I went from listening to only K-pop to listening to Japanese J-pop. While searching for blogs about J-pop, I came across a great list that I thought I’d share.
Isle of Shota – Pandora
This song is very different from his usual sound! I recommend it because the electronic bits are frenetic.
androp – Hypervacations
It’s a real mood booster. The energy is so upbeat and fun. But it’s too short.
BugBell – Summer Party
We added a little more guitar crunch for a unique take on a typical idol summer track.
Eulogy – Death Anniversary
The guitar makes this song.
DISH// – Happy
Pretty strong rock track.
DXTEEN – First Flight
This is the first song we’re recommending this week.
Faky – Summer Diving
Faky’s music is always great and I love listening to their interpretation of summertime house grooves.
fripSide – Red Liberation
Want an explosive, hyperactive dance-meets-rock? Good for you. Here it is.
Genin and Jijini Aru – Hit the Cymbals
I’m not sure if this is a single or a digital release, but it’s one of the most powerful songs I’ve ever heard.
Mika Nakashima – We Are All Stars
It’s a tribute to RuPaul, and sounds like something you’d hear on one of his music broadcasts.
Nisshi – Rendezvous
At first, I thought the song was a bit monotonous, but Nissi’s stellar vocals make up for it. The videos are great, too.
News – News Expo (album)
News is back this week with a 20th anniversary album! It’s mostly an extension of the sound they’ve been pursuing for the past two years, and it’s at its best, especially in the melodies.
Nogizaka46 – Ohitorisama Tengoku
Nogizaka46’s early spring single is one of our favorite songs of 2023. It’s not a huge song, but I like the energy of a big EDM festival. It’s very upbeat and fun.
Hybridism – The Chessboard
I’ve gotten used to it, but it still feels like a band on autopilot. Sadly, this song has a similar feel to it.
Ryokushoku Shakai – Summer Cinderella
The main theme song for Manatsu’s Cinderella drama. It’s a great song for summer.
Hiroyuki Sawano[nZk] – Odd: me (ft. Akihito Okano)
I always love new music from Hiroyuki Sawano.
Stray Kids – Super Bowl
The song was recently released on a Korean album and now has a music video in Japanese.
Super Fruit – Summer☆Getu
How weird and hilarious can it get?
Utada Hikaru – Gold (Mata O Hai)
Hikaru Utada, a classic!
ZILLION – Love & Sweat
Too awkward for a song title…
Tamaki Nami – Reason (2004)
I love the high energy and propulsive sound of Tamaki Nami’s music. Her entire discography is fantastic, but this single is my favorite.
– This article is based on the following sources
