EIGHT-JAM Reveals 2025’s Top Songs: Dive into Japanese Music Culture

If you’ve ever wanted a front-row seat to Japan’s vibrant music scene, you’re in for a treat. On January 18, 2026, the popular TV show EIGHT-JAM (Eito Jamu), hosted by the iconic idol group SUPER EIGHT (Sūpā Eito), airs the second part of its annual special, “Pros’ Picks: My Best 10 of the Year.” This isn’t just a countdown—it’s a window into the sounds, stories, and artists shaping modern Japanese culture. Let’s explore what makes this broadcast so special and how you can learn authentic Japanese while tuning in.

The Big Reveal: Top 4 to No. 1

Tonight’s episode of EIGHT-JAM (Eito Jamu) on TV Asahi, running from 11:15 PM to 12:10 AM, will unveil the top four spots of the “Pros’ Picks: My Best 10 of 2025” list. After last week’s tease of ranks 10 through 5, the anticipation is electric as the top picks are finally announced. The show features three music industry heavyweights として (toshite - as) selectors: いしわたり淳治 (Ishiwatari Junji), a renowned lyricist; 蔦谷好位置 (Tsutaya Kōichi), a celebrated composer; and 川谷絵音 (Kawatani Enon), a versatile musician. They’re joined by guests like comedian 山崎弘也 (Yamazaki Hiroya) and TV personality ホラン千秋 (Horan Chiaki), who add humor and insight to the mix.

The previews promise some unforgettable choices. いしわたり calls a love song “the coolest of 2025,” 蔦谷 can’t stop raving about an “extraordinary band’s masterpiece,” and 川谷 confesses a track’s 中毒性 (chūdokusei - addictiveness) has him hooked. Will their No. 1 picks align? You’ll have to watch to find out. Last week already highlighted gems like Mrs. GREEN APPLE’s cover of RADWIMPS’ 狭心症 (Kyōshinsyō - “Angina”), dubbed by 蔦谷 as the “most shocking music of 2025,” alongside quirky tracks like noRa’s せっせっせーのよいよいよい (Sesse Sse no Yoi Yoi Yoi).

Who Are SUPER EIGHT?

If you’re new to Japanese pop culture, you might wonder who’s behind this lively 放送 (hōsō - broadcast). SUPER EIGHT (Sūpā Eito) isn’t just a host group—they’re a cultural force. Originally formed in 2002 as 関ジャニ∞ (Kanjani Eito), they debuted in 2004 with 浪花いろは節 (Naniwa Iroha Bushi). Despite lineup changes with members like 渋谷すばる (Shibuya Subaru) and 錦戸亮 (Nishikido Ryō) leaving (脱退 - dattai - withdrawal) in 2018 and 2019, the current five—横山裕 (Yokoyama Yū), 村上信五 (Murakami Shingo), 丸山隆平 (Maruyama Ryūhei), 安田章大 (Yasuda Shōta), and 大倉忠義 (Ōkura Tadayoshi)—rebranded as SUPER EIGHT in 2024. Known for their Kansai charm, they’ve headlined dome tours and debuted at NHK紅白歌合戦 (NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen - NHK Red and White Song Battle) in 2012.

Cultural Context: Music and Idol Power in Japan

To grasp why this 恒例 (kōrei - annual) special on EIGHT-JAM (Eito Jamu) matters, let’s dive into Japan’s music and idol culture. Music shows are a beloved part of Japanese TV, blending entertainment with discovery. Fans don’t just watch performances—they learn about trending 名曲 (meikyoku - masterpieces) through expert commentary. SUPER EIGHT, hailing from the 関西 (Kansai) region, brings a warm, down-to-earth vibe to their hosting, reflecting Kansai’s lively spirit.

The “Pros’ Picks” 企画 (kikaku - feature) also showcases Japan’s respect for 専門家 (senmonka - experts). Unlike fan polls, these rankings come from industry insiders like the show’s 選者 (sensha - selectors), offering a curated look at “quality” music. From mainstream hits to underground tracks like computer fight’s GENJITSU IS DEAD (Genjitsu Izu Deddo - “Reality Is Dead”), this diversity mirrors Japan’s eclectic music scene—a perfect learning ground for understanding cultural nuances.

Learn Japanese from This Article

Ready to pick up some authentic Japanese from this music extravaganza? Here’s a breakdown of key vocabulary, grammar, and expressions you’ll hear around shows like EIGHT-JAM (Eito Jamu).

Key Vocabulary

Grammar Spotlight: 〜に登場する and 〜として

Let’s focus on two useful patterns that pop up when talking about media and roles, just like in discussions of EIGHT-JAM (Eito Jamu).

• 〜に登場する (ni tōjō suru

  • to appear in, to be featured in) This pattern describes someone or something appearing in a show, movie, or event. Structure: [Person/Thing] + に + 登場する Examples:
  • 川谷絵音がEIGHT-JAMに登場する。 (Kawatani Enon ga Eito Jamu ni tōjō suru.
    • Kawatani Enon appears on EIGHT-JAM.)
  • 新しいアーティストが番組に登場する。 (Atarashii ātisuto ga bangumi ni tōjō suru.
    • A new artist appears on the program.) Use this when highlighting who or what is featured in media—it’s a natural way to discuss TV shows or events in Japanese.

• 〜として (toshite

  • as, in the role of) This pattern indicates someone’s role or capacity in a situation. Structure: [Person/Thing] + として Examples:
  • 蔦谷好位置が選者として参加する。 (Tsutaya Kōichi ga sensha toshite sanka suru.
    • Tsutaya Kōichi participates as a selector.)
  • 彼は司会者として番組に登場する。 (Kare wa shikaisha toshite bangumi ni tōjō suru.
    • He appears on the show as a host.) You’ll hear this often in formal or professional contexts to clarify someone’s position or role.

Useful Expression

Here’s a bonus phrase you might hear in music discussions: ハマる (hamaru - to be hooked on, to get into) Example: この曲にハマった！ (Kono kyoku ni hamatta! - I’m hooked on this song!) Use it to express enthusiasm for something addictive, like 川谷 did with a track’s 中毒性 (chūdokusei - addictiveness).

Continue Learning

Want to build on what you’ve learned here? Check out these lessons to deepen your Japanese skills:

• Ni, De, and E: Mapping Directions and Locations: Ready to dive deeper? Our lesson on Ni, De, and E: Mapping Directions and Locations will help you master these concepts.
• Wa vs. Ga: Emphasizing Importance in Sentences: Want to learn more about は? Check out our lesson on Wa vs. Ga: Emphasizing Importance in Sentences.
• The Unique Sounds of Japanese: Retraining English Ears: Curious about the Japanese used here? Our The Unique Sounds of Japanese: Retraining English Ears lesson covers this in depth.

これからもよろしくお願いします。 Kore kara mo yoroshiku onegaishimasu.