In connection with my desire to fully keep up with the J-pop industry, I’m planning to do a weekly round-up of any new releases that have caught my ear. Some of these may have been covered on the blog already, but my hope is that this will become a one-stop shop for anyone interested in what’s new in J-pop.

With that in mind, here’s where you come in: I’m one person with one set of musical preferences, so please embed any other new J-pop tracks you’ve enjoyed in the comments so we can get a fuller spectrum each week.

*And just like I do with my reviews, I’ll wait until full versions of songs are available before posting them in this round-up. This will mostly apply to Johnny’s groups, who still limit the majority of their YouTube uploads to shorter, edited versions.

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2023-2024 Index

2025 Index: Dec 29 – Jan 11 // Jan 12 – Jan 18 // Jan 19 – Jan 25 // Jan 26 – Feb 1 // Feb 2 – Feb 8 // Feb 9 – Feb 15 // Feb 16 – Feb 22 // Feb 23 – Mar 1 // Mar 2 – Mar 8

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THIS WEEK: March 16 – March 22

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Aile The Shota – Sakura

I appreciate the sprightly, shimmering sound of this.

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Aqua Timez – OLDROSE

A typical anime theme on the slower side.

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B.B.WAVES – Funkify You

Another kid-fronted pop track from Japan. This is like a Kidz Bop version of Bruno Mars. That might just be your thing, and they do have charisma and talent. The vocals are kind of incredible in places.

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Fantastics – Shiny Days

Their music just isn’t hitting in the same way lately. This is fine, but it feels like a watered down version of better songs they’ve released in the past.

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Fudanjuku – exdreamers

They always have a nice, classic J-pop sound. I really like the instrumental break after the chorus.

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KJRGL – So_Fine?

The spoken word intro is taking me out. Like, what is even going on?? The song itself is very boring.

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LINKL PLANET – Always Keep A Gunpla In Your Heart (song of the week!)

I have no idea what that title’s supposed to mean (apparently, it’s Gundam related?), but I like this song. It has that great upbeat 90’s J-pop energy to it.

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Little Glee Monster – Run

Pleasant and upbeat.

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ME:I – Muse

I like the spashiness of this chorus. The rest of the track feels more unfocused, though.

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Nana Mizuki – Hakudo

I’m not really sure about this song but I love how she delivers it. There’s so much character in her voice.

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Nogizaka46 – Time Limit Kataomoi

Another pretty song that sounds like a ton of songs they’ve already released.

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Obachaaan – Overpower

Only in Japan would we get something like this!

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One Or Eight – DSTM

This actively pisses me off because it could have been incredible. However, instead of using this interpolation creatively they just copied the hook from Rihanna’s song (which is already a hook from Michael Jackson) and slowed down the tempo. I don’t see a reason for this to exist, especially when their debut was so good.

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PG – Around The World

Wincing face emoji.

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Shingo Katori – Circus Funk (ft. Chevon)

This is unhinged.

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timelesz – Rock This Party

This song was released a few weeks ago but now it has a music video.

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WANDS – We All Need Love (song of the week!)

This sounds like a classic WANDS song and for that alone it’s one of my highlights in a very dull week.

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Yoasobi – Players

Yoasobi and Playstation is a pretty powerful combo. This definitely sounds like a video game.

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Yurina Hirate – Eeny Meeny Miny Moe

I’m happy to hear the dance beat, but I really wish she’d go back to the excellence of her debut single. That was such a tease! This song would be great with an actual chorus.

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This week’s old favorite:

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Exile The Second – Think ‘Bout It! (2011)

This is such a banger of its era. Huge chorus, ginormous beat and gorgeous harmonies to top it all off!