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

La La LaDaikoku Maki

La La La

A ballad with delicate portrayals of a woman’s emotions that truly tugs at the heart.

It gently embraces feelings everyone experiences—such as the gap between ideal and reality in love, anxiety about the passage of time, and thoughts of family—making it one of Maki Ohguro’s signature songs.

The bittersweet feelings toward a lover are expressed over a pleasant melody.

Released in February 1995 as Maki Ohguro’s 10th single, it topped the Oricon charts.

It was also used as the theme song for the drama “Aji Ichimonme,” selling 1.34 million copies.

Highly recommended for moments when you want to reflect on the fickleness of love and life.

First LoveUtada Hikaru

Hikaru Utada – First Love

A romantic ballad by Hikaru Utada that carries tender, bittersweet feelings of love and the pure pain of parting on gentle vocals and a beautiful piano melody.

Released to the world in 1999 as the theme song for the drama “Majo no Jōken” starring Nanako Matsushima and Hideaki Takizawa, the song was included on the album “First Love” and achieved an astonishing sales figure of over eight million copies.

The young Utada’s portrait of a first breakup and the lingering emotions that follow continues to move many hearts as a universal feeling everyone experiences.

Recommended for those who have known fateful meetings and farewells, or who wish to reminisce about their first love.

I’m glad I met you.Koizumi Kyoko

Kyoko Koizumi – I'm Glad I Met You (Official Video)

A gem of a ballad woven with sweet, bittersweet feelings.

After parting from a loved one, the deep sense of gratitude that only time can bring wells up in your heart.

Released in May 1991, this work features lyrics written by Kyoko Koizumi herself.

Unspoken feelings and gratitude for having someone by your side are expressed atop a beautiful melody.

It became a hot topic as the theme song for the drama “Papa to Natchan,” spending five consecutive weeks at No.

1 on the Oricon chart.

With an astonishing shipment of 1.58 million copies, it became her biggest hit.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to if you’ve experienced a farewell with someone precious or when you want to give thanks for a meaningful encounter.

snow moonYamada Ryosuke

Ryosuke Yamada – “snow moon” [Official Music Video]

A winter mid-tempo ballad that captivatingly conveys a sweet yet bittersweet love story woven into a snowy landscape, expressed through a delicate singing voice.

Set for release in February 2025, this track will also be included on the album “RED.” With vivid, wintry imagery, it delivers sincere affection for a cherished person, carried by a clear and beautiful vocal.

It’s a wonderful song that gently keeps you company on winter nights when you’re thinking of someone you love or during quiet moments spent reminiscing about precious memories.

Sakura RabbitKawasaki Takaya

Takanori Kawasaki - Sakura Usagi [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

A heartwarming ballad that portrays the bittersweetness of unrequited love during graduation season.

The timid protagonist, unable to express their feelings honestly, is likened to a “rabbit,” and the song gently sings of their immature feelings for someone they’ve loved for three years as cherry blossoms drift in the air.

Takaya Kawasaki’s clear, transparent vocals and delicate emotional expression leave a strong impression.

Released as a digital single in January 2021, the song is also included on the album “Nukumori.” In the music video, two leads selected through a LINE audition perform graduation scenes, further enhancing the song’s worldview.

It’s a perfect track for those who can’t bring themselves to share their heartfelt feelings, as well as students approaching graduation.

The song has resonated widely on social media and is cherished as a companion piece for the season of spring farewells.