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

blinkback number

back number – Mabataki (full)

An inspiring song by back number that deeply contemplates the essence of happiness.

Released in December 2017 as the theme song for the film “The 8-Year Engagement,” it became a major hit, reaching No.

5 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

The lyrics, which sing that true happiness lies in holding an umbrella for someone precious to you, gently warm the heart.

For lovers separated by distance or those who can’t meet easily, it may especially stir a strong desire to “protect the other person” and “be by their side,” don’t you think?

I can’t love anyone but you anymore.KinKi Kids

KinKi Kids “I Can’t Love Anyone But You - YouTube Original Live -”

A grand ballad by KinKi Kids that makes you want to convey your true feelings to the one you love.

Have you ever cherished someone so deeply that just being apart from them made you uneasy? Released in June 2000, this song was chosen as the opening theme for the drama “The City Where Angels Disappeared,” starring Koichi Domoto.

Listening to it will make you want to put the love hidden in your heart into words right now.

Why not share this earnest vow of love with someone special?

Love’s Melody and Rainy SkiesAAA

AAA / “Love Sound and Rainy Sky” Music Video

An emotional love ballad by AAA that overlays aching feelings with a rainy sky.

It delicately portrays the frustration of wanting to honestly say “I love you,” yet being unable to put it into words for fear of the outcome.

Released in September 2013, the song was also included on the original album Eighth Wonder and became a major hit, peaking at No.

3 on the Oricon weekly chart.

It’s the perfect track for those spending a rainy day alone in their room, their thoughts turning to someone special.

While feeling unsure at the start of love, it will resonate with everyone who wishes to cherish and nurture their feelings for that person.

CookingYUI

Cooking by YUI Acoustic Cover

A bittersweet love song that portrays a woman expressing her affection through cooking.

YUI’s warm voice and the heartwarming melody blend beautifully in this piece.

Featured on the album “HOW CRAZY YOUR LOVE,” released in November 2011, the song captures the excitement and happiness of early-stage romance through the story of a woman taking on the challenge of cooking, something she isn’t used to, for the person she loves.

Centered on acoustic guitar, the simple and gentle sound wraps everyday life in a tender sense of small happiness.

It’s a recommended track for when you want to deepen a relationship with someone special or convey your feelings through cooking.

Motherkariyushi 58

Kariyushi58 “Anma”

A heartwarming song whose title means “mother” in the Okinawan dialect.

Released in July 2006 as Kariyushi 58’s debut single, it was initially available only in Okinawa and later issued nationwide.

At the time of their debut, the band was facing the possibility of being dropped by their label after not achieving the results they’d hoped for, but this work straightforwardly sings of gratitude and regret toward one’s mother.

In December 2006, it won the Newcomer Award at the 39th Japan Cable Music Awards—an exceptional feat for an indie artist.

Set to a comfortable melody that blends warm Okinawan music with reggae and rock, it poignantly portrays the parent–child relationship from childhood to adulthood.

It may well make you think of your mother back home and fill you with nostalgia.

SHI≦MAIHIMAWARI channeru

[SHI≦MAI] MV Himawari Channel Original Song #13! I love her but she’s super annoying! We turned the sisters’ true feelings into a song. himawari-CH

This is a HIMAWARI Channel song that candidly portrays the bond between sisters with a catchy pop melody.

Released in February 2025, it depicts, from a down-to-earth perspective, how older sister Maachan and younger sister O-chan, despite their quarrels, are tied by deep affection.

The older sister is bewildered by her younger sister’s self-centered behavior, yet finds herself soothed by her brightness.

Meanwhile, the younger sister, though frustrated by her sister’s moodiness, genuinely enjoys the time they spend together.

It’s a recommended track not only for those with sisters, but also for anyone who wants to rediscover the importance of family.

For youDOUBLE

For you

A gem of a ballad by DOUBLE that gently envelops deep love for her sister and the sorrow of loss.

Included on the ballad best album “Ballad Collection Mellow,” released in April 2010, the song returns to the roots of DOUBLE’s activity as a sister duo.

Through imagery that shifts from rain to light, it expresses the resolve to face forward while accepting a farewell to a loved one.

It’s a song I’d recommend to anyone who resonates with the feelings for sisters or family, or who wants to etch memories of someone dear into their heart.