The lyrics are profoundly good. The more you listen, the more it sinks in. Masterpieces of Japanese music, recommended popular songs.
When you listen to music, what do you focus on?
There are many aspects you might pay attention to—such as the vocals, the mood of the song, or, if you create music yourself, the overall structure of the track.
Among these, many people probably focus on the lyrics.
One of the best things about lyrics is that they let you feel the message of the song in the most direct way!
In this article, we’ll be introducing plenty of songs with deeply evocative lyrics that are incredibly compelling.
We’ve picked out many pieces that become moving once you understand their meaning, so be sure to listen closely.
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- Good songs themed around love, encouragement, and life—tracks with lyrics you can relate to.
The lyrics are profoundly good. A song that sinks in the more you listen. Masterpieces of Japanese music: recommended popular songs (71–80).
instinctShiina Ringo
Instinct brilliantly lays bare the true feelings that lie deep within the human heart.
Singer-songwriter Ringo Sheena, who has left many songs that showcase the beauty of the Japanese language, released it in 1999.
Its jazzy sound, unfolding with a rhythmic tempo, is moving.
Her rolled Rs and sultry vocal delivery are swoon-worthy as well.
It’s a deep track that makes you ponder what it is that humans truly seek.
A passionate rock number that embraces the feelings we usually can’t bring ourselves to say out loud.
PretenderOfisharu Higedan Dism
The song that can be called the catalyst for the Hige-Dan craze is “Pretender.” It’s a beautiful, ballad-like track, yet it has a cool, slightly funky groove that’s so appealing! The lyrics of this song are incredibly heartrending.
They tell a sad story: after finally getting together with the person he’s been longing for, he realizes that he was never truly in their heart.
The tears flow as the protagonist steps back, believing he’s not the one who can make them happy.
And when you sense his feelings—unable even to say “I love you,” only managing “You’re beautiful”—it makes your chest ache all the more.
YELLikimonogakari
Ikimono-gakari has produced numerous hit songs.
Their “YELL” is one of their most famous tracks.
The melody is extremely catchy, and the lyrics are crafted in a way that anyone can relate to.
This is another song you’ll want to listen to when you’re feeling down or going through something tough.
spin; weave; compose (e.g., a story)tota
Tota is an artist whose charm lies in her unadorned, sincere voice.
Since 2022, she has been sharing her music from home in the style known as a bedroom sound creator.
This song, released in 2023, features lyrics that express a wish—and offer encouragement—to live life to the fullest even in times of sadness or hardship, right up to the very end.
It’s curious how being alive can make us conscious of death, but the lyrics, which juxtapose life and death, are thought-provoking.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to while savoring the words carefully.
latencyNisshoku Natsuko
A song I especially want people who feel uncertain in their everyday lives to hear is “Latency.” It was included on singer-songwriter Natsuko Nisshoku’s 2017 album Parrot, delivering soulful tracks crafted from her unique perspective.
Centered on piano and drums, the sound is simple yet deeply moving.
Alongside her dynamic performance and vocals, you’ll feel a powerful message.
It’s a rock number that will resonate with anyone thinking, “I just feel kind of muddled…”
foreignerKUBOTA Saki
A so-called Showa-era kayō “god-tier” song with an incredibly striking intro.
Its oriental mood, which whisks you away to the Middle East and along the Silk Road, caused a sensation in living rooms across Japan when it was released in 1979.
Does “Ihōjin” refer to a traveler, or is it about a love in a foreign land? There seem to be many ways to interpret it.
The frustration and poignancy of people with different values and sensibilities meeting, sharing a fresh new world together, yet ultimately returning to a place out of reach—surely that’s a feeling everyone has experienced.
Velvet Poemback number
Velvet no Uta is a song I want people who want to move forward as their true selves to hear.
Released in August 2022 by back number, a rock band whose many memorable lyrics—often centered on love songs—captivate listeners.
Its words stand by each person’s dreams even as they face reality.
When you feel, “I can’t do this anymore, I’m at my limit,” this song gives you a light to guide you.
It’s only natural to feel frustrated on days when you can’t fight the unfairness of the world.
The latter half unfolds like the fog lifting, and the powerful lyrics are truly beautiful—enough to bring you to tears.
It’s a wonderful anthem of encouragement that feels connected to Suiheisen, which gave courage to so many people.
