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 trade as I used to be earlier than, however I proceed to highlight new releases each Sunday. This countdown is a end result of that function, rounding up my fifty favourite singles (or promoted b-sides) of the yr.
SONGS 50-31
SONGS 30-11
SONGS 10-1
2025 YEAR-END MASTERPOST
30. Ryugujo – Waltz
The group’s closing music with producer and visionary Avu-chan is a bittersweet burst of emotion, however in the end cathartic. (full overview)
29. Wet. – However No Love
A sprightly monitor that sprinted beneath the radar early this yr. However No Love has one in all 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 may not 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 – Critical
Snow Man’s music has fallen out of my favor, which could be very miserable. However as soon as in a blue moon, a cool dance monitor like this slips by and jogs my memory why I really 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 wonderful monitor to exit on. (full overview)
23. One Love One Coronary heart – Bagucchau Ne
I really like when this group takes a harder-edged method, and Bagucchau Ne‘s frenetic beat and rapid-paced vocal interaction made it a straightforward standout for them this yr. (full overview)
22. DXTEEN – Mutual Crush
The melodies listed here are so candy they may provide you with a cavity, which isn’t any shock given the music consists by the identical staff who give The Wind their sweet floss confections.
21. ATEEZ – Ash
ATEEZ had been succeeding on either side of the ocean this yr, exploring new genres to nice impact. Right here, they sort out 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. Nonetheless, 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 really like.
16. One Or Eight – Guess Your Life
One Or Eight’s music has been a combined 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 yr 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, for the reason that music video (and accompanying audio!) isn’t obtainable 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 unit – Shinin’ On, Movin’ On
My favourite 90s throwback act will get the period excellent with this blazing dance monitor. It’s nearly 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 monitor jogs my memory of the J-pop and Ok-pop I liked 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 once they’re releasing bubblegum pop music this superior. It’s an extremely buoyant and bubbly monitor, good to usher within the spring or summer time.
