If you thought J-pop was just hanging out quietly in the background while K-pop ran wild—think again. In 2025, Japanese pop is making serious noise on Billboard, streaming charts, and international playlists. Thanks to anime openings going viral, idol groups reinventing themselves, and soloists with cinematic bops, J-pop is in a full-on global renaissance.
So whether you’re a J-pop newbie or someone who’s been spinning Hikaru Utada since the MiniDisc days—here are the top 11 J-pop songs ruling Billboard in 2025.
Spoiler: You’re gonna want these in your rotation.
1. YOASOBI – “Tsubame (Global Mix)”
Peak: #3 on Billboard Global 200 Excl. U.S.
The duo strikes again with this remix of their hit “Tsubame,” now featuring vocals in Japanese, English, and Indonesian. It was featured in an animated short that went viral on TikTok, and the melody is a serotonin boost.
Vibe: Lyrical, emotional, ultra-repeatable.
2. King & Prince – “Runaway Lights”
Peak: #1 on Billboard Japan Hot 100 | #8 Global Excl. U.S.
This high-energy anthem blends stadium rock with polished idol vocals. It became the theme song for a Spring 2025 TBS drama and gained massive traction with ARMY-style global fan streaming.
Vibe: Think One OK Rock meets boyband charisma.
3. Aimer – “Endless Blue” (Anime Opening for Chrono Vale)
Peak: #6 on Billboard Global 200
Aimer’s haunting voice, orchestral build-ups, and ethereal lyrics make this song a certified anime anthem. “Endless Blue” exploded on global charts the second Chrono Vale aired, cementing Aimer’s spot as anime royalty.
Vibe: Emotional + epic = goosebumps every time.
4. NewJeans JP – “Haruka” (Japanese Debut Track)
Peak: #5 on Billboard Japan | #11 Global
Okay, okay—technically they’re K-pop, but their Japanese-language debut was produced by Japanese creatives, filmed in Osaka, and embraced by J-pop radio. “Haruka” mixes retro synth with minimalist vocals and schoolgirl chic vibes.
Vibe: Vintage Japan pop meets Y2K runway soundtrack.
5. Official HIGE DANDism – “Compass”
Peak: #2 Billboard Japan | #12 Global
Higedan continues to prove that emotional storytelling and crisp production never go out of style. “Compass” was used in the 2025 NHK drama “Mirai no Hikari” and it’s an absolute tearjerker with hope woven in.
Vibe: Movie credits song that makes you cry in public.
6. BE:FIRST – “Glorious Pain”
Peak: #1 Billboard Japan Hot 100 | #13 Global
The boy group turned R&B-dance kings dropped this emotionally raw, choreography-heavy track in early March—and it hasn’t left the charts since. Lyrics about loving someone who’s bad for you? Yeah, it’s a hit.
Vibe: Late-night dancing while thinking about your ex.
7. Nogizaka46 – “Sakura Reset”
Peak: #4 Billboard Japan | #19 Global
The spring single that absolutely took over graduation season in Japan. Sweet vocals, gentle piano, and an MV that had half the fandom crying on Twitter. It was also trending on TikTok Japan for its nostalgic slow-mo dance challenge.
Vibe: Nostalgic. Sentimental. Iconic idol-core.
8. Aimyon – “Zero Hour Love”
Peak: #7 Billboard Japan | #25 Global
Japan’s queen of bittersweet indie-pop came back with a vengeance in 2025. “Zero Hour Love” is about missed connections and digital-age romance, and the MV (filmed entirely on VHS) gave it viral indie clout.
Vibe: Playlist for walking through Tokyo at midnight in your feelings.
9. Kenshi Yonezu – “Nebula”
Peak: #3 Billboard Japan | #16 Global
The mysterious hitmaker did it again—this time with a galactic-themed track tied to a Studio Ghibli-style animated film. “Nebula” blends folk, pop, and space-age electronica with Kenshi’s signature layered lyrics.
Vibe: Dreamy. Expansive. Stares-at-the-sky-core.
10. LiSA – “Awakening”
Peak: #9 Billboard Japan | #31 Global
Anime queen LiSA continues her comeback run with “Awakening,” a fiery rock anthem that channels early 2000s anime energy. It’s the opening theme for Steel Reign, a mecha-action anime with a global fanbase.
Vibe: Run up a hill in slow motion while your hair blows dramatically.
11. ZUTOMAYO – “Replica”
Peak: #11 Billboard Japan | #28 Global
Zutomayo brings their usual surreal, genre-bending energy to this hit that soundtracks a psychological thriller drama. The mix of jazz-pop, alt-rock, and glitchy synth made it a fave for film students and TikTok editors alike.
Vibe: Moody, mysterious, and strangely addictive.
TL;DR – J-POP IN 2025 IS HAVING A MOMENT
| Artist | Track | Global Appeal |
|---|---|---|
| YOASOBI | “Tsubame (Global Mix)” | Multilingual + Anime visual boost |
| King & Prince | “Runaway Lights” | Idol energy + drama synergy |
| Aimer | “Endless Blue” | Anime + Vocal Powerhouse |
| NewJeans JP | “Haruka” | K-pop crossover power |
| Higedan | “Compass” | Heartfelt & cinematic |
| BE:FIRST | “Glorious Pain” | Dance-pop meets heartbreak |
| Nogizaka46 | “Sakura Reset” | Idol nostalgia + TikTok trend |
| Aimyon | “Zero Hour Love” | Indie love anthem |
| Kenshi Yonezu | “Nebula” | Artistic & ethereal |
| LiSA | “Awakening” | Rock queen comeback |
| ZUTOMAYO | “Replica” | Avant-garde brilliance |