Latest J-Pop Releases [November 2025]

Beatnik -Bird-sumika

sumika / Beatnik -Bird-【Music Video】

This work, released in November 2025 by the Kanagawa-born rock band sumika, is an ambitious project that presents a single song in two different guises.

Centered on the theme of “liberation from oppression,” it portrays the concept from two angles: a dance track produced by TAKU INOUE, and a band-driven version featuring Tetsu Kinoshita of Raisan as a guest guitarist.

The former offers pleasing minimal beats and meticulous synth work, while the latter delivers an exhilarating surge with distorted guitars and a dramatic structure.

When you’re ready to break out of your shell, this song might just give you the push you need.

mental imagekoron

[MV] Mental Image / Colon

This ballad, released in November 2025 by Colon, a member of Strawberry Prince (SutoPuri), was written and composed by Chouchou-P.

It delicately portrays the preciousness of cherishing someone dear.

The clear vocals meld beautifully into the spacious resonance of piano and strings, creating a wonderfully soothing sound.

Capturing in music the moments where memory and imagination intersect—when feelings for someone appear in the mind like vivid images—this song is perfect for times when you want to face your own emotions.

Cowardly ByakuyaTogenashi Togeari

Drowin’ Loneliness

First released as audio in November 2024 from the bonus CD included with the Blu-ray and DVD of the TV anime “Girls Band Cry,” this track is featured on the EP released in November 2025.

Lyrics by Erina Kaiser, composition by Akitsugu Fukushima, with arrangement and production by Kenji Tamai of agehasprings.

While confronting a sense of loss, the song races forward on an emotional rock sound, carrying feelings that refuse to fade.

You can’t help but relate to the swaying emotions and the struggle to fill loneliness within the never-darkening hours of the white night.

It’s a rock tune packed with the unique worldview of Togenashi Togeari.

Can’t pronounce the ‘ra’ sounds, words are lackingNekura Tōkī

Necry Talkie MV “I Can’t Say the Ra-Row, I Don’t Have the Words” / NECRY TALKIE – Hard to Say La-Li-Lu-Le-Lo

Released for streaming in November 2025, this track brings a fresh angle to the fast-paced pop that NecryTalkie excels at.

It was created around a motif of vocalist Mossa’s difficulty pronouncing the Japanese “r” sounds.

The song simultaneously portrays playful wordplay and a painfully real breakdown in communication.

Many listeners will relate to the frustration of having something to say but being unable to put it into words.

If you’re into rock, definitely give it a listen!

Birthdayretororiron

Birthday

Retro Riron’s major 3rd single “Birthday” is a song that overlays the resolve to step out of a stagnant daily life with the milestone of a birthday.

It sings of a protagonist who has been drifting through aimless days yet chooses to renew themselves.

The mid-tempo pop-rock sound—woven from soulful vocals and a genre-defying ensemble—builds toward a chorus that opens up with a sense of release.

It’s a number that gently nudges forward those who want to change but can’t quite take the first step.

BiryaniNogizaka 46

Nogizaka46 “Biryani” Music Video

Released in November 2025, the 40th single “Biryani” is a piece that, with 6th-generation members Shizuki Setoguchi and Moeka Yada as double centers, portrays the tender wavering of a budding crush.

The impulsive urge to take a brave step toward someone you like is expressed through multilayered melodies and a dazzling sound.

It’s a stimulating pop tune that’s perfect for when you want to savor the exhilaration of love.

LuminousKagami Hayato

Hayato Kagami – Luminous (included on the 1st mini album “ULTIMATE CITY”)

A lead single from Hayato Kagami of NIJISANJI’s first mini-album “ULTIMATE CITY,” released in November 2025.

It’s a grand rock number fully produced by Soujirou Oki of Novelbright.

Through the image of a protagonist clutching a blank map and cutting through the darkness, it portrays the strength of will to keep moving forward—believing in a light of hope even amid uncertainty.

Just listening to the soaring, sing-along-ready chorus and the dazzling hybrid sound is enough to set your heart ablaze.