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.”

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.

coloring; color scheme; hues; decoration; embellishment; added flair (figurative)neguse.

Neguse - Irodori (Official Music Video)

Neguse, a rock band based in Nagoya.

This work they’ve woven is a love song brimming with happiness, in which the ordinary days with a lover shine like an amusement park.

Released in April 2021 as a track on their mini-album “Happy na Kurashi” (“Happy Life”), its straightforward expression of affection resonated with many listeners.

Later, a work said to sing about the end of the happy days depicted in this song also appeared, likely attracting many fans with its sense of storytelling.

It’s a heartwarming song that makes you realize that the unremarkable everyday is the most precious treasure.

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.

Planet of Love ‘You’Tomioka Ai

Ai Tomioka – Planet in Love “You” (Music Video)

This is a song by Ai Tomioka that lightheartedly sings about the floating feeling of love, as if the world revolves around the person you like.

Released in February 2024, the piece portrays single‑minded affection through an original perspective that likens the other person to a “planet,” their irresistible allure to “gravity,” and their elusive presence to a “UFO.” When you fall in love, that airy, floating sensation—like your feet aren’t on the ground—can make you worry that you’re the only one who’s lost it.

But perhaps that very strange feeling is the special signal that love has begun.