Latest J-Pop Releases [May 2025]

RENDEZVOUS (feat. hard life)SIRUP

SIRUP – RENDEZVOUS feat. hard life (Official Music Video)

Born from a collaboration with the UK’s powerhouse band hard life, this standout track is a wistful, emotional breakup song produced by Taka Perry.

With razor-sharp rhythm and flow woven into a dreamlike soundscape, it showcases a refined new frontier of R&B that is quintessentially SIRUP.

The music video, directed by Shunsuke Shiraiwa, unfolds a fantastical story of two travelers on a motorcycle journey that ultimately leads them into space.

Starting in June 2025, SIRUP will embark on the “NEXT LIFE TOUR 2025,” visiting eight cities nationwide, where this track is sure to be performed.

Urban and dreamy in mood, the song is perfect for nighttime drives or quiet moments alone.

99 Steps (feat. Kohjiya, Hana Hope)STUTS

STUTS – 99 Steps feat. Kohjiya, Hana Hope (Official Music Video)

The sophisticated new track woven by STUTS, a trackmaker who continues to blaze at the forefront of the hip-hop scene, will be released in May 2025 as the tie-in song for Pocari Sweat’s TV commercial “You Will Surely Be Someone’s Sun.” Featuring Kohjiya, the champion of RAPSTAR 2024, and Hana Hope, whose crystal-clear vocals are captivating, the song masterfully fuses hip-hop with an emotional sound.

Co-written with his longtime ally Akihisa Kitasato and enriched by string arrangements from Anzu Suhara, the piece paints an elegant and grand sonic landscape.

With a groove that also works beautifully as dance music, this track is perfect for relaxing or resetting your mood.

Immerse yourself in the layers of sound that resonate like a release of the heart.

gazeSUPER BEAVER

SUPER BEAVER “Gaze” MV (Theme song for the film ‘Kaneko Sashiireten’)

Created as the theme song for the film “Kaneko Sashiireten,” this powerful track is a masterpiece that exquisitely fuses SUPER BEAVER’s trademark emotional rock sound with a serene atmosphere that reflects the movie’s worldview.

Crafted by guitarist Ryota Yanagisawa, the song’s carefully woven lyrics and Ryota Shibuya’s emotive vocals brilliantly express the universal themes of human renewal and hope.

It was released digitally on May 14, 2025, after its first on-air premiere on TOKYO FM’s “SCHOOL OF LOCK!” on May 9, 2025.

Deeply echoing the sentiments of the film, which opens nationwide the same May, the track resonates with a dramatic progression.

Enjoying this work alongside the film will surely offer an even more profound emotional experience.

Dark HeroesSUPER★DRAGON

[MV] SUPER★DRAGON / Dark Heroes

This is a passionate track crafted by members of SUPER★DRAGON, who are active across a variety of fields including anime, voice acting, and YouTube.

Member Kaito Jean handled the lyrics and composition, with beatmaker Geek Kids Club and Ace Hashimoto providing support to bring the song to completion.

It opens with a cinematic intro, and its innovative sound design—blending elements of drum and bass and film music—leaves a strong impression.

Positioned as the lead track from their major-label debut album “SUPER X,” slated for release on June 11, 2025, the song is accompanied by an MV that showcases a refined worldbuilding.

Marking the group’s 10th anniversary, this powerful and daring piece embodies their growth and evolution.

It’s a perfect work for listeners seeking a fresh musical experience.

MILLION PLACESXG

XG – MILLION PLACES (Official Music Video)

The song by the hip-hop/R&B girl group XG, who successfully wrapped up their global world tour “The first HOWL” with the final show at Tokyo Dome in May 2025, is a heartwarming track that celebrates bonds forged across borders.

Set over a trap beat with a memorable, looping synth melody, it captures the emotions tied to the precious moments shared on stages around the world.

Released on the same day as the Tokyo Dome finale, May 14, 2025, this work comes as a CD box featuring a total of four tracks, including the Y2K version of “LEFT RIGHT” and live recordings, making for a substantial package.

Through depictions of travel and emotionally resonant expressions, the song conveys gratitude to fans connected beyond nationality and culture, making it highly recommended for anyone who wants to experience the appeal of truly worldwide music.

TWISTED PARADISEYUTA

YUTA Yuta 'TWISTED PARADISE' MV

A solo project by NCT’s YUTA, notable for its electronic sound and dark atmosphere.

Blending multiple genres—glam rock, pop punk, and J-pop metal rock—the tracks captivate with a distinctive sonic identity and powerful vocals.

The solo single released in May 2025 includes two new songs that he took an active role in creating, plus two live recordings from the Tokyo stop of the 2024 “YUTA Solo Debut Showcase Tour HOPE.” It’s a release packed with YUTA’s multifaceted appeal, conveying both his energetic performance and the sense of unity with the audience.

Expertly balancing aggressive sounds with melodic elements, this work is sure to resonate with rock fans.

I want to keep touching you.tonun

tonun – I Want to Keep Touching You (Official Lyric Video)

Singer-songwriter tonun has released a J-pop tune that stirs listeners’ hearts with a Western-tinged sound woven from a groovy track and a sweet, smoky vocal.

Released in May 2025, the song also serves as part of the original soundtrack for TV Asahi’s Friday Night Drama “Mamono.” It’s a track that further evolves the musicality he’s showcased across numerous works like the album “Intro” and the single “Sugar Magic,” with lyrics that closely intertwine with the drama’s worldview leaving a strong impression.

Fully displaying his prowess—handling guitar, track production, and mixing himself—the piece boasts a comfortable groove infused with elements of Black music.

It’s a perfect pick for a driving soundtrack or a calm, late-night relaxation session.