Latest J-Pop Releases [May 2025]

PAPER MOONA-ko

a子 – PAPER MOON : MUSIC VIDEO

Singer-songwriter Aco from Hyogo draws listeners into a dreamlike realm with her delicate vocals and ethereal soundscapes.

Released in April 2025, this work opens with an intro that highlights her signature whispery voice, unfolding a unique world as if wandering through a dream.

Its distinctive sound, fusing a variety of genres, carries the same allure found throughout her previous releases.

The must-see music video, created by her creative team “londog,” features a striking illustration of the red-haired girl that has become her trademark.

Perfect for quiet nights or reflective moments, this piece is an ideal pick for those with a delicate sensibility.

Blue amberback number

back number – Blue Amber [Theme song for the Kansai TV/Fuji TV Monday 10 p.m. drama 'From the Day I Took You']

The song, titled after the rare blue hue found in amber, was written as the theme for the Kansai TV/Fuji TV Monday 10 p.m.

drama “From the Day You Took Me Away,” starring Keiko Kitagawa.

Its poignantly beautiful melody line harmonizes perfectly with the weighty story depicting a mother’s revenge after losing her child in a food-related incident.

With lyrics and melodies that are quintessentially back number, the track delicately expresses the complexities of human emotions and inner conflict.

Koichi Tsutaya, known for producing songs like “Takane no Hanako-san,” handled production.

On the digital release day, April 28, 2025, the music video also premiered on the official YouTube channel.

It’s the perfect song for those who want to be left with a deep afterglow—one that stands beside you at life’s crossroads, when you resolve to take action with unwavering determination.

sunny spotberry meet

berry meet / Hidamari [Music Video]

This is a song by the three-piece band berry meet, whose melodies and gentle sound wrap you in warmth like spring sunlight, prompting you to pause in your daily life and recognize what’s important around you.

It’s a track where pop, vivid melodies, a warm, sentimental vocal, and perfectly blended male-female harmonies come together exquisitely.

Included on berry meet’s album “Daydream, Words Tied into a Bouquet,” with which they will make their major-label debut on July 8, 2025 through Universal Music, the song was released early on April 23, 2025.

It also received its first radio airplay on FM802 on April 19, drawing attention.

Give it a listen when you want to spend a peaceful moment or are seeking music that stays close to your heart.

Its warm yet powerful message, which reaches listeners across a wide range of backgrounds, is sure to gently embrace your heart too.

Planetary Romanceimase

[imase] Planet Romance (Official Audio)

Weaving a love story set in space, imase’s new song was released as a tie-in for JACCS’s April 2025 commercial, “I bought the future.” Characterized by catchy synth sounds and a pleasant beat, the track blends a weightless, interplanetary feel with lyrics that sing of the inevitability of love.

Written and composed entirely by imase, the song was edited by ESME MORI, who previously collaborated with him on “NIGHT DANCER.” The commercial memorably features imase himself immersed in crafting the song on his favorite compact synthesizer.

Since his major debut in December 2021, imase has earned accolades including the Japan Record Awards’ Excellence Work Award, and this track reflects his musical growth.

Also performed on the nationwide “imase Hall Tour 2025,” it’s recommended for those anticipating new encounters or seeking the thrill of romance.

The 1muque

muque – The 1 (Official Music Video) [TV Anime 'ONE PIECE' Ending Theme Song]

Characterized by drum and bass–driven, exhilarating beats, muque’s music masterfully fuses emotional chord progressions with meticulous arrangements.

Centered on the theme of confronting one’s own strength, this work expresses the power discovered through experiences and connections with friends, delivering a deeply resonant, positive message to listeners.

Released in April 2025, the song was chosen as the ending theme for the TV anime One Piece: Egghead Arc, marking muque’s first anime tie-in.

With its propulsive rhythms and emotionally rich vocals, it’s the perfect track for moments when you want to feel motivated or fire yourself up.

From the New Worldoishikuru meronpan

Oishikuru Melonpan “From the Old World” Music Video

A song that delicately portrays lost memories and nostalgia for the past is included on oishikuru melonpan’s mini-album “antique.” Its lyrical world—strewn with images like a milky-white sun, a broken music box, and an oil-painted beach—stirs deep emotions in the listener.

Released on April 23, 2025, the work marks the band’s 10th anniversary.

A music video directed by filmmaker Kengo Hanada has also been produced, using mirror reflections to expand the song’s world visually with a dreamlike touch.

A nationwide tour of eight venues is underway to coincide with the album’s release, culminating at Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall.

Recommended for those who want to savor, on a quiet night, a song that could be called the culmination of their journey—one that faces the past while continuing to push new musical frontiers.

Two Drifterssukaato

Skirt – Two Drifters [Official Music Video]

A melody whose delicate guitar strokes and gentle vocals seep into the heart.

This gem from Wataru Sawabe’s solo project vividly and poetically portrays everyday solitude and hope.

Centered on acoustic guitar and percussion, its warm sound tenderly stirs the listener’s sensibilities.

Released on March 26, 2025 as a pre-release single from the album “Special,” the track serves as a core piece of his fifth major-label album, which came out on May 14 of the same year.

His music has a strong track record of tie-ins, including the theme song for the film “Takasaki Graffiti.” and the opening theme for the anime “ODD TAXI.” It’s a recommended listen when you want to be close to the small tremors of the heart, or when you’re seeking a quiet moment away from the clamor of the city.