If you're a K-pop fan, you're probably familiar with Japanese comebacks.
If you aren't familiar, Japanese comebacks are a very common practice among K-pop groups! Every once in a while, a group will make a song, music video, and even sometimes an entire album all in Japanese. Sometimes, these comebacks are overlooked by fans because they aren't as widely promoted as the groups' regular Korean comebacks. So, that's what I'm here for.
1. "Blah Blah Blah" by ITZY
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Favorite lyrics: "I will never be deceived / Believing in my beating heart"
Although this list is in no specific order, I did have to put this song first because it is the most recent and has been stuck in my head since the first time I heard it! If you like this one, be sure to also check out "Voltage," another amazing Japanese comeback by ITZY.
2. "Don't Leave Me" by BTS
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Favorite lyrics: "No matter what, rain falls / No matter what, darkness erases / I'll definitely save you, you are not alone"
Once again (and even in Japanese), BTS is proving that they're the kings of lyricism. This is such a beautiful song, so be sure to look up the translations!
3. "Hula Hoop" by LOONA
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Favorite lyrics: "I don't want perfection, give me possibilities / (Feels so right!) You and I, yeah!"
This song was the girl group's very first Japanese single, and they completely knocked it out of the park with this one. This might be my favorite Loona song to date! If you're ever feeling down, this song will immediately put you in a better mood guaranteed.
4. "Happy Ending" by SEVENTEEN
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Favorite lyrics: "This is a story of saving you / But you know? At the end, you will be saving me"
It was extremely hard to narrow down which Japanese comeback of Seventeen's to include in this list because there are just so many great ones! If you like this one, be sure to check out "CALL CALL CALL!" and "Power of Love."
5. "Doughnut" by TWICE
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Favorite lyrics: "I've wondered into a love loop / No beginning or end"
With the holidays approaching, this is the perfect Japanese comeback to get you in the mood and from no other than the queens Twice! The Doughnut EP also includes the Japanese track "Wonderful Day" that you don't want to miss.
6. "Circus" by Stray Kids
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Favorite lyrics: "Everything is so captivating / Like being trapped in your own mind"
This is Stray Kids' second Japanese comeback, and they did not disappoint. From the visuals to the catchy chorus, they definitely had me captivated!
7. "gimme gimme" by NCT 127
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Favorite lyrics: "Falling for the ecstasy of your mercy / I can't turn you down"
This track off the Loveholic EP is one of my favorites from NCT 127. Their vocals really get to shine throughout the song, and the bridge breakdowns and dance breaks from this group never disappoint!
8. "Wildside" by Red Velvet
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Favorite lyrics: "Goodbye, I'm not my old self / Take a look at my wild side"
This track from the girl group's highly anticipated first Japanese full length album Bloom was absolutely worth the wait. If you like this one, be sure to also check out "#Cookie Jar" and "Snap Snap" from the album!
9. "Pinky Swear" by CIX
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Favorite lyrics: "The distance that kept us apart, I forgot about it I’m fallin’"
From the group's first Japanese album of the same name, "Pinky Swear" stood out to me because it is such a pure form of a feel-good song! Another track to give a listen to from this album is "Labyrinth."
10. "Electric Kiss" by EXO
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Favorite lyrics: "Your body is here / But your heart isn‘t / Come on tell me where you at"
Lastly, being completely honest, I think this song might be my personal favorite Japanese track from a K-pop group ever! It's no secret that EXO makes amazing music, but I will never forget the first time I heard this song. Something about D.O.'s part (1:19 in the attached video) in the chorus itches my brain just right.