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 // Feb 1 – Feb 7 // Feb 8 – Feb 14

THIS WEEK: February 15 – 21

Ado – Vivarium

This definitely has a heavier edge in places.

Aile The Shota – Kaika sengen

This opens with such a flurry of energy but quickly becomes quite dull.

AKB48 – Nagorizakura

The chorus has a nice nostalgic sound that’s appealing, if familiar.

The Beat Garden – Element

I miss when they used to do upbeat dance-rock! I’m sure this treacly sound is more profitable, though.

CRAVITY – Blast Out

Hmm… not my favorite sound for them and a weird follow-up from their very strong 2025.

JAM HEADS – Another Call

Really not sure about that group name, but this song has its moments.

M!LK – Bakuretsu Aishiteru

I wrote about this last week and now it has an mv.

≒JOY – Amagami Girl (ft. DJ Alice)

The chorus is strong. Not sure about the rest.

Produce 101 Japan Shinsekai – Shinsekai (song of the week!)

Yep, we’re still making these Produce 101 themes. This one’s a bit different, though. It’s got a rock vibe that works surprisingly well. I actually love it and kind of wish it was just a regular idol comeback!

Reol – Utsukushi Jigoku

This sounds like it’s pulling from Ado’s sonic playground.

RIIZE – All Of You

I wrote about this here. I thought it was just okay.

Ryugujo – Girari

Here’s the thing: this is fine, and has some decent moments. However, it lacks specificity. Anyone could have been given this song. I really fell in love with how unique their sound was and it’s a shame to see that watered down now that Avu-chan isn’t producing them anymore.