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.
- A playlist of timeless gems with piercing lyrics that will move your heart
- [Classic and Contemporary Hits] Emotionally Stirring, Heart-Touching Songs
- A gentle song. A classic that calms the heart. A song that makes you feel kind.
- [120% Empathy] A Collection of Moving Songs [Love, Friendship, Encouragement]
- Songs with strong messages. Classic J-Pop masterpieces and recommended popular tracks.
- Songs with powerful lyrics. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks.
- A beautiful Japanese song that purifies the heart. A highly recommended classic.
- The power of words. A special feature on Vocaloid songs with great lyrics
- Songs with great lyrics: soothing tracks that linger in the heart and moving ballads
- A classic of poignant, heartwarming songs. Recommended popular tracks.
- Good songs recommended for people in their 60s: classic and popular Japanese tracks
- [When You're Lonely] A Collection of Songs That Resonate With Those All Alone
- 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).
A person who loves springGLAY
This is “Haru o Aisuru Hito” (The One Who Loves Spring), included on GLAY’s third album released in 1996.
It’s said that the guitarist TAKURO was inspired to create the piece after traveling in Iceland and being moved by the resilient way the local people live.
With that in mind, when you listen to it, you can feel how the warmth of spring—perceived all the more keenly after enduring harsh cold—connects with the kind of love one gains only after overcoming difficult days.
Our TomorrowElefanto Kashimashi
It’s a powerful song that conveys the will to move your life forward.
Released in November 2007 as Elephant Kashimashi’s 34th single, many of you may remember it as the theme used in House Foods’ “Ukon no Chikara” commercial.
With vocalist Miyamoto’s powerful singing, its straightforward message hits home.
When you’re worn out from work or relationships, try listening to this track for a boost.
era; age; time; periodNakajima Miyuki
Written and composed by Miyuki Nakajima, it was released as a single in 1975.
In 2006, it was selected for the Agency for Cultural Affairs and the Japan National PTA Council’s “100 Best Japanese Songs.” Its message—that even in hard times, a day will come when we can smile—resonates in every era.
As long as we live, we repeatedly encounter meetings and partings, joy and sorrow; the song gently gives voice to this human condition.
It reminds us that this is precisely why life is wonderful—a true anthem to life that transcends generations.
The lyrics are profoundly good. The more you listen, the more it sinks in. Masterpieces of Japanese music: recommended popular songs (81–90).
Black sheepKeyakizaka46
Known for sharp, piercing lyrics like those in “Silent Majority,” this is one of Keyakizaka46’s standout songs.
This track also carries a powerful message that strengthens a heart wrestling with doubt or on the verge of weakness.
The title, “Black Sheep,” refers to a single black sheep lost among white ones, representing the song’s protagonist, whose individuality differs from those around them.
Surely everyone has experienced having their unique traits pointed out or forced to conform, but listening to this song makes you realize it’s okay to leave them as they are—because that’s exactly what makes you who you are.
The One and Only Flower in the WorldSMAP
Written and composed by Noriyuki Makihara, it’s one of the signature songs of the idol group SMAP.
It’s now sung in schools and elsewhere as a true national song.
The theme of “not being number one, but being the only one” was reportedly created with the Buddhist teaching “Tenjō Tenga Yuiga Dokuson” (In all heaven and earth, I alone am honored) in mind, which Makihara encountered around the time he was arrested three years earlier on suspicion of violating the Stimulants Control Act.
The message that no one needs to be the best, and that we were born to let our individual qualities shine, resonates deeply with people of all ages, in any era.
Words are triangular, hearts are square.kururi
A gentle, heartwarming gem sung by Quruli, “Words Are Triangular, Hearts Are Square.” There’s a common reading that because a triangle is half of a square, the song suggests words can only express half of what’s in the heart.
On the other hand, when you see the title, some of you might be reminded of the playful phrase “Goodbye, triangle; come again, square.” Layering that with the title, you could interpret it as saying “goodbye” in words while the heart is thinking “please come again!” It might even be a father’s feelings toward his daughter who’s gotten married…
In short, there are countless possible readings! Lyrics that allow ten different interpretations for ten different listeners—that’s the mark of a true classic.
I miss you. I want to see you.Tezuka Shota
The theme song of the mystery drama “Your Turn to Kill.” It was released by Kei Tanaka in the role of Shota Tezuka.
The song frankly expresses the sorrow of losing someone you love.
Although Tanaka is best known as an actor, he’s also captivating as a singer, with a very sweet voice.
The lyrics vividly convey Shota’s deep feelings for his wife.
