of love!

THE CODENakajima Kento

Kento Nakajima "THE CODE" Music Video

An electronic pop track with English lyrics.

This piece is included on the album “N / bias,” released in December 2024.

It was also used as a cheering song for the Hulu original drama “Concordia.” Written and composed by Kento Nakajima, the song explores the theme of discovering the “code” hidden within oneself, singing about the pursuit of truth and confronting the past.

Its sound arrangement is both mysterious and energetic.

Be sure to experience this track that showcases Nakajima’s musical boldness.