I don’t write as many full J-pop evaluations as I used to, largely as a result of I haven’t been as enamored with the trade as I used to be earlier than, however I proceed to highlight new releases every 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
30. Ryugujo – Waltz
The group’s ultimate music with producer and visionary Avu-chan is a bittersweet burst of emotion, however finally cathartic. (full overview)
29. Wet. – However No Love
A sprightly observe that sprinted underneath the radar early this 12 months. However No Love has considered one of 2025’s catchiest choruses, underlined by a home beat.
28. aoen – MXMM
aoen efficiently mix their candy and bitter sides collectively, all of the whereas twisting basic Ok-pop tropes to the Japanese (and international) market. (full overview)
27. Ryugujo – Sugar
It won’t have sounded very like Ryugujo at first, however Sugar‘s candy, poppy refrain grew extra addictive with time. It’s fascinating to listen to them discover this musical realm. (full overview)
26. One Love One Coronary heart – Anone, Zutto Suki Deshita
A lot of One Love One Coronary heart’s 2025 work fused anthemic manufacturing with wistful melodies. This chugging anthem feels completely positioned for spring — particularly the thrilling pre-chorus. (full overview)
25. Snow Man – Severe
Snow Man’s music has fallen out of my favor, which may be very miserable. However as soon as in a blue moon, a cool dance observe like this slips by and jogs my memory why I like them.
24. ZEROBASEONE – Now Or By no means
Although it stays to be seen if ZEROBASEONE will ever launch one other authentic Japanese single, this melodic spotlight can be a high-quality observe to exit on. (full overview)
23. One Love One Coronary heart – Bagucchau Ne
I like when this group takes a harder-edged strategy, and Bagucchau Ne‘s frenetic beat and rapid-paced vocal interaction made it a straightforward standout for them this 12 months. (full overview)
22. DXTEEN – Mutual Crush
The melodies listed below are so candy they might offer you a cavity, which is not any shock given the music consists by the identical crew who give The Wind their sweet floss confections.
21. ATEEZ – Ash
ATEEZ have been succeeding on either side of the ocean this 12 months, exploring new genres to nice impact. Right here, they deal with moody, hypnotic dance music. (full overview)
20. Fujii Kaze – Hachiko
Although this music’s impact light for me a bit since its preliminary overview, I nonetheless love its lush texture and irresistible groove. (full overview)
19. XG – Gala
XG profitable mash collectively their hip-hop and dance sides, crafting a complete serve within the course of. What it lacks in a standout refrain it makes up for with sheer charisma (full overview)
18. &TEAM – Go In Blind
In comparison with their glorious 2024 work, I wasn’t initially impressed with Go In Blind. Nevertheless, time has been sort to the music and revealed a slow-burn spotlight that additionally marked their first million-selling launch. (full overview)
17. Ado x Jax Jones – Keep Gold
Whether or not you possibly can absolutely depend this as “J-pop” is debatable, however Ado’s right here so it makes the countdown. Extra importantly, it’s an anthemic slice of dance music in simply the fashion I like.
16. One Or Eight – Wager Your Life
One Or Eight’s music has been a blended bag, however this ultra-percussive hip-hop banger loved an extended life on my playlist. It’s extremely infectious.
15. &TEAM – Deer Hunter
Launched early within the 12 months as a follow-up promotion for his or her second album, Deer Hunter compelled by its minimalist groove and slinky fashion. (full overview)
14. Micchi & Kyohei (Naniwa Danshi) – Satan Or Angel
It appears like we’re again in 2019 with this one, because the music video (and accompanying audio!) isn’t accessible on-line. You’ll should make due with a 30-second clip, however hopefully that’s sufficient to persuade you of how awesomely tacky this music’s bombast is.
13. Hiit Manufacturing facility – Shinin’ On, Movin’ On
My favourite 90s throwback act will get the period excellent with this blazing dance observe. It’s virtually unimaginable to not sing together with its immediately acquainted refrain.
12. ENJIN – Day By Day By Day
ENJIN weren’t on my radar going into 2025, however this spectacular dance observe jogs my memory of the J-pop and Ok-pop I cherished within the early-to-mid 2010s. It simply by no means lets up.
11. Wild Blue – Pop
Wild Blue don’t get the love they deserve, particularly after they’re releasing bubblegum pop music this superior. It’s an extremely buoyant and bubbly observe, good to usher within the spring or summer season.