Latest Japanese music releases [February 2025]

Boo…raisan

Praise – Uramesshiya

A work that captures the delicate emotions of facing public curiosity and gossip, resonating with strong will and biting irony.

It was released as an advance single from Reisan’s album “SOME BUDDY,” announced in February 2025.

Blending hip-hop and rock, the song stands out for its lyrics that satirize the fickleness of society, which flips its stance depending on the situation.

In an age of social media and the internet, it’s a track that gives courage to confront criticism and slander—something anyone can relate to today.

SCHOOL DAYSshiritsu ebisu chūgaku

[MV] Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku “School Days”

It’s a song that feels like a springtime gift.

It’s a March 2025 single by Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku, with lyrics and composition by Katsuhiko Sugiyama.

The beautiful melody portrays the expectations and anxieties of starting a new chapter, warm friendship, and a resolve toward the future.

The music video—featuring the members in pure white uniforms deepening their bonds in a forest—also leaves a strong impression.

I think it will resonate not only with students, but with anyone who needs the courage to leap into a new environment!

An unfinished love song I’ve been working on foreverHata Motohiro

Motohiro Hata “An Always-Unfinished Love Song” Music Video

A poignant song that gently portrays the love of a couple who have spent many years together.

Released digitally in February 2025, it drew attention for its storytelling and heart-stirring harmonies.

Written specifically for the film “A Love Letter in the 35th Year,” the piece conjures the image of a husband who, after retiring, learns to write so he can put his feelings for his wife into words—allowing the bond between the two to come through.

Motohiro Hata’s warm vocals and the delicate melody are truly wonderful.

It’s a supreme ballad, overflowing with love.

BOW AND ARROWYonezu Kenshi

BOW AND ARROW

An epic song themed around a bow and arrow, it sings of courage and hope.

Showcasing Kenshi Yonezu’s distinctive musicality, the track was selected as the opening theme for the TV anime “Medalist” and was released in January 2025.

Its exhilarating tempo and powerful vocals blend perfectly with the story set in the world of figure skating.

A devoted fan of the original manga, Yonezu reportedly volunteered to create the theme song as soon as he learned of the anime adaptation.

The lyrics capture the struggles, effort, and resolve of those who take on challenges, making it a song that gives a strong push to anyone striving toward their dreams.

Versailles – Versailles –ayaka

Ayaka / Versailles – Versailles – Animation Lyric Video

This is a song by singer-songwriter Ayaka that celebrates love and freedom.

Written as the theme for the animated feature film The Rose of Versailles, it will be released digitally in January 2025.

It features Ayaka’s signature powerful vocals and a magnificent melody.

The lyrics, which deeply reflect the characters’ fates and inner struggles, are filled with courage to live through turbulent times and with pure love.

With its dramatic development, the song will resonate even more after you’ve seen the film!

PLAYER 1Ryokushokushakai

Ryokuoushoku Shakai 'PLAYER 1' Official Video / Ryokuoushoku Shakai – PLAYER 1

It’s a heart-stirring message song packed with the will to move forward.

Created by Ryokuoushoku Shakai, this track opens the album “Channel U,” released in February 2025, and vividly expresses the album’s theme that “everyone holds infinite possibilities.” The lyrics, filled with the resolve to live proactively and the determination to carve out one’s own path, are truly empowering.

If you’re looking for energy to face tomorrow, don’t miss it!

voiceHitsuji Bungaku

Hitsujibungaku – Koe (Official Music Video) [Theme song for the Monday 9 PM drama '119 Emergency Call']

A song originally written for the TV drama “119 Emergency Call,” marked by its evocative acoustic guitar tones.

The delicate soundscape woven by Hitsujibungaku resonates deeply in the heart.

Released in January 2025, this track is an anthem for those who keep looking forward while resisting an inescapable fate.

Shiozuka’s clear, translucent vocals feel like they gently illuminate the light deep within.

Put it on when you’re weary of life or ready to take a new step forward.