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.

2023-2025 Index

2026 Index: Dec 28 – Jan 3 // Jan 4 – Jan 10 // Jan 11 – Jan 17 // Jan 18 – Jan 24 // Jan 25 – Jan 31

THIS WEEK: February 1 – 7

Ado – Angelseek

I guess I missed this last week. I’m not her target audience, but this is fine.

Da-iCE – Try&Groove

I tried. I didn’t really groove.

Fantastics – Finale (song of the week!)

This is Fantastics’ best single in ages. I’m so happy to hear them back in this slick EDM sound.

Kana Nishino – Kiminosei

Sprightly indie pop.

Lil League – LILMATIC

That title…
Anyway, this is too reliant on its interpolation to work for me.

MAZZEL – Banquet Bang

The title of this song intrigues me. Unfortunately, the actual music has a predictable K-pop sound. The chorus is decent, I guess.

MYERA – Crushproof!

I like the message of this and also enjoy the song’s slight rock influences.

ØMI – The Fusion

I’m not really into the chorus, but I like the verses. A resounding electro thump is always appreciated.

Rol3ert – Savior

This has a nice driving energy.

Rosy Chronicle – Miracle

It’s pretty much what you’d expect from a Hello Project single. I appreciate the drama, though.

Ryugujo – The Embers

I’m not really feeling the new songs on the deluxe version of their EP, but this is the most melodic so it’s my favorite for now.

SixTONES – Ichibyo

A perfectly serviceable, effusive rock track.

SKE48 – Sandarudaze

I enjoy the chugging, celebratory energy of this, even if the song is something we’ve heard many times before.

Snow Man – Stars (song of the week!)

I’m not a sports guy, but sports related themes are always good. This is a strong entry from Snow Man.

Sota Hanamura (Da-iCE) – Me.exe

Plenty of pomp and circumstance, but the song does nothing for me.

Takase Toya & Fumiya Sato – Please Miss Me (song of the week!)

This has a constant sense of build that I absolutely love. Better yet, it pays off on the promise of that build during the chorus. This is great!

Teddyloid (Altervoice) – Rider, Rider

I’m not sure what’s up with the “Altervoice” part of this, but the song is fun.

WATWING – Nani Wana Be

The skittering percussion is kind of interesting but otherwise this is not for me.

WEST. – Kore de Iinoda!

Too much mugging for me to enjoy.

3 thoughts on “New & Noteworthy J-pop of the Week (February 8, 2026)”

I finally watched Mobile Suit Gundam Wing for the first time after basically associating the entire franchise with one of its ending themes I heard when I was young, and said theme is as amazing as I remember. All drama and peak 90’s keyboard, synth and drumkit goodness, I think you’d get a kick out of it. The band’s works for the series all sound like this too, though this has the most energy to it.

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I was a bit shocked that you didn’t like Saigi. It’s very similar to Egure Mekure and Yohaku, which is why it’s my favorite song on the album.

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Saigi and The Embers are my standouts on the Ryugujo deluxe, with Akkanbe finally growing on me (although it’s just 8 at best). Still, something’s not hitting about these new songs. Or maybe I just have higher expectations on the group? Idk.

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