Latest J-Pop Releases [May 2025]

absorbed; engrossed; infatuated; crazy aboutBE:FIRST

BE:FIRST / Mucchuu -Lyric Video- (Theme song for Fuji TV Thursday Theater 'Nami Uraraka ni, Meoto Biyori')

This is a love song with a striking, churchy sound rooted in gospel, portraying a pure, straightforward love despite a certain clumsiness.

The warm vocals of the BE:FIRST members blend exquisitely with heartfelt words of love, gently enveloping the listener.

The track was written as the theme song for Fuji TV’s Thursday drama “Nami Uraraka ni, Meoto Biyori,” perfectly matching the show’s world, which depicts the sweet-and-sour daily life of newlyweds set in Japan in 1936.

It is slated to be included on the single “GRIT,” scheduled for release on May 28, 2025, and is recommended for those who cherish pure love or want to bask in a gentle, tender mood.

TorieBillyrrom

Torie

Billyrrom captivates with an urban sound-making style that makes you want to surrender to its groovy rhythms.

Drawing attention at festivals both in Japan—such as in Osaka and Tokyo—and abroad, including Taiwan, their latest work is a comfortable track where refined mellowness merges with pop sensibilities.

Featured on the album “WiND,” it’s also noteworthy that guitarist Rin penned the lyrics from a female perspective.

Perfect for night drives or moments when you want to calm your mind, this song is recommended for anyone looking to step away from the city’s hustle and settle into a peaceful mood.

Etcetera, love youCANDY TUNE

[MV] CANDY TUNE “Etcetera LOVE YOU”

A sweet and cute pop tune set in a dating-sim-style world.

Released by CANDY TUNE in August 2024 as part of the “Kiss Me Pâtissier” tracklist, this song was created by the dream team of lyrics by Suu (SILENT SIREN) and music by Naoki Kubo, with its music video unveiled in May 2025.

The song stands out for its lyrics that candidly express feelings too big to be summed up as just “I love you,” paired with a catchy melody.

Since its debut at the final show of the group’s first-anniversary tour at Toyosu PIT on April 27, 2024, it has captured the hearts of many fans.

It’s a must-listen not only for anyone wanting to feel the flutter of romance, but also for those who wish to convey their feelings to someone special through song.

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.

CheckmateCLAN QUEEN

Checkmate

CLAN QUEEN, who have been making waves with their innovative art-rock approach, return in May 2025 with a powerful new track that portrays an uncompromising pursuit of self-identity.

Anchored by a dark, funky sound, the immersive world crafted by yowa’s expressive vocals and AOi’s rap is nothing short of breathtaking.

As a lead single from the upcoming album NEBULA, the release is already generating high expectations.

The trio—AOi, yowa, and Mai—embody a new-generation ethos by taking complete control not only of the music but also the visuals and graphics.

It’s a must-listen for anyone drawn to a shape-shifting fusion of sound and imagery, as well as for those seeking lyrics that truly resonate.

tragedyChilli Beans.

Chilli Beans. – tragedy (Official Music Video)

This song expresses the conflicts and dilemmas involved in pursuing one’s dreams.

It’s the tie-in track for Mode Gakuen’s 2025 TV commercial “Zenbu Yacchae” and was released in April 2025.

True to Chilli Beans.’s style, the guitar-driven rock sound really shines here.

I imagine this alternative sonic palette will resonate with many listeners.

As you move toward your dreams, the doubts and anxieties you feel might be voiced by this track.

I especially recommend it to students and young professionals striving toward their goals.

TraceDEXCORE

DEXCORE 「Trace」 Official Music Video

A song that powerfully questions the value of one’s existence and the importance of memory was released in May 2025 alongside the album WE WERE HERE.

Built on a foundation of metalcore and deathcore, DEXCORE weaves heavy guitar riffs and dynamically shifting melodies into an exquisitely balanced piece.

Within its aggressive progression breathes delicate emotional expression, and the contrast between ferocious shouts and clean vocals resonates deeply.

The track carries a message of a soul’s cry—expressing a strong will to overcome inner conflict and the sense of loss over what’s slipping away, while holding hope for the future.

To celebrate the release of WE WERE HERE, a collaboration event will be held at ROCKAHOLIC in Shinjuku, Tokyo, from May 20 to 26.

It’s a song for those who connect with the profound humanity hidden within intense music and for listeners seeking a new frontier in heavy music.