In reference to my need to totally sustain with the J-pop trade, I’m planning on doing a weekly round-up of any new releases which have caught my ear. A few of these could have been coated on the weblog already, however my hope is that this can develop into a one-stop store for anybody curious about what’s new in J-pop.

With that in thoughts, right here’s the place you are available in: I’m one particular person with one set of musical preferences, so please embed another new J-pop tracks you’ve loved within the feedback so we are able to get a fuller spectrum every week.

*And similar to I do with my critiques, I’ll wait till full variations of songs can be found earlier than posting them on this round-up. This may largely apply to Johnny’s teams, who nonetheless restrict nearly all of their YouTube uploads to shorter, edited variations.

2023 Index

2024 Index: Dec 24 – Jan 6 // Jan 7 – Jan 13 // Jan 14 – Jan 20 // Jan 21 – Jan 27 // Jan 28 – Feb 3 // Feb 4 – Feb 10 // Feb 11 – Feb 17 // Feb 18 – Feb 24 // Feb 25 – Mar 2 // Mar 3 – Mar 9 // Mar 10 – Mar 16 // Mar 17 – Mar 23 // Mar 24 – Mar 30 // Mar 31 – Apr 6 // Apr 7 – Apr 13 // Apr 14 – Apr 20 // Apr 21 – Apr 27 // Apr 28 – Could 4 // Could 5 – Could 11 // Could 12 – Could 18 // Could 19 – Could 25 // Could 26 – Jun 1 // Jun 2 – Jun 8 // Jun 9 – Jun 15 // Jun 16 – Jun 22 // Jun 23 – Jun 29 // Jun 30 – Jul 6 // Jul 7 – Jul 13 // Jul 14 – Jul 20

AiNA THE END – Love Sick (track of the week!)

Simply my favourite track from her since final yr’s spectacular Pink:birthmark. This one is sort of as over-the-top dramatic and has an analogous unhinged power and cathartic howl. It’s superb!

ALI – Past (ft. MaRI)

I must do a deep dive into ALI’s music as a result of every new track that comes out impresses me. There’s such texture to this.

Da-iCE – Story

This track now has a music video. I nonetheless don’t assume it’s considered one of their strongest.

Daichi Miura – Shinpakuon (track of the week!)

Ooh, I hope that is getting a music video as a result of that is considered one of his greatest songs in awhile. I really like the anthemic feeling.

East Of Eden – CROSS∞ROADS

This one brings the group’s violinist extra ahead within the combine, which is unquestionably appreciated.

Fantastics vs. Child Phenomenon – TurquoiseSun & PinkPurpleMoon (track of the week!)

That is the third launched monitor from the brand new Battle Of Tokyo collection. I see what they have been attempting to do structurally (the track really feels extra like a “battle”) however I’m unsure it fully works musically. Nonetheless, I like all the person items and love listening to Fantastics carry out on this type, so it’s total a win for me. The video can also be entertaining as hell.

Fujii Kaze – Feelin’ Go(o)d

Groovy and understated. Just about what you’d anticipate from Fujii Kaze, I suppose.

Golden Bomber – Line

That is enjoyable, goofy singalong rock from considered one of Japan’s hottest and beloved bands.

Hitogoto (Kento Nakajima) – Hitogoto

I’m a bit confused if Hitogoto is a everlasting alter ego for Kento Nakajima or simply for this track, nevertheless it’s a good solo begin for him. It might positively match alongside materials on a Horny Zone album.

iScream – Sorry Not Sorry

Nonetheless not feeling this one, nevertheless it now has a music video for many who have an interest.

Mamoru Miyano – Apollo

Mild and funky. It’s not unhealthy!

MILLENNIUM PARADE – M4D

I actually like this monitor. The manufacturing is immaculate — all sweltering beats and scuzzy synths. It’s a vibe in the easiest way.

Miyavi – Eat Eat Eat (track of the week!)

I ordered the bodily model of this album when it was launched within the spring, however now it’s slowly changing into out there on streaming with single Eat Eat Eat rising first. I prefer it loads, although it’s not my favourite track from the venture.

Naniwa Danshi – Koisuru Hikari

I all the time write about how a lot I really like when teams have a “signature sound,” however that additionally dangers their music changing into monotonous. Naniwa Danshi appear to be in that stage proper now. That is no worse than something they’ve launched currently, nevertheless it’s too acquainted and doesn’t make any satisfying strikes of its personal.

Official HIGE DANdism – Sharon

We now have a music video for this single. It’s just about Higedan-by-numbers, however does its job properly and can nearly definitely be an enormous hit.

THE PINK “H”CKET – Massive Bang!

I do know nothing about this group and so they’ve received a really unusual identify, however I just like the rock-fueled sound of this track.

Tasuku Hatanaka – It’s Time To Fly!

Tasuku Hatanaka’s music is strongest when it’s massive and dramatic. This gentle summer time sound doesn’t do a lot for me.

Treasure – Reverse

That is fairly good. A bit disjointed right here and there, nevertheless it delivers just a few new sounds for Treasure.

Tsubaki Manufacturing facility – Child Spider

It’s so fascinating to listen to a Howdy Challenge group tackle a vaguely reggaeton beat, particularly on a track known as… Child Spider. That is nice, if not significantly thrilling.

UNICODE – Blur

I sort of surprise if this group will find yourself focusing most of its consideration on Japan as time goes on. This track is totally forgettable, however sounds extra pure than their Korean work.

XG – One thing Ain’t Proper

I wrote about this right here. I favored it!

Yoasobi – Butai ni tatte

That is extra of a simple rock monitor than I used to be anticipating. Not unhealthy in any respect.

Faky – Sometime We’ll Know (2017)

Pop music’s late-2010’s tropical pattern resulted in some actual bangers, together with this spotlight from woman group Faky. The refrain is absolute magic.