2025 has been an insane year for J-Pop. Like, the kind of year where anime opening themes and idol group bangers are climbing the Billboard Global 200, rubbing elbows with Drake and Dua Lipa.
J-Pop has officially gone worldwide, and if you’re not plugged in yet — this list will fix that real quick. Whether it’s Gen Z idols, jaw-dropping ballads, or viral dance tracks blowing up on TikTok, here are the Top 5 J-Pop Songs that crushed the Billboard charts in 2025 so far.
1. YOASOBI – “Yoru no Fune (夜の船)”
Billboard Global 200 Peak: #14
Released: March 2025
YOASOBI just keeps doing what only YOASOBI can do: turn short stories into sonic masterpieces. “Yoru no Fune” (“Night Boat”) is haunting, cinematic, and layered with that signature Ayase production and Ikura’s dreamy vocals.
The song went viral on TikTok thanks to the animated visual teaser that looked like Studio Ghibli meets cyberpunk.
Vibe: Sailing through your feelings at 2AM.
2. Aimer – “Kage no Waltz (影のワルツ)
Billboard Global 200 Peak: #21
Released: February 2025
Aimer is back with another ethereal ballad that literally stopped time. Used as the ending theme for the winter anime “Fushigi no Hana”, “Kage no Waltz” blends a classical waltz rhythm with sweeping strings and Aimer’s soul-piercing voice.
This song hit the charts purely through streaming love and fan tears.
Vibe: Twirling alone in a snow-covered ballroom after reading a tragic love letter.
3. King & Prince – “SCANDAL NIGHT”
Billboard Japan Hot 100: #1 | Billboard Global 200: #35
Released: April 2025
These guys dropped a total curveball with “SCANDAL NIGHT” — a sleek, synth-heavy dance track that’s basically Japan’s answer to The Weeknd. Fans are calling it their most mature, cinematic concept yet, complete with noir-style visuals and that iconic rooftop dance break.
It charted globally after a performance video hit 20M views in 48 hours.
Vibe: Tokyo at midnight, neon lights, betrayal, and high fashion.
4. Ado – “Karakuri Doll (からくりドール)”
Billboard Global 200 Peak: #40
Released: May 2025
The queen of unpredictable vocals and theatrical madness, Ado delivered again with this chaotic, kabuki-inspired pop-rock song. The MV features puppet imagery, traditional Japanese dance, and mask symbolism — and of course, her signature powerful shrieks.
It absolutely blew up on TikTok in Japan and Korea, with fans trying (and mostly failing) to copy the chorus dance.
Vibe: Spirited Away meets Evanescence.
5. LiSA – “Blaze of Sakura”
Billboard Global 200 Peak: #43
Released: January 2025
Used as the opening theme for the Demon Slayer: Crimson Blades arc (yes, another one), “Blaze of Sakura” is classic LiSA — emotional power vocals, rock energy, and lyrics that could fuel your next battle against inner demons.
Fans globally waited months for this drop, and it didn’t disappoint.
Vibe: Training montage energy with cherry blossom explosions.
Honorable Mentions:
- MAISONdes ft. Hoshimachi Suisei – “Virtual Love” (anime opening + VTuber power combo!)
- INI – “TRIGGER CODE” (their strongest single yet, dominating Japanese radio)
- Utada Hikaru – “Silhouette” (lowkey release but peaked at #48 globally!)
- YOASOBI – “Umi e” (yes, another banger)
- BE:FIRST – “Rush Hour: Neo Tokyo” (hyperpop-infused madness)
Why J-Pop Is THRIVING in 2025
- Anime collabs = automatic global traction
- Japanese TikTok culture is exporting aesthetics and music faster than ever
- Artists are embracing bolder visuals, genre fusion, and English hooks
- Streaming services are finally pushing J-Pop to international playlists
Whether you’ve been vibing to Japanese tunes for years or just starting out, 2025 is the year where J-Pop hits feel global — not niche.