Ever wish you could take something back? Rising Japanese dance and vocal group STARGLOW taps into that exact feeling with their second single, “USOTSUKI,” released on March 31.
After their strong start in the music scene, the five-member group — comprised of RUI, TAIKI, KANON, GOICHI, and ADAM — continues to gain international attention, having been the only Japanese act featured in the NME 100 list for 2026. Following this global spotlight, their latest release leans into more introspective themes.
A bittersweet pop track, “USOTSUKI” pairs a bright, bouncing beat with the lingering regret of a love that cannot be undone. Written by SKY-HI and produced alongside ZEN, the song thrives on contrast. It layers a refreshing, upbeat soundscape with lyrics tracing the fallout of hurting someone you love, complete with modern details like notifications and screen-mediated distance. The repeated line asking to take it back lingers like a thought you cannot shake.
The accompanying music video expands this emotional core through the concept of the butterfly effect, where even the smallest choice can spiral into an entirely different future. Centered on ADAM — the only member to join through open auditions — the visual follows a chain of decisions that ultimately converge into the formation of STARGLOW.
Picking up from the final scene of their previous digital release, “Green Light,” ADAM peers into a butterfly-shaped opening in search of connection, revealing parallel worlds that slowly begin to collide. What unfolds is a striking, dark-pop visual building toward a performance under a star-filled sky where all five members finally come together.
“We have finally released our second single, ‘USOTSUKI,'” ADAM shared regarding the release.
“Despite its refreshing track, it is a pop love song with lyrics that capture the bittersweet emotions of heartbreak. It is a song that really fits the feeling of spring, and one I hope people will listen to right now,” he added.
‘Green Light’ and a strong debut
The new single release is packed with content, featuring three tracks: the title song, “USOTSUKI,” another new track, “Blast Off,” and “Green Light.”
Released as a digital single and cinematic music video on March 2, “Green Light” signals that it is go time for the group. Originally a standout evaluation track during “THE LAST PIECE,” the song is an unstoppable motivational anthem about charging forward with resolve, now amplified by each member’s sharpened skills and collective chemistry.
Choreographed by Harada Ryusei, the music video tells a tense story of the members being chased by an unseen threat, taking refuge in a run-down motel, and racing through anxiety toward an electrifying future.
These recent releases build on the momentum of the STARGLOW’s debut success. The group first made waves in September 2025 with their pre-debut single, “Moonchaser,” which debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100.
They officially stepped into the spotlight on January 21 with their debut single, “Star Wish.” Co-written by SKY-HI alongside two-time Grammy Award-nominated U.S. songwriter David Arkwright and solo artist Will Jay, the lead track captures a fleeting, all-or-nothing kind of love.
“Star Wish” topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Ranking and the Billboard Japan Top Singles Sales chart, cementing STARGLOW’s status as top-tier rookies.
Physical editions and what’s next for STARGLOW
For fans looking to collect, multiple physical editions of the new single were planned. These feature extensive video content, including music videos, behind-the-scenes footage, and the popular debut teaser series, “STARGLOW IS COMING.”
A BMSG MUSIC SHOP limited edition additionally compiles exclusive photo shooting behind-the-scenes footage, bringing the total video content to approximately 141 minutes.
Momentum continues to build as STARGLOW maintains a packed schedule of appearances. Following performances at The 42nd Mynavi Tokyo Girls Collection 2026 SPRING/SUMMER and ULTRA TEENS FES 2026, the group participated in a day-long series of appearances across Nippon Broadcasting radio programs on April 1. This was followed by a live-streamed release party on YouTube and their first-ever appearance on TV Asahi’s “Music Station DREAM LIVE Spring Special.”
The group recently kicked off their first nationwide fan meeting tour, STARGLOW 1st Fan Meeting – STAR CRUISE –, on April 10, spanning 17 cities across Japan.
Other major recent and upcoming performances include JAL SAPPORO MUSIC EXPERIENCE 2026 on April 18 and VIVA LA ROCK 2026 on May 3.
To mark the single’s release, fan campaigns were rolled out, including talk shows and greeting events in Tokyo and Osaka. Additional CD purchase campaigns offered exclusive experiences such as rehearsal viewings and official send-offs.
With a focus on performance quality and a natural charisma, STARGLOW reflects the musical standards BMSG has prioritized since its founding. With “USOTSUKI” and “Green Light,” they turn single moments into ripple effects, proving how fast everything can change — and how some things stay with you.
This article was written with the help of AI, based on press releases from AVEX and other sources, and was reviewed and edited by the Hallyu Dorama team.
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