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 // Feb 15 – Feb 21 // Feb 22 – Feb 28
THIS WEEK: March 1 – 7
Arashi – Five
So… this is kind of a big deal, right? A new Arashi song and video in 2026?
The song is a solid mid-tier entry in their discography. It should please fans.
Ayumu Imazu – Bassline (song of the week!)
The song delivers on the promise of its title, though I wish its centerpiece consisted of more than a… bassline. There are moments I enjoy enough to make this a pick of the week, though.
Bi-ray – Let You Go
A nice ballad that showcases their vocals.
Da-iCE – That You Know?
The grammar of that title confuses me. The song is boring.
＝LOVE – GekiyakuChudoku
Typical idol pop.
HANA – All In
People will love this. It’s not for me. I find the sing-talk delivery annoying.
Hokuto – hate you? love you?
Has a nice, swinging energy.
The Jet Boy Bangerz – Head Up
This kind of reminds me of… mid-2000s crunk? At least in the instrumental.
Koshi Inaba – Touch
This has a very classic B’z sound. Not sure there was a reason for it to be a solo track, but it’s still good.
May’n – genesis/destiny
A very predictable J-rock sound, but it still packs some punch.
Mr.Children – Ubugoe
Once this gets going, it’s actually pretty sprightly.
MYERA – Crushproof!
I wrote about this a month ago and now it has a music video.
NOWZ – AMMO (ft. YRD Leo)
Come on, guys. You had such a strong middle of 2025. This could be worse, but that pots and pans percussion is killing me.
n.SSign – Feelin’ Good
Sounds kind of like a Christmas song. (not complimentary)
OrβIT – Line Me Now
Does the “Line” in the title refer to the messaging app? Is this something people actually say?
Sakanaction – Iranai
I wrote about this a few weeks ago. Now it has a video.
Sakurazaka46 – Dried Fruit
Not a slam dunk, but this is the kind of propulsive song I like from them. The synth touches are nice, too.
Starglow – Green Light
Well, it was nice while it (briefly) lasted. This is the kind of dull material I’d expected from their agency, honestly. A downgrade. It sounds like everyone else.
22/7 – Mirai ga aru kara
Doesn’t really do anything to stand out.
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
Ayumu Imazu – Bassline / Finger snaps tend to grate on me, so it keeps me from endorsing this, but I like how the song built up steadily. 7
＝LOVE – GekiyakuChudoku / Beautiful. I’m not too familiar with the formula, so for me it’s just comfy and satisfying.
8
HANA – All In / I haven’t liked anything from them so far. This one is probably the strongest, but it doesn’t bring enough to the table to add to my playlist. Reminds me a bit of Young Posse (in a good way). 7.25
The Jet Boy Bangerz – Head Up / Really fun! I wish Stray Kids was this tight. I honestly can’t think of anything wrong with it. It’s very well balanced. Only first listen but I’m gonna have to give it a 9.
Koshi Inaba – Touch / These vocals really don’t suit the song. I find it hard to listen to.
May’n – genesis/destiny / I’m not usually one for female fronted hard rock/metal, but this is nice. It’s a nice full sound, the vocals jump around in a pleasant way, and the piano flourishes really elevate it. 7.5
NOWZ – AMMO / I don’t mind the pot-banging, but this definitely isn’t up to snuff for them.
Sakurazaka46 – Dried Fruit / Kind of an oddball. Wasn’t quite sure about it, but the name matches the perfume I’m wearing (Sweet Serenade), so I’ve gotta give it an add! I think it might be a grower. 7.5
Starglow – Green Light / This is solid. The bridge is iffy. 7.5
OrβIT – Line Me Now / It reminded me of the BTS song Like, which they renamed to Line! (いいね!) for the Japanese version! I searched it and found this: “On the Japanese Facebook “Like” becomes Ii ne! (いいね! That’s good!) with the exclamation point included.”
The song is whatever.
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