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.

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.

Orihime and BABY feat. Shio Leilaneguse.

Bedhead: 'Orihime and BABY feat. Reira Shio' Official Music Video

This is the band’s first featuring track, chosen as the ending theme for TV Asahi’s “What’s So Wrong with Being Calculating?” Featuring singer-songwriter Reira Ushio as a guest, the song will be released in June 2025.

Inspired by the Tanabata legend, it’s a sweet and bittersweet number that sings of the frustration of two people who can’t meet and their wish to “live together someday.” Its R&B-tinged mellow sound feels incredibly comfortable—perfect for couples in a long-distance relationship.

The Second-to-Last Love SongKokoro no Suke

Kokoronoshin – The Second-to-Last Love Song (Official Music Video)

This song centers on a bittersweet, real-life-inspired re-confession.

Released in July 2015 as Shinnosuke’s first solo digital single, it conveys regret over a past romance and the longing to win back that love.

Vivid scenes—stars seen from a loft window, two people sleeping within an almost touchable distance—are interwoven throughout, resulting in a work where a melodious track and emotionally rich lyrics blend beautifully.

The song is also included on the first full album, HOPE, and is one you’ll want to hear if you’ve experienced heartbreak or want to reexamine your relationship with someone important.

NOW LOADINGmakaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Enpitsu "NOW LOADING" Music Video

A love song that weaves unspoken feelings into words.

Makaronienpitsu’s distinctive character shines in “NOW LOADING,” which was chosen as the theme song for the film “Loving Yamada at Lv999” and released in March 2025.

Its true-to-life band sound and melodic lines naturally warm the heart as you listen.

If you want to connect with a clumsy yet straightforward love, or if you cherish the moment you met someone special, don’t miss it!

My belovedSUPER BEAVER

SUPER BEAVER "Beloved Person" Music Video

For those who want to feel more deeply the importance of the partner by your side, “Aishii Hito” is highly recommended.

It was released in 2020 by the rock band SUPER BEAVER, who deliver passionate feelings through straightforward band performances.

The warm message etched into the simple rock sound is striking.

It conveys “love,” which is often hard to put into words, in a direct way.

Be sure to listen to this heartwarming love song that makes you look forward to the story after you’ve gotten together with the one you love.

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