Mutual love, unrequited love, familial love... classic songs that sing about affection

wishDōji-T

Douji-T – Wish feat. YU-A (Foxxi misQ)

It’s a song about a long-distance relationship that ended, but still cherishing your ex-girlfriend or ex-boyfriend.

I think it’s wonderful to be able to wish happiness for someone even after breaking up, and it’s one of my favorite songs.

More than a love that says “I’m in love,” it conveys so strongly a love that says “You’re precious.”

mysteryHoshino Gen

Gen Hoshino – Fushigi (Official Video)

This piece was written as the theme song for the 2021 TV drama “Dress-up Love Has Its Reasons.” In it, Gen Hoshino sings candidly about what love and romance mean to him.

It delicately portrays the pure feeling of love—the mysterious sense of being drawn to each other for no reason, and how even difficult circumstances can look full of hope when the two are together.

The melody, imbued with the tenderness and bittersweetness of soul music, along with his gentle vocals, warmly envelops the listener’s heart.

When you feel anxious about taking a new step forward, this song will surely give you a gentle push.

About loveSuga Shikao

Shikao Suga / About Love

This is a song by Suga Shikao that makes you ponder, “What is love?” On a cold day with a biting winter wind, you can picture quietly reexamining the shape of love with someone irreplaceable.

What’s sung here isn’t a sugary romance, but a tender yet aching, genuine love—the wish to protect the other person amid the harshness of reality.

Suga Shikao’s distinctive husky voice conveys those deep emotions with striking authenticity.

Released in November 1997 as his fourth single and included on the acclaimed album “FAMILY,” the song was also used as the ending theme for NHK’s music program “POP JAM.” It’s a track you’ll want to soak in on a quiet night while thinking of someone dear.

Orihime and BABY feat. Shio Leilaneguse.

Bedhead: 'Orihime and BABY feat. Reira Shio' Official Music Video

This is the band’s first featuring track, chosen as the ending theme for TV Asahi’s “What’s So Wrong with Being Calculating?” Featuring singer-songwriter Reira Ushio as a guest, the song will be released in June 2025.

Inspired by the Tanabata legend, it’s a sweet and bittersweet number that sings of the frustration of two people who can’t meet and their wish to “live together someday.” Its R&B-tinged mellow sound feels incredibly comfortable—perfect for couples in a long-distance relationship.

First lovematsumura kanau

First Love – Kanau Matsumura [Official Music Video]

This is a song by Kanau Matsumura that’s packed with the sweet-and-sour feelings and frustrations of thinking about someone you like—the full spectrum of first love.

Released in June 2025, it’s a track that could be called the essence of his artistry.

The growing feelings for someone you can only meet in your dreams, the bittersweet longing that makes you take the long way home—listeners may find these emotions overlap with their own experiences.

When you like someone but can’t see them, even small things can make you anxious.

This gentle voice might softly stay by the side of that wavering heart.

By your side.riria.

riria. / By Your Side [Music Video]

Many people have probably fallen for someone who’s popular and kind to everyone, and felt restless with jealousy.

Riria’s new work portrays the sweet yet bittersweet longing of wishing that person would look only at you.

You might even see yourself in the protagonist, who wants to have them all to herself but can’t be honest about it.

The song was included on the May 2022 EP “Kiroku” (“Record”) and served as an insert track in a romantic reality show, quietly watching over the twists and turns of love.

If you’re struggling to confess your feelings to someone you like, why not let this song give you a gentle push?

Always, the two of usieiri reo

Leo Ieiri 'Always, the Two of Us' (Full Ver.)

I want to embrace everything about my lover—their strengths and their vulnerabilities.

This song, expressed through Leo Ieiri’s clear, pure vocals, captures that deep affection.

Released as a single in July 2017 and also included on the album “TIME,” it served as the theme song for the drama “Even If I Loved You, I Have a Secret,” resonating with the stories of lovers carrying hidden truths.

Perhaps this song speaks on behalf of those couples, conveying the happiness of simply being together and the desire to overcome even hardships side by side.