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 // Feb 22 – Feb 28 // Mar 1 – Mar 7 // Mar 8 – Mar 14 // Mar 15 – Mar 21 // Mar 22 – Mar 28 // Mar 29 – Apr 4 // Apr 5 – Apr 11 // Apr 12 – Apr 18 // Apr 19 – Apr 25 // Apr 26 – May 2 // May 3 – May 9 // May 10 – May 16 // May 17 – May 23

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THIS WEEK: May 24 – May 30

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A.B.C-Z – Tap

Quirky fun. A bit grating.

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AiNA THE END – No Epilogue

Some interesting dynamics here.

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BoA – Ain’t No Hard Feelings

I wrote about this here. I liked it well enough.

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Cutie Street – Cutie Sphere

This usually isn’t my thing at all (and still isn’t), but it’s got a few catchy moments.

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Girls2 – Bloom! Bloom!

I wrote about this last week but now it has a music video.

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Gre4n BOYZ – Peridot (song of the week!)

This has such an addictive energy that never really lets up.

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IVE – Lucid Dream

I wrote about this here. I didn’t think much of it.

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Jaejoong – Oasis

A big rock ballad, as expected from him.

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Kis-My-Ft2 – Couture (song of the week!)

A super solid dance track from a big bias group of mine. I hope there will be a video!

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Kyosuke Fujimaki (INI) – Yourself

It’s always refreshing when vocal powerhouses opt for upbeat material.

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Lil League – Loca (ft. NEX & AA of BUS)

This arrives at just the time I’m craving “tropical” summer sounds. Song could be better, though.

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Meik – Splashback

My favorite underrated popstress is back! This is pretty good. Not her best, but it has its moments.

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Naniwa Danshi – Celebrate

Sounds just about how you’d expect given its title.

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NMB48 – Hajimete no All

Not really my preferred sound.

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Novel Core – Name

A very hesitant song before it absolutely explodes. It’s quite stirring once it gets going.

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ROIROM – Pa Ri Ra!!

They’ve pinballed between so many sounds so far. This is fun and upbeat. I like the brass.

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Ryugujo – Hoero!!! (song of the week!)

I don’t know… there are parts I like and parts I don’t. I’m giving it a hesitant “song of the week” marker for their excellent reputation and the fact that this will undoubtedly grow on me.

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Sakurazaka46 – Coin Laundry (song of the week!)

Ooh, I LOVE the escalating synth flourishes in this. They’re three for three on this new single so far. Very, very good!

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STARGLOW – Good Boys Anthem

A much rockier sound for them. I don’t hate it, but I don’t love it as much as some of their previous songs.

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STEREO DIVE FOUNDATION x NANO – Dream Big

Huge and anthemic as usual.

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Super Eight – Damdarah

Silly energy.

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TRENDZ – Still 0cm Away

Generic pop/rock track.

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Vaundy – Idea ga Afurete Nemurenai

Jaunty rock.

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VOKSY DAYS – Esperanza

I really appreciate the sound they’re going for here but the song could be stronger.

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Yuya Tegoshi – Super Star (song of the week!)

This is a lot poppier and funkier for him. I like his voice on this style.