Trending Music [March 2025]

navel orangeNogizaka 46

Nogizaka46 'Navel Orange'

A gem of a song infused with a sweet-and-sour freshness and a touch of wistfulness that symbolize the spring season.

With double centers Nagi Inoue and Aruno Nakanishi of Nogizaka46’s 5th generation, it expresses feelings for a lost youth as they look back on past love.

Under the blue sky, the protagonist’s memories of a nostalgic romance vividly come back through the piece of fruit they hold.

Set for release on March 26, 2025, the single will be available in six formats: First-Press Limited Edition TYPE-A through TYPE-D, a Regular Edition, and a Special Edition.

The melody and arrangement carry a sense of nostalgia, with beautiful, Showa-era-style phrasing and a memorable refrain.

It’s a perfect song for anyone experiencing new encounters or farewells with the arrival of spring, or for those who want to bask in bittersweet memories.

How to Love AfterimagesTele

Tele | How to Love Afterimages – Music Video

A poignant yet warm, heart-stirring number.

Released in February 2025, this work explores the universal theme of the “afterimage of love,” something everyone experiences.

Tele’s clear, pure vocals fully convey the delicate emotions of a protagonist reexamining a lost love.

The simple yet memorable melody and the arrangement—interweaving soft light and shadow—add further depth to the story.

It’s a song that stays close to those hurting from heartbreak and gives them the courage to move forward.

FRIENDS!!!imase

【imase】FRIENDS!!!（MV）

Imase’s new song, which portrays long-standing friendship and its changes with a pop sound, is gaining buzz, especially among younger listeners.

It gently conveys the beauty of friendships that don’t fade with age—even amid the awkwardness of a long-awaited reunion—through tender vocals, and stands out with its groovy rhythm and richly arranged instrumentation.

Released in February 2025 as the theme song for the collaborative project “Everyone’s Concert” by the live communication app Pococha and Yamaha Corporation, the track also inspired a special video featuring a performance with over 120 musicians.

It’s a perfect pick for meeting an old friend or reminiscing about cherished memories with someone close.

THRIFTEDAyumu Imazu

Ayumu Imazu – THRIFTED [Music Video]

One song that has been drawing attention as a heartwarming love ballad is by Ayumu Imazu.

It uniquely portrays a well-worn, vintage-like love, with a soothing piano melody and resonant bassline that leave a strong impression.

The lyrics gently sing of kindness toward a loved one and a tender, enveloping feeling, imbued with deep affection that embraces the other person’s past.

Released in February 2025, it sparked buzz when well-known artists like &TEAM posted dance videos on social media.

Ayumu has also been confirmed to appear on a tour of America’s three major cities, with shows planned in Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles.

This song is perfect for moments when you want to warmly wrap your feelings for someone or deepen your bond with someone special.

It starts here!DREAMS COME TRUE

DREAMS COME TRUE “It Starts Here!”

A lively track that blends 80s disco with Latin rhythms, evoking the spirit of a summer festival.

Released by DREAMS COME TRUE in March 2025, “Koko Kara Da!” is an anthem cheering on those who keep moving forward.

It was written as the theme song for the “Osaka-Kansai Expo Commemorative ACN EXPO EKIDEN 2025.” Its friendly, accessible melody and layers of pulse-raising rhythms leave a strong impression.

It’s a song that reminds you of the joy of giving your best—perfect for watching sports or boosting motivation before a workout.

LimelightDeNeel

DeNeel – Limelight (Lyric Video)

Born in Osaka, DeNeel is a captivating band that pioneered their own genre, “OSAKA REVIVAL POP,” elevating elements of classic kayōkyoku into a contemporary sound.

Since forming in 2017, they’ve built a distinctive world with R&B-like grooves, distorted guitar textures, and glossy vocals.

In 2019, they moved their base of operations to Tokyo and have steadily grown their fanbase, with over 380,000 views on their songs on YouTube.

In July 2023, they provided theme songs for anime and films, increasing their media presence.

Each member brings a diverse musical background, creating a neo-kayōkyoku sound.

Blending nostalgia and freshness, their music is a record that can be enjoyed across generations.

Happy EndingFATE BOX

FATE BOX – Happy End [MV]

Born in Osaka in 2014 out of a burning passion for Green Day, the rock band FATE BOX captivates many fans with their powerful sound and melodic sensibilities.

They started as a three-piece and became a four-member lineup in August 2023, delivering even more energetic performances since then.

With releases like the albums “Helter Skelter” and “In Blood,” which fuse punk and rock ’n’ roll, they’ve established a strong presence in the Kansai music scene.

At major festivals such as MINAMI WHEEL and Borofesta, their overwhelming live performances whip audiences into a frenzy.

If you’re a rock fan looking for fiery messages and exhilarating sounds, this is a band you should definitely check out.