It’s a bit bleak over here, ladies and gentlemen. Over the years there have been many times where I’ve been more enamored with the quality of J-pop’s output than K-pop, but 2025 is not one of those years. In fact, there are fewer highlights than I can ever remember at this time of the year — so little that I had to forgo listing “top albums” completely. Of the songs listed below, there are maybe two that I could see conceivably reaching my year-end top ten. In other words, the industry has a lot of catching up to do!

What were your top singles and albums during the first half of 2025?

TOP SINGLES Ado x Jax Jones – Stay Gold

A meeting of J-pop’s leading voice and a celebrated global DJ, Stay Gold pulls the best from both artists.

Fujii Kaze – Hachiko

Though I’m not as enamored as I was on the first few listens, this groovy, shimmering highlight reinvents Kaze’s music with a satisfying pop sheen. (full review)

Genic – It’s Showtime

A real showstopping burst of thrilling energy delivered by one of Japan’s most reliable co-ed groups. The dynamic vocal performance alone is worth celebrating. (full review)

Kep1er – Yum

A bit fractured in its execution, but when Yum hits it hits hard. Its explosive chorus is such a moment. (full review)

Kis-My-Ft2 – Glory Days

My J-pop favorites finally returned with a song I can fully get behind. This style of anthemic rock fits them like a glove and recalls the many past glories in their discography. (full review)

TWS – Hajimemashite (Nice To See You Again)

I don’t know what the producers put in these melodies to make them so sticky, but like most TWS singles this adheres to your brain for the long run. (full review)

Wild Blue – POP

An effervescent blast of funky pop that suits Wild Blue’s youthful energy so well. There are many songs of this style in both J-pop and K-pop, but this one just works so well.

&TEAM – Deer Hunter

A slinky, sexy sound that became more addictive with each listen. It’s not the style I immediately imagine when thinking of &TEAM, but they pull it off flawlessly. (full review)

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