Latest J-Pop Releases [April 2025]

Funny Osaka feat. OSAKA ROOTSET-KING

[Osaka/Kansai Expo 2025 Unofficial Support Song] Interesting Osaka feat. OSAKA ROOTS

A number packed full of love for Osaka! It’s a single released by ET-KING in April 2025, created as an unofficial support song for Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai.

The straightforward lyrics sung in Kansai dialect blend perfectly with the funky sound produced in collaboration with OSAKA ROOTS.

With their distinctive expressive power, they convey the warmth of the city and the heartfelt kindness of its people.

Overflowing with hometown pride, this track is recommended not only for the people of Osaka but for anyone seeking heartwarming music.

One Thousand and One Nights feat. Izumi Nakasone (HY)Hilcrhyme

Hilcrhyme “One Thousand and One Nights feat. Izumi Nakasone (HY)” Music Video

This is a song that resonates with the heart—a grand love story that transcends time.

It’s a collaboration between Hilcrhyme’s TOC and Izumi Nakasone, set for release in April 2025.

The track has been selected as the ending theme for the TV anime “Kijin Gentoushou.” TOC’s powerful rap intertwines with HY’s Nakasone’s clear, crystalline vocals, stirring the listener’s emotions.

The love message woven into the lyrics is so moving it brings tears to your eyes.

Please take the time to listen closely to this love song.

TWILIGHT!!!King Gnu

King Gnu – TWILIGHT!!!

An ambitious work from King Gnu, woven from danceable sounds and a wistful vocal style.

Released in April 2025, this track was written specifically for the feature film Detective Conan: The Phantom with a Single Eye.

The cool sound arrangement meshes perfectly with Satoru Iguchi’s high tones and Daiki Tsuneta’s deep vocals in a tight call-and-response.

The lyrics, which reflect the film’s storyline, are also compelling.

On release day, a surprise free live performance in Shinjuku’s Kabukicho generated major buzz.

HERELANA

LANA – HERE (Official Music Video)

This is a dreamlike message song that stands out for its husky vocal work.

It’s a track by LANA, a rapper from Shonan who has captured the hearts of Gen Z, released in 2025.

Rooted in hip-hop and R&B yet transcending genre boundaries, its free-spirited musicality is captivating.

LANA’s lyrics—brimming with raw, relatable emotion—pair perfectly with her delicate flow.

Even while carrying failure and loneliness, the song’s forward-looking stance will give you a gentle push.

to meMAZZEL

to me

“It’s okay not to understand”—this pop tune centers on that theme of self-acceptance.

It’s a track by MAZZEL, released in April 2025.

Blending elements of funk, jazz, and other genres, the arrangement and the members’ smooth harmonies are especially appealing.

The lyrics gently speak to the importance of self-acceptance, easing the inner struggles many young people face today.

It’s a song that stays close to you when you’re feeling uncertain or lost.

MUSEME:I

ME:I (Mi-Eye) ⊹ ‘MUSE’ MV Behind

An urban pop tune that weaves together a variety of genres, including funk, disco, and jazz.

Released in April 2025 as the third single from the girl group ME:I, the song was featured in NTT Docomo’s Galaxy S25 Ultra TV commercial, attracting widespread attention.

Its sophisticated sound arrangement pairs perfectly with lyrics filled with determination to chase one’s dreams.

It’s the perfect track for those moments when you want to start running toward your own dreams.

C.U.R.I.O.S.I.T.Y. feat. Paledusk and CHICO CARLITOONE OK ROCK

ONE OK ROCK – C.U.R.I.O.S.I.T.Y. feat. Paledusk and CHICO CARLITO [Official Music Video]

A boundary-defying track that fuses rock, metalcore, and hip-hop into one surprising piece.

It’s featured on ONE OK ROCK’s album “DETOX,” released in April 2025, and includes collaborations with Paledusk and CHICO CARLITO.

Centered on themes of self-exploration and inner conflict, the three artists express these ideas through different approaches.

It may sound like they’re colliding, yet it all comes together in stunning harmony—an innovative soundscape that truly captivates.

A bold work we highly recommend to anyone eager to push the possibilities of music.