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

I want you to kiss me.THE BLUE HEARTS

[Official] THE BLUE HEARTS 'Kiss Shite Hoshii (Toot Toot Toot)' [2nd Single (1987/11/21)] THE BLUE HEARTS / Kiss Shite Hoshii

Released in 1987 as THE BLUE HEARTS’ third single.

The song was released simultaneously with their second album, “YOUNG AND PRETTY,” and was used in a Renown “I.N.EXPRESS” commercial.

It was also featured in a 2009 commercial for Kao Attack NEO, among many other ads over the years, making it a classic that has been used in commercials for a long time.

forever; for good; indefinitelyBEGIN

BEGIN / Forever

A heartwarming song about building a future together with someone special.

The gentle tones of the sanshin and Eisho Higa’s expressive vocals draw you into a relaxed mood.

Even if you can’t choose where you were born and raised, anywhere becomes a “hometown” as long as you’re with the one you love.

That hopeful feeling is easy to imagine even without reading the lyrics.

Released in February 2004 as one of the tracks on a double A-side single, it also became well known as the commercial song for Marukin Chuyu’s “Ryukyu Moromi Vinegar.” Even those who usually feel too shy to express their feelings will want to say, “Every day I spend with you is a treasure,” after listening to this piece.

It’s a classic we hope couples starting a new life together will hear.

bouquetback number

back number – Bouquet (full)

This is a gem of a love song where unpretentious conversations between lovers convey a clumsy yet profound affection.

It portrays a vague anxiety about the future alongside a straightforward desire to stay together, and listening to it warms the heart.

Released in June 2011 as back number’s second single, the track is also included on the acclaimed album “SUPER STAR.” Many will recognize it as the ending theme for TBS’s COUNT DOWN TV.

The fact that it received over 50 power plays on radio stations nationwide at the time speaks to how much attention it garnered.

This work, which makes you feel the preciousness of everyday life with someone important, continues to be cherished as a classic wedding song.

Is that okay?RADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – Is It Okay? [Official Music Video]

This is a RADWIMPS song that sings of such straightforward love that it overflows with feelings for someone you adore, to the point of bewilderment.

The track is included on the classic album “RADWIMPS 4: Okazu no Gohan,” released in December 2006.

Its popularity has remained strong; in December 2016, ten years later, the music video was re-shot together with fans.

It conveys sincere affection with a touch of humor.

Many listeners may have found courage in the lyrics, which suggest that repeatedly expressing daily gratitude and apologies deepens a couple’s bond.

Give it a listen when you want to savor the excitement of a budding romance or when you want to reaffirm your honest feelings for someone important to you.

FlowerORANGE RANGE

Hana – ORANGE RANGE (Full)

It was released in 2004 as ORANGE RANGE’s eighth single.

The song was chosen as the theme for the film Be with You, starring Yuko Takeuchi and Shido Nakamura.

It debuted at No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and became ORANGE RANGE’s first million-selling single.

It also enjoys immense popularity in karaoke.

Wherever you areONE OK ROCK

Wherever you are

It’s also well known as a classic wedding song! This is a grand love ballad from ONE OK ROCK, the rock band active on the world stage.

In straightforward words, it expresses a firm resolve to keep the other person smiling no matter where they are and a wish to walk into the future together.

Taka’s overwhelming vocal power adds a dramatic touch to that pure expression of love.

The track is included on their fourth album, Niche Syndrome, released in June 2010.

Chosen for an NTT Docomo commercial, it became widely familiar to the general public.

It’s an emotional number perfect for conveying unchanging feelings to someone special or for listening to on an anniversary.

Banzai ~I’m glad I love you~Urufuruzu

Ulfuls – Banzai ~I'm Glad I Fell in Love~

It was released in 1996 as Ulfuls’ tenth single.

The song was cut as a single from the album “Banzai,” and was later used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Victory Goddess.” It sold over 500,000 copies and won the Excellence Award at the 38th Japan Record Awards.