I don’t write as many full J-pop opinions as I used to, principally as a result of I haven’t been as enamored with the business as I used to be earlier than, however I proceed to highlight new releases each Sunday. This countdown is a end result of that characteristic, rounding up my fifty favourite singles (or promoted b-sides) of the 12 months.
SONGS 50-31
SONGS 30-11
SONGS 10-1
2025 YEAR-END MASTERPOST
10. &TEAM – Run Wild
I’m dishonest a bit of right here as a result of this wasn’t technically a single, however I couldn’t depart my most-played &TEAM music of the 12 months out of this countdown. It’s so upbeat and thrilling.
9. King & Prince – I Know
King & Prince don’t have any proper to be this groovy. It’s the uncommon dance observe the place much less is extra, harnessing a rhythmic minimalism over a dynamic electro beat. It may be their coolest sounding music ever.
8. Kep1er – Yum
Yum hits you over the pinnacle like a sledgehammer in one of the best ways. Its verses are par-for-the-course charismatic sing-talk, however when the wall-of-sound refrain hits the music completely knocks you off your toes. (full overview)
7. TXT – Can’t Cease
Sure, it’s an underdeveloped music. Sure, I needed to make my very own prolonged model. However even with these frustrations, Can’t Cease bops alongside the form of sticky 80s synth-funk I stay for. It’s TXT’s strongest single in ages.
6. STARGLOW – Moonchaser
STARGLOW haven’t even debuted but, however they’ve set the bar excessive for themselves with this bold EDM anthem. The observe doesn’t skimp on scope or scale, providing 4 minutes of highlights. (full overview)
5. xikers – Up All Evening
I don’t know what magic xikers are bottling for his or her J-pop materials, however I want they’d steal a few of it for his or her Korean title tracks. That is such a improbable slice of summertime pop, breezy and highly effective in equal measure. (full overview)
4. TWS – Hajimemashite
Hajimemashite matches alongside TWS’s debut-era highlights, coming throughout as a bit slight at first however bettering steadily with every hear till it turns into unimaginable to withstand. The bridge is an undisputed spotlight, sweeping listeners away with a palpable sense of optimism. (full overview)
3. Ryugujo – OSHIBAI
Ryugujo with out Avu-chan appeared like a shedding prospect, however the guys proved they might reinvent themselves with out sacrificing what made them so dynamic within the first place. OSHIBAI will get every thing proper. It’s bizarre, dramatic and larger-than-life. (full overview)
2. Kis-My-Ft2 – Glory Days
To be trustworthy, I’d form of given up on Kis-My-Ft2 ever releasing a killer single once more. I’s nonetheless not bought on the rest from their 2025 album, however this music goes face to face with their many classics. It’s a surging rock anthem within the type they ship greatest and this longtime fan was very comfortable (and relieved!) to listen to it. (full overview)
1. Genic – It’s Showtime
The previous few years, my primary music has paved a brand new method ahead or experimented with pop kind. This 12 months, It’s Showtime does the precise reverse by wanting again at J-pop’s previous and mining it for all its value. What pulls every thing collectively is Genic’s undisputed showmanship. Not solely do they serve razzle dazzle with one of the best of them, however they SING as if their profession relied on it. I can’t inform you how refreshing it’s to listen to a bunch ship a music with such panache, placing full highlight on their efficiency reasonably than manufacturing gimmicks of TikTok virality. It’s showtime, certainly! (full overview)