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.

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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 // Feb 15 – Feb 21

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THIS WEEK: February 22 – 28

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AKB48 – Mukaikaze

A sentimental ballad.

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Chotokkyu (Bullet Train) – Poker Face

It’s fun to hear them tackle a more rock-influenced song. However, this is far from their strongest work.

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Da-iCE – OLD meets NEW

It’s funky in the way that doesn’t actually feel very funky, if that makes sense.

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HiiT Factory – Feels Good Times

As usual, they’ve nailed the time period they’re going for. I prefer when they target a different genre of nostalgia, though.

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LADYBABY – Real Eyes Realize Real Lies (song of the week!)

The group name gives me major ick, but the pounding rock-meets-electronic instrumental is very enjoyable. The song itself could be stronger, but I’m intrigued by their sound.

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ME:I – Best Match

This has great upbeat energy. Fans of K-pop groups like Twice would probably enjoy it.

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NAQT VANE – GREENLIT

It follows their formula to a tee, but that formula’s still pretty good.

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NAZE – Isn’t She Lovely?

I gave up on this drama after 1.5 episodes, and sadly the music’s just as dull as the show.

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NCT Wish – Same Sky

Very boring.

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NOMELON NOLEMON – mitemite (song of the week!)

This is very quirky in a fun way and will definitely win over a bunch of fans.

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Philosophy no Dance – Dance for Philosophy

This takes a while to get going, but I enjoy the chorus.

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Sakurazaka46 – Kougen

An absolutely fine Sakurazaka46 song. I prefer when their music is more ambitious and hard-hitting.

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Sandaime J Soul Brothers – Through The Rain

I wish this went full on dance club. It feels like it’s constantly holding back.

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Seventeen – Tiny Light (song of the week!)

How is this random Japanese (performed in English) Seventeen song the best thing they’ve released in ages?

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SKE48 – Moushiran

Doesn’t really go anywhere for me, but the chorus is decent.

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Snow Man – Odorouze!

Funky and bright. It’s not my favorite thing they’ve ever done, but it’s pleasant.

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STEREO DIVE FOUNDATION – Harmonics

Not as catchy as his usual stuff, unfortunately.

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STU48 – Sukisugite Naku

That perky synthline that runs through much of the track is very nice.

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T.N.T – Ro”kyun”roll

Watching the ambitious plans for XY basically turn into this Tegoshi-fronted side project is honestly depressing. This isn’t bad (the chorus is actually strong), but in the end it’s just another rock song.

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Tsubaki Factory -Shikurettosama

A very classic, chugging idol sound.

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Wolf Howl Harmony – Gachi Funk

Despite its title, I don’t find this particularly funky.

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XG – Rock The Boat

I know some of you were expecting a full review for this follow-up track, but I just didn’t have much to say. The song is fine. I’d rather listen to the Aaliyah track it interpolates.

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7ORDER – Machichuuka Kimetaina

I appreciate the nostalgic textures on this, but ultimately the song is not for me.