I don’t write as many full J-pop critiques as I used to, largely 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 every Sunday. This countdown is a fruits of that function, 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 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 haven’t 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 could be their coolest sounding music ever.
8. Kep1er – Yum
Yum hits you over the top like a sledgehammer in the easiest way. 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 assessment)
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 type 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 assessment)
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 implausible slice of summertime pop, breezy and highly effective in equal measure. (full assessment)
4. TWS – Hajimemashite
Hajimemashite matches alongside TWS’s debut-era highlights, coming throughout as a bit slight at first however enhancing steadily with every pay attention till it turns into inconceivable to withstand. The bridge is an undisputed spotlight, sweeping listeners away with a palpable sense of optimism. (full assessment)
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 little thing proper. It’s bizarre, dramatic and larger-than-life. (full assessment)
2. Kis-My-Ft2 – Glory Days
To be trustworthy, I’d type of given up on Kis-My-Ft2 ever releasing a killer single once more. I’s nonetheless not offered on anything from their 2025 album, however this music goes face to face with their many classics. It’s a surging rock anthem within the fashion they ship finest and this longtime fan was very pleased (and relieved!) to listen to it. (full assessment)
1. Genic – It’s Showtime
The previous few years, my primary music has paved a brand new manner ahead or experimented with pop kind. This 12 months, It’s Showtime does the precise reverse by trying again at J-pop’s previous and mining it for all its price. What pulls every little 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 let you know how refreshing it’s to listen to a bunch ship a music with such panache, placing full highlight on their efficiency slightly than manufacturing gimmicks of TikTok virality. It’s showtime, certainly! (full assessment)