Latest J-Pop Releases [May 2025]

Ripple -HAMON-Kitayama Hiromitsu

Ripple -HAMON-

Hiroki Kitayama’s powerful track, filled with earnest emotion and passion, is a work that conveys his new musical ambitions, paired with a voice that resonates straight to the heart.

The album “HAMON” features 13 tracks, showcasing a wide range of musicality and expressive depth.

Its first live performance at “to HEROes ~TOBE 2nd Super Live~,” held in Tokyo and Osaka in March and April 2025, drew attention for its fiery energy on stage.

This song was provided by Kazui Fujiie, whom he met at the audition that led him into the entertainment industry, with Kitayama himself penning the heartfelt lyrics.

It’s a must-listen not only for fans who love Kitayama’s powerful vocals and emotional expressiveness, but also for anyone seeking a soul-stirring, truly crafted vocal piece.

MemoryYoshizawa Kayoko

Kayoko Yoshizawa “Memory” MUSIC VIDEO

A song lovingly woven with feelings for her hometown has arrived from Kayoko Yoshizawa.

Chosen as the official theme song for the 75th National Tree-Planting Festival to be held in Saitama Prefecture, it expresses a warm gaze toward her hometown’s nature and the creatures that live there through her tender vocals.

The nostalgic yet grand arrangement is by Ryo Konishi, who previously arranged “Namida no Kuni” and “Otokobai.” The music video, which features home videos from Yoshizawa’s childhood, further enriches the work’s world.

Released in May 2025 to mark the 11th anniversary of her debut, the song was premiered at her solo concert at Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall in April 2025.

It’s a heartfelt recommendation for anyone who wants to revisit their hometown through the lens of childhood memories.

Dangerous MagicMiyamoto Karin

Karin Miyamoto “Dangerous Magic” Promotion Edit

A pop tune with the refreshing feel of an anime song, featuring Karin Miyamoto’s strikingly transparent vocals.

Written by Konnyaku Nishino, composed by Kazunori Watanabe, and arranged by Yusuke Tojima, the track beautifully blends a fantastical worldview with a breezy sound.

Released as her fourth single in June 2025 in a double A-side format, it was first performed at M-line Special in May 2025, where it received a strong response from fans.

This pop tune, which showcases a new frontier for Miyamoto as a solo artist, is perfect for lifting your mood or accompanying a drive.

The fresh musical direction, which significantly overturns her idol-era image, is also drawing attention.

See you, hero.Kawasaki Takaya

Takaya Kawasaki - See You, Hero [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

In July 2018, Takaya Kawasaki released as a single a mid-tempo ballad that beautifully captures both the weight of saying “Do your best” when encouraging someone and the complex feelings of the person who hears it.

Its warm, acoustic guitar–driven sound and soul-stirring vocals resonate with those who face the mix of courage and anxiety that comes with stepping into a new environment.

Although it’s a standout track from his indie days, it’s being newly included on his fourth album, Ambiguous Blue, set for release in May 2025, with a brand-new music video as well.

Longtime fans should definitely check it out.

Summer of LoveHirai Dai

Hirai Dai / Summer of Love (Lyric Video)

DAI Hirai’s new release, heralding the refreshing arrival of summer, is the ultimate summer track featuring a bold infusion of up-tempo guitar sounds.

Dropped as a digital single on May 14, 2025, it’s the third installment in a series of four consecutive releases timed with his beach festival, “HIRAIDAI presents THE BEACH TRIP 2025.” Perfect for a breezy seaside drive or as the soundtrack to a beach party, this song is tailor-made for music fans who love pop rock and J-pop.

flutteringTegoshi Yūya

fluttering

A captivating track that blends lightness with deep emotion, rooted in pop while incorporating elements of R&B and electronica for a hybrid sound.

Yuya Tegoshi’s expressive vocals beautifully convey both fragility and hope.

Released in May 2025, this ambitious work ventures beyond genre boundaries and has drawn attention as the theme song of a popular drama.

The refined sound—born from collaborations with renowned producers both in Japan and abroad—clearly showcases his musical growth.

Balancing wistfulness and optimism, this piece, with its soul-stirring vocals, is perfect for anyone looking to add a splash of color to their everyday life.

German irisHinatazaka46

Hinatazaka46 “German Iris” Music Video

Set against the backdrop of a school bathed in shades of blue, this mid-tempo number by Hinatazaka46’s 5th generation uses a beautiful flower—symbolizing hope and new beginnings—as its central motif.

Accompanied by each member’s delicate vocals, the fleeting yet beautiful performance resonates deeply.

Released early on May 14, 2025, and officially included on the album “Love yourself!” on May 21, the track showcases the fresh charm of the 5th generation, centered around Manami Ōno as the lead.

With an accessible, pop-infused melody and styling and staging that leave a poignant impression, the song carries a seasonal feel from spring into early summer, offering warm encouragement for anyone embarking on a new chapter in life.