I’m pretty obsessed with this list of singles and albums. I’ve been a J-pop fan for almost a decade now, but this year I’ve made a concerted effort to really dive deeply into the industry. Part of this initiative includes weekly J-pop round-ups that are posted every Sunday on this blog.

My efforts have been rewarded at every turn, with many highlights emerging so far this year. Here are fifteen of them — more than enough for a super-strong “top ten” even though the year is only halfway over!

What were your favorite singles and albums during the first half of 2023?

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TOP SINGLES

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Aina The End – Red:birthmark

An emotional epic, delivered with searing power and symphonic drama. (full review)

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Fantastics – Panorama Jet

Fantastics are so consistently great, and this EDM anthem is another burst of joy. (full review)

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Genic – Flavor

Flavor is actually my most-played song of the year so far, and with a chorus this strong it’s easy to see why. (full review)

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Man With A Misson x Milet – Kizuna no Kiseki

Pure anime rock goodness from two of the best in the biz.

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Mrs. GREEN APPLE – Magic

A soaring celebration, anchored by a full-throated vocal performance and endless supply of sweeping melodies. (full review)

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News – A Real Man

YouTube’s short version doesn’t do this mini-musical justice. Twenty years in, and News are still reinventing themselves to glorious effect. (full review)

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Nogizaka46 – Kokoro ni mo Nai Koto

The moment Kokoro ni mo Nai Koto‘s soaring chorus enters the mix, I’m putty in Nogizaka’s hands.

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Queen Bee – Violence

Avu-chan is a force of nature, and Violence echoes her intensity with ferocious guitar. (full review)

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The Rampage – No Gravity

A euphoric EDM anthem that climaxes in a surging chorus worth getting lost in. (full review)

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ReLIT – “Challenger” Theme

I’ll always be prepared to support an underrated idol act, especially when they deliver something this bombastic. (full review)

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Ryugujo – Mr.FORTUNE

I’m obsessed with Ryugujo’s punky, alt-pop vision. This is immaculately produced and delivered with an endearing snarl. (full review)

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Sexy Zone – Purple Rain

Sexy Zone prove themselves masters at emotional synthwave, releasing yet another club-ready classic. (full review)

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Snow Man – Tapestry

Tapestry is all about build and payoff, expertly weaving its melodies for maximum effect. (full review)

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Travis Japan – Candy Kiss

Throwback 80’s funk pop at its best, with strong Michael Jackson influences driving its groove. (full review)

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XY – Crazy Love

I’m addicted to XY’s robust melodies and theatrical arrangement. The lead vocal is sublime. (full review)

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TOP ALBUMS

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KAT-TUN – Fantasia

A victory lap through eras and sounds of the past, while keeping one eye on the future. It’s their strongest album in years.

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Nogizaka46 – Hito wa Yume wo Nido Miru

Not technically an album, but Nogizaka46’s singles are packed with enough tracks to count. This is perfect, buoyantly springtime pop.

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One Love One Heart – LOVE1

I absolutely adore this album, and since its release in December Glory Dayz has gone on to become my favorite J-pop single of 2022. As far as I’m concerned, LOVE1 is stuffed with classics. (full album review)

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The Rampage – Round & Round

Round & Round collects a bunch of great Rampage singles, but the new tracks are no slouch either.

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Sexy Zone – Chapter II

Many of my favorite 2023 are part of this album. The fact they’ve been able to match (even improve?) upon the success of last year’s The Highlight is so impressive. Bump, Message, Take A New Step, Make You Mine and Saikai no Aizu are all amazing b-sides.

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Snow Man – i DO ME

This is a super-strong collection of songs, including a diverse set of unit tracks that add great flavor to the album

(Album sampler available here)