Gentle love songs by Japanese bands: recommended classics and popular tracks

short-distance relationshipGO!GO!7188

GO!GO!7188 / Short-distance Love

So nostalgic.

I used to listen to this song a lot back in the day.

Even though long-distance relationships are hard, this song is about the opposite.

Back then, texting on cell phones was really popular.

It’s a song that makes you think, “Yeah, I get it,” like how there’s no point in sending messages if you’re not going to get a reply.

prayTommy heavenly6

Tommy heavenly6 – pray

This person is incredibly cool, right? They’re so cool that it makes you wonder if it’s even a love song.

It’s an amazingly cool track.

Speaking of women in bands, wouldn’t this be “Tommy heavenly6”? You can see a further evolved Tommy heavenly6 compared to the previous band.

Love SongGO!GO!7188

Koi no Uta / GO!GO!7188

It’s a cute song about a serious woman’s unrequited love.

When I listen to this song, it reminds me of my student days.

I remember thinking about things like this.

I didn’t have the courage, nor could I take action—those faint, faint memories of the past come back.

I think it’s a great song for both men and women.

TearsX JAPAN

X Japan – Tears (single)

Released in 1993 as X JAPAN’s ninth single.

The song is based on “Tears ~Daichi wo Nurashite~,” which YOSHIKI wrote in 1992 as the theme for the 43rd NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

YOSHIKI, who wrote the lyrics and music, has said he composed it in memory of his late father.

It became X JAPAN’s biggest hit and was used as the theme song for the TBS drama “Nikusimi ni Hohoende” (Smiling at Hatred).

cherrysupittsu

Spitz / Cherry

It was released in 1996 as Spitz’s 13th single.

The lyrics evoke the image of steadily walking forward with both feet on the ground, symbolizing a new departure.

Despite having no tie-in, it reached number one in its fourth week after release and became a million seller.

It has become one of Spitz’s signature songs.