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

O youdoba shishō

You / Doba-shishō: OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

Released in February 2025, this work is a gem of a love song whose gentle, familiar melody and straightforward, heartfelt lyrics resonate deeply.

Wrapped in warm tones, the chorus adds a sweeping string arrangement that heightens the sense of emotion.

The vocals overflow with pure affection for the other person, and the tender worldview that cherishes everyday, ordinary moments will speak not only to those in love, but to anyone nurturing warm feelings for someone important.

string telephonenatori

natori – Thread That Connects Us

This is a gently and delicately rendered story about a closed-off protagonist who begins to change after meeting the person they love.

It beautifully portrays a sincere form of love in which two people accept each other—including past wounds, secrets, and differences in perspective—within a cherished relationship.

Released digitally in September 2024, it has drawn attention as the theme song for the film “Arrogance and Goodness,” based on the novel of the same name by Mizuki Tsujimura.

It offers a different charm from Natori’s signature track “Overdose,” suggesting a new frontier for the artist.

For those who want to embrace everything about the other person without losing their own identity, this is a song that will resonate deeply with the delicate tremors of the heart.

More than friends, less than loversmatsumura kanau

More Than Friends, Less Than Lovers – Kanau Matsumura [Official Music Video]

A song that delicately portrays the inner conflict between the desire to grow closer and the anxiety that keeps you from taking that first step.

The frustration of romantic feelings sprouting from a close friendship, and the pain of being unable to confess those feelings, are fully conveyed through Kanau Matsumura’s clear, translucent vocals.

Released in July 2022, the track sparked a major response on social media and has surpassed 5 million views on YouTube.

It has drawn attention as a song that deeply resonates with those struggling in a mutual but hesitant relationship, where both feel the same yet can’t move forward.

Becoming lovers can mean losing something precious; that’s why some choose to keep things as they are.

This song is recommended for anyone who relates to such complex emotions.

Say goodbye to the love I clung to.matsuri

Say goodbye to clinging love. / Matsuri (Good bye, toxic love) [Official Music Video]

This is a song by Matsuri that delicately portrays the feelings of a woman breaking free from a past dependence on love and trying to take a new step forward.

Released digitally in June 2022, it features striking lyrics about the struggle between telling herself she’s forgotten her former partner and the bittersweet memories that occasionally resurface.

The track gained popularity on TikTok and resonated with younger listeners, and a music video starring Yuu Miyazaki was also produced.

It’s a warm breakup song that offers comfort to those trying to face forward despite heartache and to those who still feel lingering attachment to past love.

My dearest personMatsuri, Takumi

One I Loved / Matsuri, Takumi [Official Music Video]

A beautiful collaborative piece by Matsuri and Takumi that sings of poignant scenes and an unattainable love.

Accompanied by skillful piano melodies, it’s a pure love story-song that wistfully asks, “If only I could go back to the past,” and longs for a love that has been lost.

That day you met, the kindness you shared, the tears you shed—precious memories are depicted in a way that tightens the chest and sinks deeply into the listener’s heart.

Released in November 2023, this work offers solace to those whose relationship with someone they loved has ended and who still can’t make sense of their feelings.

It’s a song you’ll want to keep close for quiet nights alone, when you’re ready to face the pain of love.