Latest J-Pop Releases [June 2025]

Midsummer day!Nogizaka 46

Midsummer day!

This is a song by the idol group Nogizaka46.

It was released in 2025 as a track on their 39th single.

Chosen as the “Nogizaka46 Meiji Jingu Stadium Performance 10th Memorial Song,” it’s an up-tempo summer tune.

Its bouncy rhythm and liberating melody line feel great, making you want to take off running as soon as you hear it.

The lyrics express feelings for a loved one encountered by chance on a midsummer day, and that sweet-and-sour worldview is part of its charm.

It’s a bright piece that also spotlights the expressive performance of center member Haruka Kaki.

dawdling5Leaf

5Leaf / Michikusa

It’s grounded hip-hop where past experience, present growth, and bonds with friends blend into one.

This is the sixth single by 5Leaf, a female rapper from Kure, Hiroshima Prefecture, released in June 2025.

Over a calm mid-tempo beat, her translucent vocals and mellow flow resonate pleasantly, gently staying close to the listener’s heart.

When you find yourself pausing on life’s path to make sure of something important—this might be the song to play.

Sunburst feat. Kj, Houshou Marine, Mamiko (Produced by DJ FUMIYA)BACARDI RECORDS

Sunburst feat. Kj, Houshou Marine, Mamiko (Produced by DJ FUMIYA) | Music Video

A soothing track that paints a magical moment spent by the seaside at dusk.

Released in May 2025 as part of a BACARDI RECORDS project.

Over a track crafted by DJ FUMIYA, Kj’s emotive rap, Mamiko Suzuki’s gentle flow, and Houshou Marine’s vocals meld together beautifully.

The lyrics carry a message of breaking free from everyday busyness, making it the perfect companion when you want to spend some time just for yourself.

OWARINENE

NENE – OWARI (Official Music Video)

Characterized by a sharp, aggressive sound that shakes up the hip-hop scene.

Released in June 2025, this work comes from NENE, also known as a member of Yurufuwa Gang.

The lyrics—charged with anger toward commercialism and copycat culture, and unwavering pride in hip-hop as an art form—leave a strong impression.

The dark beat crafted by Koshy heightens the tension.

Emotion pours out from the flow, the lyrics, and the sound—every part of it.

painedVaundy

pained

This track by Vaundy was originally a secret track on the album “replica,” released in November 2023, and was released as a standalone digital single in June 2025.

The song quietly lets loose the pain buried deep within the heart and delicate emotions, carried by a genre-defying sound.

Its tones and worldview seep straight into the listener’s inner self.

Give it a careful listen on sleepless nights when you’re weighed down by feelings you can’t tell anyone about.

Love & JoyHatsuboshi Gakuen

Hatsuboshi Academy “Love & Joy” Official Music Video (HATSUBOSHI GAKUEN – Love & Joy)

A dazzling dance number that gives you the courage to take your next step.

It’s a track from First Star Academy in the idol training game “Gakuen Idolmaster,” released in June 2025.

The song ties into the key in-game scenario “STEP3,” dramatically portraying a certain character’s comeback and challenge.

Its energetic sound will surely give you a strong push forward as you strive toward your goals.

BazubibazavuTokoyami Towa

Bazubibazavu / Tokoyami Towa (official)

It’s a highly addictive dance number with a rhythmic beat that somehow carries an undercurrent of madness.

Released as a single by Tokoyami Towa in June 2025, the song was written and composed by the Vocaloid producer Teniwoha.

The work depicts a dark-fantasy tale of a demon’s daughter inciting the masses.

Tokoyami Towa’s deep, weighty vocals fuse with the danceable sound to draw you naturally into its cult-like world.

Let your imagination wander through the mysterious story.