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

bouquetback number

back number – Bouquet (Short ver.)

What songs come to mind when you think of ones that sing about love? “Love Story,” “Christmas Song”…

all of them are by back number.

This track, “Hanataba,” isn’t straightforward lyrically; it’s more like a confession song from a slightly unreliable guy.

But that hesitant, conversational tone is brimming with affection.

It’s like, “I like you, I won’t cheat, so how about we try going out just once…?” Put into words, it doesn’t sound like much, but paired with the exquisite sound, it really reaches your heart.

It’s a song I hope you’ll listen to while savoring the meaning of the title “Hanataba” (Bouquet).

I love youNakajima Mika

Mika Nakashima “Aishiteru (I Love You)” MUSIC VIDEO Shorts ver.

A beautifully heartbreaking ballad that straightforwardly embraces the universal theme of love.

It is known as the sixth single released in January 2003 by Mika Nakashima, a singer with overwhelming expressive power.

At the time of its release, the song was chosen as the main theme for her first nationwide tour, gently stirring the hearts of the many fans who gathered at the venues.

Her clear, expansive vocals paint the lyrical world—where certainty and wavering toward the other intersect—in a way that is both aching and dramatic.

Why not quietly lend an ear to this gem of a love-filled standard number?

If you were here and I could hold youmiwa

miwa 'If You Were Here So I Could Hold You'

How many times have I witnessed that scene—her strumming a big guitar and singing with such joy—and how many times has she encouraged me like that? I always wonder where miwa, who looks so petite, packs all that immense energy.

The title of this song, “If You’re Here and I Can Hold You,” says it all and is lovely.

The lyrics that say you don’t need anything else—as long as you’re here—are straightforward and refreshing.

A recommended track that writes that love isn’t a thing, but an existence itself.

It was also chosen as the theme song for TBS’s moving medical drama “Kounodori.”

threadNakajima Miyuki

Thread – Miyuki Nakajima (Full)

Miyuki Nakajima’s 35th single.

It was released as a double A-side with Another Name for Life, and in the end this song, Ito, garnered the greater attention.

Since it was released in 1998, you could say it’s a song that has been loved for a long time.

Fabric is woven by interlacing warp and weft threads, and the lyrics express a wish for those fine threads to be you and me.

That delicate, poetic metaphor resonated with many people.

It goes on to say, “And if that fabric could come to help someone…” extending into a broad, unconditional love.

It’s a highly recommended track that even conveys something of the way of life of singer-songwriter Miyuki Nakajima.

Baby, I love youTEE

TEE – Baby, I Love You

A signature love ballad by TEE, whose lyrics convey love straightforwardly, albeit clumsily, and resonate deeply.

Released as a single in October 2010, it was also beloved as the ending theme for TBS’s COUNT DOWN TV.

Its heartfelt plea of “I just want you by my side” and its warm message that makes you feel the happiness of everyday life are enough to make your heart swell just by listening.

It later drew attention when covered by Che’Nelle, and it has continued to be cherished as a classic song often played at weddings and proposals.

I think it’s a masterpiece that’s perfect for moments when you want to express gratitude you can’t usually put into words to your precious partner, or to celebrate an irreplaceable encounter.

This work is filled with the pure feelings of a clumsy man—be sure to listen to it together with someone special.

It’s okayRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – It's All Right [Official Music Video]

The smash-hit animated film Weathering With You.

RADWIMPS handled all of the main and insert songs.

Their track “Daijoubu” (It’s All Right) also plays in the film and serves an important role.

The word in the title, “daijoubu,” is like a magic phrase—so many people use it in so many different situations.

It’s a song filled tightly with kindness, a great love song that feels just right to anyone who hears it.

It’s a song for when you want to say “I love you,” or to give to someone close to you whom you’re worried about.

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May it be filled with kindnessJUJU

JUJU 'So That It Overflows with Kindness'

A rock ballad produced by Seiji Kameda, JUJU’s “Yasashisa de Afureru You ni.” It’s a timeless masterpiece that has been covered by many artists and continues to be sung.

As the title suggests, the lyrics convey warmth and a touch of sadness.

Shinkō Ogura, who wrote the lyrics, originally composed them with thoughts of his late beloved dog, and then arranged them so they would reach many people.

Please give this song, wrapped in love and kindness, a listen.

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