Latest J-Pop Releases [June 2025]

half moonHirai Dai

Dai Hirai / half moon (Lyric Video)

A romantic medium-tempo ballad that likens unrequited feelings to a waning moon.

Released by Dai Hirai in May 2025, it’s the fourth installment in a series of four consecutive digital singles produced to coincide with his beach festival, THE BEACH TRIP 2025.

The lyrics were co-written with EIGO, and the composition and arrangement were a collaboration with Haruto Nishi.

It’s a perfect track for a summer night drive.

WAZAUchikubi Gokumon Doukoukai

Uchikubi Gokumon Doukoukai “WAZA”

An unprecedented concept of shouting pro-wrestling move names at full blast non-stop! This track by Uchikubi Gokumon Doukoukai was released on May 28, 2025.

It was newly written as the official theme song for New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s “BEST OF THE SUPER Jr.

32,” and was also adopted as the fighting music for TV Asahi’s “World Pro Wrestling.” Current wrestlers including El Desperado participated as guest chorus members, packing the raw excitement of the ring straight into the song.

A must-listen track that pro-wrestling fans are guaranteed to love!

Make or BreakSakurazaka46

Make or Break

This is Sakurazaka46’s 12th single, with third-generation member Mio Matono serving as center for the first time.

It was released in June 2025.

The track features a striking crossover sound that blends J-pop with elements of K-pop and rap.

With digital beats and a heavy bassline, it’s a fast-paced dance number brimming with momentum.

As an ambitious work symbolizing the group’s new lineup, it drew significant attention from fans.

ChateaubriandSuiyōbi no Campanella

Wednesday Campanella 'Chateaubriand' (Official Audio)

A meat-loving song with an irresistibly unique twist, named after a premium cut of beef! It’s part of Wednesday Campanella’s “people’s names” series and was released on May 29, 2025—Meat Day.

A party tune riding on a ghetto house rhythm, its lyrics roll out cut after cut, from urute (trachea) and tongue to rump, skirt steak, and sirloin.

You’ll find your stomach growling as you listen.

Perfect for when you’re in the mood for an upper-bpm banger!

DON’T FORGET MY NAMEShimizu Shota

Shota Shimizu 'DON’T FORGET MY NAME' Music Video

A deeply resonant ballad by Shota Shimizu.

Released in May 2025, it serves as the lead track on the album “Pulsatilla cernua.” The song conveys an earnest desire for listeners not to forget their bonds with loved ones, even while walking a solitary path.

The music video’s beautiful visuals set in the city of Osaka are also striking.

It’s a song that offers comfort to those facing a turning point in life or thinking of someone dear who lives far away.

Spicy Queenhanabie

[Hana-bie.] – Spicy Queen – Music Video [HANABIE.]

Released to celebrate their 10th anniversary, “Spicy Queen” is truly the culmination of the Harajuku-core sound.

Dropped in May 2025, the track is grounded in hardcore while delivering unpredictable twists and turns.

Yukina’s fierce shouts and the highly addictive song structure are insanely cool.

Give it a listen when you want to fire yourself up or get pumped!

Yūrei MarriageSugawara Kei

Kei Sugawara – Ghost Marriage (Official Video)

It’s a Japanese-style love song where reality and fantasy intertwine.

The track is by singer-songwriter Kei Sugawara and was released in May 2025.

You’ll be drawn into its world, crafted by melodies infused with traditional Japanese elements and a neutral, emotional vocal tone.

The lyrics—about love that lingers even after memories are lost—are especially striking and invite you to imagine the story behind them.

It’s perfect for those quiet nights when you want to immerse yourself in music alone.