Latest J-Pop Releases [January 2025]

Make It CountINI

INI｜’Make It Count’ Animation Music Video

A song filled with a warm message that gently accompanies the listener’s heart.

Performed by INI, it was released in January 2025 and chosen as the opening theme for the anime “Do I Even Stand a Chance at Love?”.

With a medium‑tempo, pop sound perfectly matched by velvety vocals, this number shines.

The lyrics, expressing the fragility and preciousness of youth, remind us of the importance of the fleeting moment called “now.” When you feel lost in everyday life or want to find meaning in your own journey, why not give this track a listen?

Tonight is a Hearty PartyJuice=Juice

Juice=Juice “Hearty Party Tonight” Promotion Edit

This work, a cover of Mariya Takeuchi’s classic song, is brimming with fun and warmth.

It portrays how people forget their everyday worries and gain energy for tomorrow through parties with friends.

It’s included on a single set for release in February 2025 and has also been chosen as a TV program theme.

When it was first performed at the Nippon Budokan in November 2024, the Christmas party–themed production reportedly brought the house down.

It’s the perfect track for when you want to enjoy time with friends or when you need a boost of energy.

Mad SnowKnight A – kishi A –

[MV] Mad Snow / Knight A – Kishi A –

It’s a winter love song that portrays deep affection and heartrending conflict.

Released by Knight A – Kishi A – in December 2024, the track reflects feelings of love like snowflakes.

The deeper the love grows, the more it hurts—capturing the complex emotions that come with romance.

The sound arrangement vividly conjures winter scenes and leaves a strong impression.

It’s a must-listen for anyone seeking a winter love story during the Christmas season.

刺激最優先LIL LEAGUE from EXILE TRIBE

刺激最優先

Released in January 2025 as the fourth single from LIL LEAGUE from EXILE TRIBE.

This song portrays the spirit of young people brimming with hope! In today’s fiercely competitive music scene, this six-member group with an average age of 16 has delivered such a bold track.

Its powerful message that grabs listeners’ hearts and its rhythmic wordplay are especially striking.

The song expresses the passion of young people who, while valuing their individuality, charge into the future together with their friends.

It’s the perfect song for times when you want to face forward and do your best, or when you want to believe in your own potential!

We live falling in love with love.LIP×LIP

[MV] We Live Falling in Love with Love / LIP×LIP (Yūjirō & Aizō / CV: Kouki Uchiyama & Nobunaga Shimazaki) [HoneyWorks]

It’s a song that gives voice to that mysterious feeling of “falling in love with love.” Created by the music duo LIP×LIP, it was used as the ending theme for the anime The Promise of Wizard, which began airing in January 2025.

The lyrics weave together a longing for love and a fear of it, while emphasizing the importance of living by your own will.

Paired with a pop, catchy melody, that message resonates with those of us living in today’s society.

It’s a track that gives us the courage to recognize diversity and walk forward together.

ReawakeRLiSA

LiSA『ReawakeR (feat. Felix of Stray Kids)』MUSiC CLiP

A collaboration between LiSA and Stray Kids’ Felix.

It brilliantly captures the world of the anime “Solo Leveling.” The track fuses powerful rock with electronic elements, gripping listeners and never letting go.

Selected as the opening theme for the anime airing from January 2025, with a CD single release in March.

Recommended not only for anime fans but also for anyone who loves energetic music.

It’s sure to be a song you’ll want to play again and again.

ReawakeR(feat.Felix of Stray Kids)LiSA

Solo Leveling Season 2 Non-Credit OP Movie | LiSA “ReawakeR (feat. Felix of Stray Kids)”

LiSA’s new song is packed with a powerful melody and a fiery message.

Selected as the opening theme for the anime “Solo Leveling Season 2 -Arise from the Shadow-,” the track was born from a collaboration with Stray Kids’ Felix.

The lyrics explore themes like rebirth and challenging destiny, perfectly matching the anime’s world.

It will be available for streaming starting January 5, 2025, with the CD single releasing on March 5.

It’s a must-listen not only for anime fans but also for anyone who loves energetic tracks!