Lovely hit song

Latest J-Pop Releases [May 2025]

A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerAraki Jakkan
I’ve worked in a variety of roles—regardless of pro or amateur settings—including live event PA, cameraman for video and photography, restaurant staff, and logistics center staff. I now spend my days as a part-time writer. I’ve contributed to music and manga websites with feature/review articles, and wrote the liner notes included as a bonus for 1st PLACE Inc.’s “IA SUPER BEST.” As for my music background, I started playing guitar in junior high and focused on band activities during my school years. For over 15 years since then, up to the present, I’ve continued releasing original tracks as a Vocaloid producer. My areas of expertise are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.

In May 2025, a fresh breeze is sweeping through the music scene.

From electro-pop born out of hololive to heartwarming city pop and message-driven songs that resonate with the soul, an astonishing variety of tracks has emerged.

From addictive numbers that poppily sing about glitches in love to warm songs reflecting on youth, each piece radiates its own unique charm.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the works of these richly individual artists.

You’re sure to find a song that strikes a chord in your heart!

Latest J-Pop Releases [May 2025] (41–50)

GET BACKyuzu

GET BACK

GET BACKyuzu

As a Reiwa-era anime song, this ambitious piece mixes the world of Pokémon with Yuzu’s pop sensibilities, crafted by TeddyLoid.

Released in May 2025 as the opening theme for the new chapter “Mega Voltage” of the anime Pokémon, the track delivers a powerful message about reclaiming a lost future, unfolding like a suite.

It marks the first co-written work in about five years by Yujin Kitagawa and Koji Iwasawa, featuring lyrics peppered with Pokémon motifs and a sound that fuses contemporary Japanese culture.

Yuzu’s first anime theme in roughly seven years, this song is recommended not only for anime fans but also for listeners seeking fresh expressions in pop music.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

PledgeAnjura Aki

Angela Aki “Pledge” Recording Documentary Movie

PledgeAnjura Aki

Marking her first comeback in 11 years, this work is a gem-like piano ballad woven by Angela Aki around the themes of self-affirmation and rebirth.

Since pausing her activities in 2014, she has studied music in the United States and built a family life, and here she expresses her resolve to accept herself as she is through her uniquely emotive vocals and piano melodies.

Since her 2005 debut, Angela Aki has released numerous beloved songs, including the hit album Home, which sold over 600,000 copies, and “Tegami ~Haikei Juugo no Kimi e~.” In 2024, she also composed the music for the musical In This Corner of the World.

With an arrangement that is simple yet draws out deep emotion, and a positive message at its core, this piece is recommended for anyone ready to take a new step forward or to face themselves with honesty.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

finger hairChōkyūmei

finger hair

finger hairChōkyūmei

This work achieves a perfect balance between a dark, wet pop sound and lyrics woven from love and heartache.

Released in May 2025 by the four-piece band Chōkyūmei, it delicately captures the complex emotions and conflicts of romance while drawing on each member’s diverse musical background.

Blending danceable elements with an introspective atmosphere, the sound further deepens the world they established on the album “Surudoi Sasakure” and the EP “LOVE no Kōwa Suijōkiryō.” The band has also contributed to visual media, including “Mikoi,” the opening theme for the FOD drama Mikoi: Kakure Botchitachi, and “Cinnamon,” an insert song for the film Atashino!.

It’s a track recommended for those who cherish bittersweet memories of love or want to sit with music on a quiet night.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

The DistanceNaoto Intiraymi

Naoto Inti Raymi “The Distance” Lyric Video

The DistanceNaoto Intiraymi

To celebrate the 15th anniversary of his debut, globally active Naoto Inti Raymi released a new song in May 2025—a heartwarming R&B-style mid-tempo ballad themed around long-distance love.

Blending story-rich lyrics that reflect his own experience of working between Japan and Miami with a contemporary sound infused with Afrobeats, the track achieves a beautiful fusion.

The majestic arrangement of a gospel choir and strings further elevates the piece, gently singing about a love that connects across distance.

Dropped about a month after the release of his 11th album, “Intersection,” this soothing song offers comfort to anyone who longs for someone far away.

We’re already looking forward to hearing it performed on the nationwide tour starting in May 2025.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

A world that sways around youMarushii

Marcy – The world that sways around you (Official Music Video)

A world that sways around youMarushii

Opening with crisp, refreshing guitar tones, this song—capturing the exhilaration of falling in love—was released in May 2025 as JTB’s nationwide commercial theme.

Created by Marcy, a three-piece band from Fukuoka, it’s a classic love song that poignantly frames the sweet moments spent with a partner.

Within the liberating guitar-rock sound, Ukyo Yoshida’s translucent vocals leave a strong impression, and the relatable, signature Marcy lyrics are another highlight.

The music video features influencer Noa—whose total following exceeds 3.3 million—and, paired with exhilarating footage shot in Kagawa Prefecture, the themes of travel and romance are rendered even more compelling.

Evoking the feel of a summer romance, the comfortable, breezy sound makes it a perfect track for drives and trips with someone special.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem