Latest J-Pop Releases [April 2025]

Ultra-strong ultimate exerciseHatsuboshi Gakuen

[Gakumas] Yume Hanami Birthday Commemorative Single “Super-Strong Ultimate Exercise” - Game Size Lyric Video CD Pre-orders Now Open! [THE iDOLM@STER]

It’s a bright, high-energy idol song brimming with cheer.

Released as a single from First Star Academy in April 2025.

With its up-tempo groove, addictive melody line woven with rap parts, and an irresistible sense of dynamism that makes your body move, it’s packed with charm.

It brilliantly captures the personality of Yume Hanami, who loves sports and hates to lose.

Perfect for boosting your motivation during morning walks or jogs, or anytime you want to get pumped for a workout.

Sakura PhotographHatsuboshi Gakuen

Hatsuboshi Academy “Sakura Photograph” Official Music Video (HATSUBOSHI GAKUEN – Sakura Photograph)

It’s a moving ballad perfect for the season when cherry blossoms dance.

Released in April 2025, this song is the theme for the season event “Sakura-Mau Start Line” in the game Gakuen Idolmaster.

The gentle harmonies of the trio—Liliya Katsuragi, Sayaka Shiun, and Saki Hanami—leave a lasting impression.

It’s as if the tender melody rides the spring breeze and soars into the sky.

The lyrics, which portray meetings, farewells, and irreplaceable friendship, will especially resonate with those graduating from school.

Be sure to give it a listen during cherry blossom season.

yellow lightTomonari Sora

Sora Tomonari – “Yellow Signal” [Music Video] (TV Anime “Assassination Classroom” Rerun New Opening Theme)

A youthful song that grabs listeners’ hearts with its exhilarating sound and clever wordplay.

It’s a work by Sora Tomonari, released in April 2025.

Chosen as the new opening theme for the rebroadcast of Season 1 of the TV anime “Assassination Classroom.” Using traffic light colors as a motif, the track expresses the feelings of young people standing on the boundary between childhood and adulthood.

It features a highly addictive resound and melodic line.

A rock tune that shares the fighting spirit you need to live for tomorrow!

So☆LuckyOgura Yui

Yui Ogura “So☆Lucky” MUSIC VIDEO (TV anime “I've Been Killing Slimes for 300 Years and Maxed Out My Level Season 2” Opening Theme)

A poppy, refreshing, and heart-thumping anison.

Created as the opening theme for the TV anime “I’ve Been Killing Slimes for 300 Years and Maxed Out My Level ~Part 2~,” this track is set for release in April 2025.

Yui Ogura’s adorable vocals float lightly like balloons.

Her vocal work pairs perfectly with the playful sound arrangement.

Together with the anime’s worldview, it fills listeners with energy and excitement!

Love WindIkuta Rira

Love Wind

It’s a heart-fluttering song that feels like a refreshing spring breeze blowing into your heart.

It’s a track by Lila Ikuta, chosen as the theme song for ABEMA’s romance reality show “Kyo, Suki ni Narimashita: New Zealand Edition.” Gently expressing the feelings of wanting to confess but not being able to, and the inability to take that final step, the song resonates deeply.

The fresh guitar tones by Takashi Yamaguchi are another highlight.

Filled with the confusion and inner conflict at the start of love, as well as those heart-racing moments, this song is sure to give a gentle push to anyone struggling with romance.

Shapes Of HappinessMatsuda Seiko

Seiko Matsuda / Shapes Of Happiness

A pop song produced by Noriyuki Makihara that gently sings about the individuality and forms of happiness everyone possesses.

It’s included on the commemorative album celebrating the 45th anniversary of Seiko Matsuda’s debut, “Eternal Idol, Eternal Youth, Seiko Matsuda ~45th Anniversary Ultimate All-Time Best~.” Matching the current era that values diversity, the song delivers warm hope to listeners through Matsuda’s emotional vocals.

It’s perfect for when you want to feel positive or take a fresh look at your true self!

Disco FLOAzusagawa

Disco FLO / Azusagawa [Official Music Video]

This track stands out with its sophisticated disco sound and subtly wistful lyrics.

Created through a collaboration between Azusagawa and Haruno, it’s set for release in March 2025.

The crisp four-on-the-floor rhythm and groovy bassline resonate pleasantly.

The lyrics, which reflect an inner sense of dissatisfaction, are highly relatable.

It’s the kind of music that fits perfectly for nighttime, when you want to sink into your thoughts.