Recommended love songs for college students: Japanese love songs you should listen to when a romance begins

Wish Upon a Starflumpool

flumpool “Wish Upon a Star” MUSIC VIDEO

Formed in Osaka, the band flumpool made their major-label debut with “Hana ni Nare” in 2008.

“Hoshi ni Negai wo” was their first single after that debut and became one of their hit songs.

Its rhythm makes you want to start running right away—perfect for lifting your mood on your commute to school.

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March 9Remioromen

March 9th – Remioromen (Full)

Although this song is very popular at graduation ceremonies, it was originally themed around weddings.

How strong I can become because you’re by my side.

The preciousness of meeting someone you truly want to be with forever comes through so vividly.

The words chosen are also very beautiful.

Letter to TomorrowTeshima Aoi

[Official] Aoi Teshima – Letter to Tomorrow (Theme Song for the Monday 9 PM Drama ‘Someday I Will Surely Cry When I Remember This Love’)

This song is unbearably poignant, carried by Aoi Teshima’s delicate voice.

Yet the depth of feeling for the other person, and the strength in choosing to accept it and move forward, come through straight and true.

The words evoke vivid scenes, making it a track you’ll want to listen to quietly.

Even the intro is wistful.

User ManualNishino Kana

Kana Nishino 'Torisetsu' MV (Short Ver.)

This song, a comedic love song by Kana Nishino, the charismatic queen of love songs, likens a girl’s cute feelings of love to an instruction manual.

It was also popular as the theme song for the film “No Longer Heroine,” based on a hit shojo manga.

The lyrics are full of relatable lines—like wanting someone to notice even the smallest changes, or how you’d like things handled after a fight—making it a joy to listen to.

It’s a classic for couples, and it could be fun to create your own version and give it as a gift.

Me too,YUTORI-SEDAI

YUTORI-SEDAI – Me Too, [Official Music Video] (Theme Song for the Drama “I’m Being Toyed With by a Younger Virgin Guy”)

A ballad that poignantly portrays an unrequited love, set to the aching timbre of a piano.

Upon learning that their crush is dating a close friend, the protagonist carefully weaves their feelings as they have no choice but to give up while keeping their emotions hidden.

The more they think about the person they love, the more the pain intensifies—an experience many share as a bittersweet memory that lingers in the heart.

Included on YUTORI-SEDAI’s major first EP “blanket,” released in April 2025, this song was also chosen as the ending theme for MBS’s Drama Tokku series “I’m Being Toyed With by a Younger Virgin.” It’s a track that gently accompanies the hearts of those in one-sided love, where simply thinking of someone makes your chest tighten.

Blue AmbienceMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – Blue Ambience (feat. asmi) [LIVE “Utopia” on WOWOW]

A youthful pop tune that captures feelings of admiration and insecurity toward someone else, along with the desire to break out of one’s shell.

Despite its refreshing sound, the song portrays love—sometimes awkwardly, sometimes straightforwardly—in a way that beautifully expresses the delicate emotions of today’s youth.

Included on Mrs.

GREEN APPLE’s mini-album “Unity,” it was selected as the theme song for ABEMA’s romance reality show “Kyo, Suki ni Narimashita: Hatsu Niji-hen” in June 2022.

It’s the perfect track for moments when you want to reset your mindset and take a step forward.

Snow SmileBUMP OF CHICKEN

Snow Smile @ Zepp Sapporo

A song I absolutely want to listen to when winter comes.

The balance between the pop melody and the mellow lyrics is exquisite.

The happiness of slipping your hand into his pocket and holding hands there.

A feeling of being fulfilled.

And with the very last word, the entire mood changes dramatically.