In reference to my want to totally sustain with the J-pop business, 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 involved in 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 some other new J-pop tracks you’ve loved within the feedback so we are able to get a fuller spectrum every week.

*And identical to I do with my opinions, 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 the vast majority of their YouTube uploads to shorter, edited variations.

2023 Index: Feb 1 – Feb 18 // Feb 19 – 25 // Feb 26 – Mar 3 // Mar 4 – Mar 10 // Mar 11 – Mar 18 // Mar 19 – Mar 25 // Mar 26 – Apr 1 // Apr 2 – Apr 8 // Apr 9 – Apr 15 // Apr 16 – Apr 22 // Apr 23 – Apr 29 // Apr 30 – Might 6 // Might 7 – Might 13 // Might 14 – Might 20 // Might 21 – Might 27 // Might 29 – Jun 3 // Jun 4 – Jun 10 // Jun 11 – Jun 17 // Jun 18 – Jun 24

BMK – Koihanabi

That is so my model. Sadly, it’s let down a bit by its execution. However for those who’re on the lookout for propulsive, high-octane pop you’re in the appropriate place.

Genki Iwahashi – I’m A Popstar

Yeah… I’m not shopping for this.

Hinata Kashiwagi – From Bow To Toe

It is a pretty shock! The track is comparatively easy, however these call-and-response backing vocals flip it into an actual standout.

NiziU – Coconut

I wrote about this right here. I didn’t actually look after it.

OCTPATH – Candy

I’m completely right here for the brilliant, summertime pop instrumental. If solely the melodies have been much less generic and extra placing…

Sakurazaka46 – Konbinahto

Not one of the new tracks on Sakurazaka46’s new single knocked me out, however Konbinahto catches the group of their consolation zone with barreling vitality and a sing-along refrain.

SKE48 Workforce KII – 100nen-tattara Kiss Me

I just like the sound of this one. It has a enjoyable, retro dance beat that jogs my memory of late-90’s J-pop.

Stereo Dive Basis – RAYTRACER (b-side of the week!)

Man, R・O・N (aka Stereo Dive Basis) is so flipping gifted. Each time he comes out with a brand new track I’m knocked out by its ambition and sheer sense of bigness. I like his manufacturing model, and that is one other stellar notch on his belt. It might get a music video ultimately, however for now it’s my b-side of the week.

SUPER★DRAGON – Attain The Sky

Contemporary off the discharge of their newest album, SUPER★DRAGON have returned with one other new monitor. This one takes them again to their rock roots. I prefer it!

TVXQ – Sentimental Temper

That is the b-side to their new single Lime & Lemon, which I wrote about final week. It’s not considered one of their extra memorable tracks, however it matches the summer time theme.

TXT – Hydrangea Love

That is the one new monitor from TXT’s upcoming second Japanese album. It’s a bit of boring, to be trustworthy. Kudos to them for getting Yuuri as a songwriter, although.

XG – GRL GVNG

I wrote about this right here. I assumed it was okay.

XY – Loopy Love (single of the week!)

Ooh, I like this one. I’ll in all probability write about it extra when the music video is out (which appears imminent judging from the teaser). For now, I wished to offer it my “single of the week” honor. The lead vocal is simply stellar, and I like the old-school rock sound. I’d anticipate nothing much less from Yoshiki.

And for those who’re curious, an edited model of the collection that shaped XY is subtitled in English on YouTube. It’s effectively price a watch. I’m very enthusiastic about this group.

Zillion – Infinite Summer time

I haven’t but coated Zillion on the weblog, and I would like to vary that. I appreciated each their recently-released tracks (EMO and Cover n Search). This one’s nice sufficient, however a bit subdued for me.

Travis Japan – Namida No Kessho (2019)

Travis Japan’s new single is out right now (extra on that later, I’m certain!), so I assumed I’d share a pre-debut track of theirs that I actually get pleasure from.