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

Christmas songback number

back number – “Christmas Song” Music Video

It was released in 2015 as back number’s 14th single.

The song was used as the theme for Fuji TV’s Monday 9 p.m.

drama “5→9: The Monk Who Fell in Love with Me,” and as of now, it is the band’s biggest hit.

It also won the Best Drama Song at the 87th The Television Drama Academy Awards.

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.

My Babe Until You Fall AsleepSha ran Q

Sharam Q My Babe TV Live Until You Fall Asleep

It was released in 1995 as Sharam Q’s ninth single.

The song was used as the ending theme for TV Tokyo’s program “NEWS Morning JAM,” and became Sharam Q’s third million-selling hit.

Written and composed by Tsunku, it is a sexy love song.

Under the Big Onion ~ Distant Feelingsbakufū suranpu

Bakufu Slump: Under the Big Onion at Budokan

It was released in 1989 as Bakufu Slump’s 15th single.

The song was used in a Cosmo Oil commercial and as the theme song for the Shochiku film “Battle Heater,” and it reached No.

8 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

“The Big Onion” refers to the giboshi (ornamental finial) on the roof of the Nippon Budokan.

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.

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.

coloring; color scheme; hues; decoration; embellishment; added flair (figurative)neguse.

Neguse - Irodori (Official Music Video)

Neguse, a rock band based in Nagoya.

This work they’ve woven is a love song brimming with happiness, in which the ordinary days with a lover shine like an amusement park.

Released in April 2021 as a track on their mini-album “Happy na Kurashi” (“Happy Life”), its straightforward expression of affection resonated with many listeners.

Later, a work said to sing about the end of the happy days depicted in this song also appeared, likely attracting many fans with its sense of storytelling.

It’s a heartwarming song that makes you realize that the unremarkable everyday is the most precious treasure.