Latest J-Pop Releases [May 2025]

My oshi ♡ I love them ♡ It hurts (in a good way)CANDY TUNE

[MV] CANDY TUNE 'Oshi♡Suki♡Shindoi' (My Bias♡I Love Them♡It’s Exhausting)

CANDY TUNE, an idol group that wins you over with calculated charm and addictive vibes, delivers a pop track written and composed by Hyadain and arranged by Tota Fujiwara.

The song’s highly relatable theme captures the emotional ups and downs of “oshi-katsu” and the feeling of “loving them so much it hurts,” with rapidly shifting sections and a catchy sound as its appeal.

Released in April 2025 as their second single, the music video features the members both as otaku and as idols.

The depiction of classic “oshi-katsu” moments has racked up strong views on YouTube.

Marking their 2nd anniversary, the hall tour “CANDY CANDY PARTY” was also held in Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka.

This work is a cheer song meant for everyone giving their all in oshi-katsu.

Hey! Ho! This is awesome!GANG PARADE

GANG PARADE “Hey! Ho! Isn’t This the Best?!” Music Video

A relentlessly upbeat rock tune that gives you energy was released digitally in April 2025.

Written and composed by Takeya Kaminaka and Takero Yamada of THE Inazuma Sentai, this is the second collaboration between the band and GANG PARADE.

True to its theme of “unapologetically bright and ridiculously fun,” the song brilliantly captures the excitement of live shows and the sense of unity with fans.

It arrives as the third advance single from their major-label third album, “GANG RISE,” scheduled for release on June 18.

In the music video, members gather around a hot pot in a traditional Japanese house while CG yokai add lively flair, and THE Inazuma Sentai also make an appearance.

The positive lyrics stand out—perfect for blowing away everyday anxieties or when you just want to cut loose and have a blast!

long-cherished desireGLAY feat. Oda Kazumasa

GLAY feat. Kazumasa Oda / Higan

A song that brings together two great forces who have led Japan’s music scene for many years in a miraculous collaboration.

Marking GLAY’s 30th anniversary, their partnership with Kazumasa Oda—an artist known for his transparent, emotive vocals and countless classics—is the very embodiment of a dream come true.

The result is a grand ballad where GLAY’s rock sound and Oda’s warm voice blend exquisitely.

The track is included on the best-of album “DRIVE 2010–2026 – GLAY complete BEST,” released on April 23, 2025.

The album is composed of songs chosen by fan voting, garnering a total of 65,260 votes.

This work carries a timeless appeal that resonates across generations, and it’s a must-listen for anyone pursuing their dreams or seeking to feel the bonds with those they hold dear.

Act (feat. Daoko)Giga & TeddyLoid

Giga & TeddyLoid – ACT feat. Daoko (Official Video)

Giga and TeddyLoid, who freely move between electronic and pop, have finally released a track featuring Daoko.

Its sharp electronic tones and airy vocals weave a sonic world where the trio’s distinct styles fuse into a one-of-a-kind work.

Released on April 28, 2025, the song also comes with a music video featuring illustrations by Memenchi and video production by Okiku, visually deepening the piece’s worldview.

Effortlessly leaping over genre boundaries, this track is perfect for those seeking small adventures in everyday life or an unprecedented musical experience.

Daoko’s singular voice is sure to linger in your mind.

Good work! feat. SandwichmanKis-my-ft2

Kis-My-Ft2 / “Great Job! feat. Sandwichman” Music Video

This is a lively song packed with energy to blow away the fatigue you feel at work or in everyday life.

It’s a collaboration between Kis-My-Ft2 and the comedy duo Sandwichman, featuring a catchy pop melody and lyrics brimming with humor that are sure to make you smile.

It expresses the power of the phrase “otsukaresama desu,” helping you overcome everyday little slip-ups with a grin.

Released early for streaming in April 2025, it’s included on the album “MAGFACT,” scheduled for release on May 21.

The music video is set in a Chinese restaurant, where the members of Kis-My-Ft2 in suits and Sandwichman deliver a fun, comical performance.

It’s the kind of song that will surely lift your spirits on your way home from work or when you’re feeling down after a mistake.

Svveet PeaLET ME KNOW

LET ME KNOW – Svveet Pea (Official Music Video)

LET ME KNOW’s polished modern rock, blending a nostalgic vibe with fresh sensibilities, feels effortlessly pleasant.

This new release from the three-piece band—defined by its sweet, husky vocals—incorporates elements of 80s city pop and Showa-era kayōkyoku, while depicting the arrival of spring and the start of a new romance.

Released on April 23, 2025 as a three-track digital single, it’s a song that showcases their musical evolution.

Their nationwide tour, “Nostalgic Modern III,” is currently underway, with shows scheduled in Fukuoka on June 12 and Osaka on July 26.

A charming track recommended for music fans seeking warmth and nostalgia, as well as those interested in city pop and retro sounds.

MessageMISAMO

Message

A new mid-tempo ballad by MISAMO, the sub-unit of TWICE’s Japanese members, chosen as the theme song for the film “Kaku Kaku Shika Jika.” The heartwarming track beautifully aligns with the movie’s theme of “feelings that remain unchanged across distance and time.” Released in April 2025 and starring Mei Nagano and Yo Oizumi, the film’s first-ever theme song has garnered significant attention.

The harmonies woven by Mina, Sana, and Momo’s distinct voices further elevate the work’s emotional world.

It’s a perfect song for when you want to feel the bond with someone special or when you have feelings you haven’t yet been able to express.