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

loveNEW!back number

back number – Love (Short ver.)

A gem from back number that captures bittersweet, tenderly aching emotions swaying in the limited time before graduation.

The lyrics, which freeze a youthful moment—like following your crush with your eyes from a classroom window—are sure to make anyone overlay their own memories.

Released in March 2012, this song overflows with warmth that gently nudges men who are thinking of confessing on White Day but can’t quite find the courage.

On a night when you want to reaffirm your feelings for someone special, be sure to listen closely.

LÖVE MEBUDDiiS

BUDDiiS「LÖVE ME」Official Music Video

It’s a BUDDiiS track that captures the frustrating feelings of a one-sided crush—wanting to get closer to someone but not being able to—in straightforward, relatable words.

Released as a single in May 2025, it blends sweet-and-sour lyrics with classic pop sounds, creating a cute world that makes your heart race just by listening.

Many will relate to the pure feelings of love sung over its dramatic melody.

For anyone stuck on the verge of stepping forward toward the person they can’t take their eyes off, this song gives a gentle push.

bouquetback number

back number – Bouquet (Short ver.)

This song, which triggered Back Number’s breakthrough, is the kind that makes women feel a little irritated yet still swoon.

That modern-guy vibe—flimsy and timid, yet oddly assertive in random moments—creates an irresistible gap.

I wanna see youAbe Mao

Abe Mao – I Wanna See You (Subtitulos Romaji, English, Español)

I just love it, plain and simple! There aren’t many love songs this straightforward that make your chest ache a little.

I can’t help but feel that it reaches me so directly because it’s Abe Mao’s voice.

It makes me really want to never forget these honest feelings.

Marshmallow dayMr.Children

Mr.Children「Marshmallow day」Mr.Children［(an imitation) blood orange］Tour

Among Mr.Children’s songs, this is a refreshing, pop number that gives you a sweet feeling.

The beginning of love is like chewing gum—at first it’s rich and tasty, but the flavor fades.

I’d like a love that doesn’t end up like chewing gum.

Infinite FuturePerfume

[Official Music Video] Perfume “Infinite Future”

As the theme song for the 2018 film Chihayafuru: Musubi, its sound evokes the unknown and hints at the story that’s about to unfold.

The uptempo groove and distinctive vocals leave a strong impression.

It’s a track that makes you feel the beginning of love.

Having someone you likeChi-Young

JY 'Have Someone You Like' Music Video Short Ver.

More than friends, not quite lovers.

A song that hints at just that kind of relationship.

We’re always together, but I’m sure they don’t have romantic feelings for me—still, because we’re so close, I can’t give up and I keep hoping.

I really want people caught in that kind of frustrating love to give this a listen.